KTIK Deputy Court Clerk

JOB TITLE: Deputy Court Clerk
SUPERVISOR: Tribal Court Administrator
Status: Exempt, Full Time
Starting Wage: $26/hr.
Department: Tribal Court

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Kickapoo Deputy Court Clerk is a full-time administrative position within the Judicial Branch of the Kickapoo Tribal Government and is expected to work 40 hours per week. The Deputy Court Clerk position is directly supervised by the Tribal Court Administrator (hereafter, TCA). The Deputy Court Clerk holds the responsibility to effectively assist with carrying out and/or overseeing the operational functions of the Kickapoo Tribal Court and the duty to implement and maintain the clerical administration of the Kickapoo Tribal Court. The Deputy Court Clerk conducts all administrative duties within the Kickapoo Tribal Court at the direction of the Tribal Court Administrator. The Deputy Court Clerk, in consultation with the Tribal Judge and the TCA, is also responsible for creating, supporting, and maintaining court programs and functions that are consistent with the culture, practices, and values of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas (KTIK).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions of the Deputy Court Clerk position are subject to change as the interests and needs of the Kickapoo community and the circumstances of the Tribal Court require:
1.
Greet and engage all persons entering the Kickapoo Tribal Court with respect.
2.
Draft complaints and orders of the Tribal Court.
3.
Respond to inquiries from judges, officers, attorneys, defendants, and court hearing participants regarding hearing schedules and other matters. Schedule court appearances and hearings based on established calendars.
4.
Maintain accurate records of court proceedings and monitor the system or process used to record court proceedings while court is in process.
5.
Collect fines and fees in the amount indicated by the Tribal Court and collect other property taken into the custody of the Kickapoo Tribal Court. Log items, keep accurate records, and safeguard items and payments collected by the Tribal Court.
6.
Answer questions from the public. Do not provide legal guidance or legal advice. Direct the public to the appropriate forms, service organizations, or other assistance.
7.
Answer the telephone, take thorough messages, and ensure the messages reach the appropriate court personnel.
8.
Regularly check KTIK email account and respond to messages in a timely manner.
9.
Maintain an accurate, timely, and detailed written record of court and docket activities. Adhere to deadlines and ensure all documents are mailed, processed, provided, written, or otherwise maintained according to legal and court-established deadlines.

10.
Operate all equipment and serve as the lead personnel to ensure equipment is working properly, secure the tools and items needed for the court to conduct business, and schedule maintenance or service as needed for critical equipment.
11.
Conduct service by mailing (or other appropriate means) out notices for all court actions, hearings, and other essential documents and processes to parties and counsel.
12.
Record appropriate court actions in the docket book, court database, or other system as established and directed by the Court Administrator.
13.
Follow the necessary steps to become a notary public. As a notary public, give oaths and keep an accurate recording of notarized documents.
14.
Interpret and apply complex rules, policies, and procedures while ensuring judicial, regulatory, tribal code, and statutory requirements are being met.
15.
Maintain strict court confidentiality requirements. Demonstrate integrity, sound ethics, judgment, and professional demeanor.
16.
Collaborate effectively and consistently with the Tribal Court Administrator, Tribal Judge, Tribal Prosecutor, Kickapoo Police Department personnel, employees from other KTIK Departments, and the Tribal Community to ensure the actions of the Kickapoo Tribal Court are carried out in accordance with Kickapoo values.
17.
Assist the Tribal Court Administrator and other court personnel in the Courtroom during court proceedings.
18.
Create and maintain accurate and up-to-date case records.
19.
Represent the Tribal Court and other Court officials in meetings or events, when requested by the Tribal Judge or Tribal Court Administrator.
20.
Assist the Tribal Court Administrator with onboarding, orienting, and mentoring new or existing employees as needed and/or requested by the Tribal Court Administrator.
21.
Conduct other duties assigned by the Court Administrator or Judge as needed or requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A candidate must demonstrate sufficient education, training and experience to establish that they possess the ability to successfully perform each essential function of the position. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the requisite education, experience, and skills and/or ability to allow for the successful performance of the position’s essential functions:
1.
Be familiar with civil and criminal jurisdiction within Indian Country.
2.
Be familiar with the history of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas.
3.
Possess a High School Diploma or GED as well as at least one year of related experience and/or training directly related to the essential functions of the position.
3
Draft: 3/16/26
4.
Hold a minimum of one year of work experience within a court system, social welfare agency, or correctional institution.
5.
Be a self-starter who is highly motivated, embodies integrity, and possesses a strong work ethic.
6.
Possess the ability to work independently as well as within a team environment while maintaining positive and constructive working relationships.
7.
Have the ability to interpret documents, instructions, and procedures.
8.
Have the ability to accurately and effectively write reports and correspondence for the Court.
9.
Be available, with advance notice, on some weekends and evenings to attend tribal events and to hold community meetings related to the creation of Court programs and services.
10.
Have the ability to access and use multiple forms of electronic communication methods, experience and knowledge about operating databases and record-keeping systems, and proficiency in computer skills, including use the Microsoft Suite of programs.
11.
Have the ability and desire to understand, gain knowledge of, and appreciate the uniqueness of Tribal culture and customs.
12.
Have the ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally as well as the ability to follow instructions.
13.
Be drug free and able to pass a background check and drug screening. The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas is committed to a drug-free work environment and requires all employees to participate in an employee drug testing program as a condition of employment.
14.
Have an ability and desire to work with the public and be capable of managing a variety of situations, personalities, and demands.
15.
Have no felony convictions, nor any criminal conviction involving violence, dishonesty or fraud.
16.
Possess the requisite knowledge to be successful in the role, specifically: Understand the basic principles and practices of written and oral communication; language mechanics, report writing and principles of written composition; and general computer operations.
17.
Have the ability to effectively respond in stressful situations; interpret and apply complex laws, policies, and procedures using considerable judgment; communicate effectively with a variety of people, both orally and in writing; effectively handle difficult situations; work well under pressure; develop and maintain good working relationships with a wide variety of people; utilize computers to retrieve and enter information.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:
1.
Experience working within/for a Native American Tribe/Tribal Community.
2.
Hold related experience of at least three to five years in a position within a Tribal Court.
3.
Have a master's degree, or other advanced degree, from an accredited college/university in criminal justice, social work, or a related field.
4.
Hold a valid license in a behavioral science (LMSW, CADC, LPC, etc.).

DUTY OF PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY:
The Deputy Court Clerk position has access to private and confidential information and is subject to additional Tribal and Court provisions regarding security and confidentiality. To be qualified for this position, the candidate must understand the general rules related to confidentiality and privacy when working with court records and satisfactorily attest to their ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and privacy for all persons interacting with the court and their records.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Mobility: Operate a keyboard; sit for long periods; frequent walking and driving; occasional bending and squatting.
Lifting: Frequent lifting of 10 lbs. or less; occasional lifting 11-20 lbs.
Visual: Frequent use of good overall vision, reading, close-up work, peripheral vision.
Dexterity: Frequent reaching, repetitive motion, and writing.
Hearing/Talking: Constant hearing and talking on the telephone, talking in person; occasionally hearing faint sounds, public speaking.
Emotional/Psychological Factor: Constant decision-making and concentration; frequent exposure to issues of trauma, grief, death, hostility; frequent public contact.
The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

INDIAN PREFERENCE APPLIED IN HIRING DECISIONS:
Tribal preference will be applied in hiring decisions for this position, which means that preference in employment will be afforded to KTIK Tribal Members, including the spouse/parent of a KTIK Tribal Member and Native Americans who meet the minimum qualifications and can successfully perform the essential functions for the position.