Deputy Municipal Court Clerk

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB:

Under close supervision, performs routine legal clerical work in the support of the operations of the Municipal Court; provides information within scope of authority.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to Clerk of Municipal Court of Records.
• This is a non-supervisory position.
• Has contact with other City employees, other government employees, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assists customers and callers regarding court procedures, payments, citations, and warrants; responds to requests for information within scope of authority.
• Explains court procedures and court orders to defendants and other court customers; schedules witnesses for trials and hearings; notifies defendants of hearing dates and interprets for Spanish speaking Defendants.
• Prepares and processes complaints, summons, subpoenas, warrants, writs, and other court orders as assigned.
• Collects and posts fines, fees and bonds, including extensions, payment plans and community service; accurately balances and reconciles daily cash transactions using court management software; reviews and verifies accounting records; maintains financial records of court fines fees collected; balances daily cash collection; prepare deposits to the bank.
• Inputs a variety of court transactions into court management software, including the filing of cases.
• Sets defendants for court hearings and trials and may assist Judge with court proceedings as assigned.
• Sends courtesy letters and notices to defendants who fail to appear and/or dispose of their cases.
• Assists the Clerk of the Court with data to prepare monthly reports.
• Acts as liaison between police, jail and judge to make arrangements for judge to provide magistration to defendants who are arrested.
• Prepares and maintains docket and summons for police and City Prosecutor.  Obtains copies of upcoming court cases, reports and makes copies as needed.
• Stays abreast of legislative changes and court procedures and training related to court duties.
• Serves as required for emergency management, particularly in the areas of public information.
• Provides quality customer service to city staff, the general public, and all other work contacts
• Performs other clerical duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Government operations, functions and scope of authority of the municipal court.
• Methods for delivering excellent customer service.
• City policies and procedures.
• Principles of basic cash management, record keeping and records management.
• General office practices and equipment.

Skill in:

• Maintaining complex official records accurately in an environment with frequent interruptions.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing specialized software, and entering information into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Professional public relations and customer service.
• Effective communication, both verbal and written, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse and sometime irate individuals and to handle calmly and efficiently situations ranging from routine to emergency.
• Balancing good judgment and the concern for individuals feelings with the necessity to adhere to the law and communicate clearly and firmly necessary information.
• Fluency in speaking Spanish preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED,
• 1 year customer service and/or clerical experience, preferably in a municipal court;
• Or any combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must pass Municipal Court Clerk Level 1 Certification test within two (2) years of date of hire, and obtain Level 1 certification within 36 months of hire date; must maintain certification during employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas Drivers License.
• Must be bondable.