Municipal Court Clerk

Under the general supervision of the Court Administrator and the Presiding Judge, employee will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the municipal court. This position will serve as the coordinator and facilitator of the Teen Court Program, will prepare minor and juvenile cases for court proceedings, and provide information and assistance to the public. 

SUPERVISION

General supervision is provided by the Court Administrator who is directed by the Finance Director.  

• Assist the public in person and by phone including retrieving information and files, and providing general information regarding scheduling of court dates, defensive driving, warrants, and courtroom procedures and policies.
• Compile, type, record and file a wide variety of court records, reports and materials including citations, summons, warrants, letters, reports, and complaints.
• Easily operate computer equipment and software programs used in the court environment.
• Prepare certain documents for judges, prosecutors, and defendants.
• Sort, file, copy and distribute court documents, reports to appropriate personnel; process paper work required by law for cases appealed to a higher court.  Proof documents for accuracy.
• Process court payments on citations; prepare receipts on payment.
• Maintain a records filing system.
• Work with persons involved in a municipal court setting to include clerks, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, defendants, witnesses, and police officers.
• Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Assist in the overall activities of the Teen Court Program, including pre-court processes, docket scheduling, and recruiting, training, and supervising teen court volunteers.
• Monitors juvenile compliance with court orders.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• No criminal convictions above the level of a class B misdemeanor within the last five (5) years.
• Applicant must have the ability to be bonded as required by section 3.17 of the City Charter.
• A valid Texas driver’s license is required
• Three (3) to five (5) years of work related experience Municipal Court operations or related field preferred 
• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus four (4) years of related experience; Or 
• Associates degree plus two (2) years related experience
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Must meet any legal requirements to be a Notary Public for the State of Texas, become a Notary Public for the State of Texas within six months of employment if required by supervisor, and maintain status as a Notary Public for the State of Texas if required by supervisor.
• Must have or obtain Texas Municipal Court Clerk Level 1 certification within 18 months of employment, and maintain certification for the duration of employment.

• Knowledge of clerical procedures of processing, recording and preparing legal documents, records, and reports related to court operations.
• Knowledge of Texas juvenile and criminal laws; policies, procedures, and activities of the Municipal Court.
• Skill in communicating effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy. Discern and observe needs of public. Handle difficult situations. 
• Skill in use of computers and Microsoft office applications; learn and proficiently utilize new computer applications, experience with Incode software preferred.   
• Ability to exercise proper judgment when dealing with situations that require immediate action. 
• Ability to perform job functions independently and without direct supervision. 
• Ability to provide excellent public relations and customer service.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, City officials, other employees and the general public. 
• Ability to apply appropriate laws, policy or procedures dependent on circumstances. 
• Ability to effectively respond to a stressful or high pressure environment; meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks under pressure; work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. 
• Ability to relate and communicate well with teenage defendants and parents. 
• Ability to attend annual training related to Municipal Court that may not be held locally.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting for extended periods of time and lifting objects up to 30 lbs.