Court Clerk - Criminal

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A REWARDING CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN LEON COUNTY?

JOIN OUR TEAM!

 We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our Tallahassee team located in the rolling hills of northwest Florida.  

 At the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller's Office you can:

• Take pride in delivering high quality service
• Be part of a diverse family that promotes constructive ideas and suggestions
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• Stay abreast of trends in the legal industry

 Total Compensation package include: 

• 9 Paid Holidays/Personal Time Off
• Low-Cost Medical/Dental/Vision Plan Coverage for Employee and Families
• Dependent Care and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Florida Retirement System Pension Plan
• Florida Retirement System Investment Plan
• Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings Plan 457(b)
• Life Insurance Plans for Employees and Families
• Long-Term Disability Coverage for Employees
• Short-Term Disability Coverage for Employees
• Voluntary Supplemental Coverage through TIAA CREF

Overview:

This position is within the Criminal Court Division and performs specialized clerical work related to activities within a courtroom setting; responsible for the security and maintenance of legal records/evidence. The work is performed under general supervision and reviewed by observation, exception reports, and sampling by the division supervisor. The incumbent in this position will work closely with judges, judicial assistants, attorneys and other court staff. Also must have flexibility in work schedule to work overtime, flextime, evenings, weekends or holidays depending on court scheduling.  
 

STARTING SALARY WILL NOT EXCEED 10% OF THE BASE SALARY

 The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.   Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.  Customers consist of the public, local and state governmental and judicial agencies, attorneys, and employees of the Clerk’s Office.
• Prepare and print court calendars and order files scheduled for hearing. Prepare files for court and process subsequent court paperwork.
• Attend court proceedings to provide an accurate record of disposition, records case activity for entry into the case management system. Receive, label and maintain accountability of evidence, administer oath to jurors, witnesses and defendants; prepare verdict; complete paperwork required for disposition of case; obtain signatures from the judge for required paperwork.
• Complete paperwork on directives issued by the court and timely distribute copies to agencies and parties involved. Document court activities.
• Process judicial orders related to an individual’s detention or release, ensuring accurate interpretation, documentation, and timely execution of all directives.
• Operate standard office equipment, including photocopiers, scanners, fax machines and voicemail systems.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to evidence and testimony, such as child abuse, photographs of crime scenes and victims; evidence may include syringes, drugs, weapons, blood and unpleasant odors, sexually explicit materials, defendants, and witnesses who may potentially be verbally offensive. 
• Participate in a rotating schedule to provide weekend and holiday court coverage, ensuring timely attendance and appropriate representation during scheduled proceedings.
• Participate in cross-training initiatives, serving in both trainer and trainee roles to support team versatility.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative and accountability. 
• Attend weekend and holiday court. Prepare, file, and manage all resulting court documentation with accuracy and adherence to required legal procedures.
• Respond to complex inquiries from partner agencies regarding court pleadings, case matters, and procedural requirements. Answer inquiries in person, on the phone, through email and/or in written correspondence. Conduct research of records for data relating to inquiries.
• Assist attorneys and the public to ensure matters are handled in an efficient manner.
• Perform other duties as required.
• May have to work after 5:00 pm.
• Some weekends and holidays required.
• Regular attendance is required.
  

Licensure or Certification Requirements:

Valid Florida Driver’s License as you may be required to attend hearings at our Annex location.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the Florida Statutes and Rules of Procedure.
• Knowledge of office procedures, Business English, spelling, and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for effective, professional customer service.
• Computer skills for word processing, spreadsheet, database, and accounting software.
• Ability to simultaneously listen, select proper forms, record information, interpret file data, prepare and rapidly
   distribute correct information to the Judge, regarding court procedures and processes in a fast pace environment.
• Ability to learn legal office practices, procedures, and documents.
• Ability to learn laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to area of assigned responsibility.
• Ability to meet the public and to deal effectively with their problems and cope with customers in impromptu situations.
• Ability to perform specialized clerical work within a courtroom setting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions while maintaining speed and accuracy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Clerk & Comptroller, administrative staff, vendors, and Clerk & Comptroller's teammates.
• Ability to live and advocate commitment to the Organization's vision, mission, and values. 
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, successfully engage in multiple initiatives simultaneously, and actively resolve problems and find solutions using available resources.
• Ability to report to work on time and to perform the duties of the position for an entire workday.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

Applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma or possession of an accredited equivalency diploma and (3) years of experience in legal or court related clerical support work. Depending on assignment, ability to type at a rate of 35 words per minute. Preference is given to candidates with experience in a government entity performing similar functions.
 

LANGUAGE SKILLS: 

Must be able to read and interpret documents such as instructions and procedure manuals.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
 The employee must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time, perform repetitive actions and motion of one or both hands, lifting up to 10 pounds, hear ordinary conversation and office sounds, conduct verbal communication in person and on the phone, and prepare and read written communication by hand and on PC. This position will handle evidence entered at hearing or trial; some may be hazardous.

• Complete Background Check of Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)/ National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
• Past Employment Verification.
• Education Verification.
• Pre-employment drug test at County designated test location.
• E-Verify Eligibility to Work in United States.
• 90-Day Introductory Period.