Court Clerk I

The City of Chehalis is recruiting for a Court Clerk I.  If you have an interest working in the judicial system and having an impact on your local community then please consider applying!

The Court Clerk I works under the supervision of the Court Administrator, carrying out various technical record-keeping duties and provides routine clerical assistance for the Municipal Court, particularly concentrating on monitoring sentences and processing infractions. You would engage regularly with the public through in-person, telephone and electronic communication.

Your average day looks like:

• Process court forms, orders, citations, infractions and documentation for court cases from original to final disposition.   

• Schedule cases for various types of hearings including arraignment, pretrial, mitigation, contested, show cause/sentence compliance and motions in accordance with applicable court rules. 

• Assist the public and explain court procedures. Respond to or direct telephone calls, written inquiries, and citizen visits to the appropriate departments.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with defendants, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, other agencies, co-workers, criminal justice officials and the public. 

• Work confidentially and with discretion. Maintain a non-judgmental attitude towards defendants.  

• Maintain composure and takes responsible action during stressful or dangerous situations and copes with a wide variety of situations with tact, discretion, courtesy, and respect for citizen’s rights. 

• Accurate entry of infractions, violations, transactions, proceedings, and other documentation related to case management into the court’s computer system.

• Accurate receipt of monies for bail, infractions and violations.

• Respond to requests from judge, city prosecutor, police department and others for assistance and information, processes discovery activity.

• Perform clerical duties in a courtroom setting including preparation of court orders; assisting judge; and keeping an electronic record of court proceedings.  As needed.

• Process no contact orders for domestic violence cases including issuance and vacation. 

• Process warrants including the issuance and quashing of and calculating extended jurisdictional end dates on monitored cases.

• Draft accurate pre-sentence investigation reports for judge and attorney use at sentencings.

Sentence Compliance Monitoring

• Monthly review of sentencing monitoring files as required by Court Policy and/or at the direction of the Court Administrator and Presiding Municipal Court Judge. 

• Track and monitor cases that have a suspended or deferred status to ensure compliance with the court ordered terms of sentence, which include fulfilling legal financial obligations and restitution, serving detention time, engaging in mandated treatment programs, and meeting any other conditions outlined in each judgment and sentence. This involves preparing and submitting reports on progress or non-compliance to the court for both individuals who have been convicted and those with deferred sentences.

• Work closely with treatment agencies and other community resources to receive, document and file information regarding compliance with court ordered treatment and other conditions.

• Provide testimony in court as required.

Education and Experience:  

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school including or supplemented by secretarial training and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in administrative, clerical, and customer service roles.  

One (1) additional year of experience in court-related clerical work or in legal administrative or paralegal support, with at least one (1) year at a higher level that demonstrates the ability to exercise independent judgment while applying a thorough understanding of court rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Desired Skills and Abilities (not required): 

General knowledge of Odyssey (Navigator, Portal, Judicial). 

General knowledge of Judicial Access Browser (JABS)

Knowledge of cash handling principles.

Knowledge using Zoom, or other virtual platforms.

Spanish/English bilingual skills.

Please review the job description for additional position information.  This position is covered by the union.  Salary is $3,950 - 4,802 monthly.  We offer a great benefit package with low medical premium, free dental and vision, life insurance, retirement pension, 10 paid holidays and a floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, and work/life balance.