Justice Court Clerk/Trainee

Churchill County is looking for applicants with strong clerical and organizational skills to work in the Churchill County Justice Court as a Justice Court Clerk Trainee, or as an experienced Justice Court Clerk. The Justice Court handles a high volume of cases and deals extensively with the public who are trying to resolve their legal issues. This is considered a fast-paced job, and accuracy and attention to detail are necessary. Placement upon hire as either a Trainee or an experienced Justice Court Clerk is based on the applicant's background and experience, and the hiring authority's determination. Experience and education in a legal or court environment is highly desirable. Bilingual ability in Spanish and English is also desirable.

To apply, submit an online application at www.churchillcounty.org/careers by 10:00 AM on March 19, 2025. 

The job description below is for the Trainee. For the higher-level position, please review the job description here.  The Trainee provides specialized, legal office support to ensure that the case files, documentation and participants are organized and available for efficient and effective courtroom operations; acts as liaison between the court and proceeding participants, processes and maintains records of the court and follows-up as required.

This is the entry-level classification in the technical court support class series.  Under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform the more routine duties while learning County and Court policies and procedures. This class is distinguished from Justice Court Clerk in that the latter demonstrates proficiency in appointed tasks.

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. 

• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Prepares and distributes court calendars; ensures that all files, documents, evidence and other materials are available and organized prior to the beginning of court session; ensures that court officials and all participants are made aware of the case under consideration.
• Processes daily reminders, all returns, documents and requests from other agencies and the public.
• Attends court, administers oaths, maintains minute orders which summarize proceedings and actions; prepares orders resulting from the court proceedings.
• Maintains chain of evidence and ensures security of all files and documents; organizes, maintains and purges files and documents.
• Calendars case settings coordinating with participant schedules, bind over regulations and other required deadlines; maintains current records on case status.
• Responds to inquiries and provides factual information regarding court proceedings to attorneys, court and law enforcement officials, County staff and the public.
• Maintains liaison with attorneys; assigns appointments and ensures that attorneys have been notified.
• Provides data entry of all cases, traffic tickets, etc.
• Composes a variety of correspondence and other written materials from instructions or brief notes; types or word processes a variety of materials; proofreads and checks typed and other materials for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental policies and regulations.
• Receives and processes fees, fines and other monies; prepares receipts and balances such money.
• Assigns case numbers; organizes case files; maintains accurate records and files.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
 
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma/GED; AND two (2) years of customer service and/or office experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
 
Required Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:

• Policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to court operations.
• Computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
• Business arithmetic; office administrative practices and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Legal office terminology, processes, procedures and the format for legal documents.
• Techniques for dealing with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

• Organizing court activities and recording court proceedings accurately.
• Understanding and applying applicable codes and regulations.
• Using applicable legal office terminology, forms, documents and procedures in the course of the work.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Organizing, prioritizing and coordinating work activities, multitasking and meeting critical deadlines in a very high-paced office environment.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Organizing, managing and monitoring cases and maintaining accurate files, records and statistics.
• Dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained. 

• None.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; strength and agility to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.                     
 
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation. 
2. New employees are required to submit to a background investigation and if hired for a safety-sensitive position, a drug/alcohol screen.  Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug/alcohol screen (if applicable).
3. Churchill County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.  All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment.  Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.