Court Clerk I /Interpreter

This is routine entry-level court clerical work in a division of the Superior Court.  Work includes performing general clerical, and a limited variety of court clerical tasks which follow well established and standardized manual office and/or data entry methods and procedures.  Work is performed under the close supervision of a higher level court clerk and is reviewed for accuracy.

Work involves attending court proceedings and/or public counter to provide interpreter services in the translation of court proceedings and documents from English into Spanish and vice-versa for use by judges, attorneys, defendants, and the general public.  Translations may be consecutive (question and answer), or simultaneous, and may involve face-to-face contact (e.g., in court, various types of interviews); telephone interviews, conference calls or depositions, audio and video recordings; and sight translations (printed or handwritten text and documents).  When not engaged as interpreter, court clerical duties are carried out.  Work requires knowledge of the Spanish language and the ability to read, speak and write Spanish.  Knowledge of the culture and customs of the groups and communities using the language is also required.  Work is reviewed by judges and other supervisors through observation of operations and the accuracy of translated materials.

• Receives court papers, complaints, documents, and traffic citations; stamps received filings and documents; determines general case category and makes case docket entries; assigns case numbers and enters case intake information on computer, index cards or log book; prepares case file folders and labels; prepares fee and cost slips and carries to cashier; prepares summons, subpoena and executions; prepares calendars for arraignments, advice of rights and trials.
• Files case files and related documents and checks same for completeness and appropriate information.
• Types warrants, subpoenas, return of service, lien and case bail bonds, case entries, complaint forms and orders; types case closure cards for disposed cases.
• Takes or causes required action to be taken to obtain signatures on documents; tracks missing documents; pulls calendared cases and enters case information into case file.
• Records and logs case identification data, receipt of documents and disposition information on court records either manually or by computer data entry; makes entries in case logs; assembles documents in chronological order for case records; files cards, documents, and records; prepares notices to defendants of next scheduled court date; prepares and forwards notice of entry of judgment and orders; faxes orders.
• Answers incoming phone calls; routes callers to appropriate personnel; takes messages.
• Performs limited and routine counter work; assists public in filling out various applications and forms; and responds to routine informational requests; refers complex or sensitive inquiries to the supervisor or appropriate official.
• Types or generates from the computer, labels, case cards, notices, summons, trial calendars and distributes same; sends out notices to various parties and attorneys.
• Fills in for receptionist as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Graduation from an approved high school or vocational school and some (6 to 12 months) general clerical experience; court specific or legal experience preferred.  Possession of an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Spanish, language arts or a related field, or at least one year experience as an interpreter.  Familiarity with legal terms and certification is preferred.

• Some knowledge of court procedures and policies, legal documents, codes and legal factors pertaining to the court.
• Some knowledge of the organization, operations, functions and scope of authority of the court or activity to which assigned.
• Some knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Some knowledge of basic mathematical concepts.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to learn the operation of the automated court information system.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• Skill in the operation of a typewriter, personal computer and other standard office equipment.