District Courtroom Clerk - Bozeman, United States - Gallatin County, MT

Description

Salary : $1, $1,787.20 Biweekly

Location : Bozeman, MT

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 00596

Department: Clerk of District Court

Opening Date: 04/04/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is the District Courtroom Clerk and is responsible for performing a variety of clerical and technical duties within the district court system. This work involves attending court sessions, observing protocol, and providing a detailed, accurate and precise record of events and actions occurring in each courtroom session (e.g., civil, domestic, probate, guardianship, juvenile, and youth); coordinating trial activities; and assisting the public by providing information about the documentation, methods, and procedures associated with the district court system. Each type of case requires different documents and the application of different processes, and the position is expected to use judgment to determine the appropriate methods and procedures to apply in each case. The position reports to the Clerk of District Court through the Management Supervisor and does not supervise other county personnel.

TRIAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATION

• Monitors hearings and trials for all types of District Court cases to record minutes, prepare paperwork for the judge's signature, and record all actions and events subsequent to the trial or hearing.
• Attends voir dire, monitors and records excused and remaining jurors, and administers official oaths.
• Receives, records, and maintains accessibility to all entered exhibits, their status, number, and location.
• Tracks juries and reads final verdict of jurors, and sequentially polls each juror to establish consistency and authenticity of the issued verdict.
• Generates detailed minutes to document all trial events, motions, witnesses, appearances, etc. Determines appropriate items to include in minutes based on knowledge and experience with different types of cases.
• Coordinates with attorneys and pro se individuals to determine documentation needs, prepare files for the Supreme Court, and provide technical assistance.

COURT OPERATIONS SUPPORT

• Responds to complex inquiries or referrals from District Court Clerk positions, other Department personnel, court representatives, attorneys, and members of the public. Examples of inquiries include questions from attorneys regarding document requirements, legal rights, water rights and ownership, jurisdictional issues, etc. Maintains confidentiality according to established guidelines and coordinates with involved or affected parties to resolve problematic issues.
• Receives, analyzes, and processes various court and legal filings, including proposed orders, motions to the court, and other documents. Collects and records fees, if required. Each type of case requires has different processing methods and document requirements. The position determines the appropriate methods and requirements based on knowledge and experience with different cases.
• Coordinates mail processing to ensure timely delivery of correspondence and materials to appropriate staff, including express shipments, registered mailings, electronic messaging, and other specialized delivery services.
• Prioritizes and processes or distributes filings and documents according to upcoming trial dates, legally mandated response times, individual judicial preferences, established office procedures and policies, and other factors.
• Maintains electronic and manual records management and docketing systems with new and updated case and file information.
• Researches, processes, issues, and records marriage licenses and collects appropriate fees. Interprets requirements to determine appropriate fees.

QUALIFICATIONS

This work requires knowledge of legal procedures and terminology; the Montana Code Annotated; conducting research; records management; modern office machinery, methods, practices and procedures; business English, spelling and grammar; and have the ability to type accurately; write legibly; interpret and apply the various and multifaceted laws, rules and regulations governing the District Court system; exercise courtesy and tact in receiving the public and in giving and obtaining information; handle sensitive and confidential information; follow written and oral instructions; and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work. This position also requires the ability to prioritize, organize, maintain legal calendars, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and have a working knowledge and experience using computers, including Microsoft Word.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and one - two (1-2) years related experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

About Gallatin County:

Located in a sweeping valley in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Gallatin County is the most populated and fastest growing county in scenic southwest Montana. The County Seat of Bozeman at large encompasses over 50,000 people, yet has a small town feel. Located in a breathtaking Rocky Mountain setting, it is close to world-class downhill skiing, blue ribbon trout streams, Yellowstone National Park and a multitude of other outdoor activities in the pristine nearby wilderness areas.

Gallatin County covers over 2,500 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks and open ranch lands. Nearly half of all the land in Gallatin County is under public ownership by the Gallatin National Forest, the State of Montana, Bureau of Land Management or the National Park Service.

Gallatin County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Yellowstone National Park (our first National Park) to lush farmland, and a growing economy of high-tech industries. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, ranchers, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Gallatin County's boundless opportunities.

Some of the many benefits offered to full-time and part-time employees:

Excellent Medical Health Benefits - Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $205.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $400 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.
Paid Parental Leave (PPL)- In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Gallatin County provides 240 hours of PPL to eligible full-time employees. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Gallatin County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

To see all of our benefits, please click on the benefits tab.

Licenses and Certifications: Applicants for this position must possess a valid driver's license, provide own transportation to conduct out of office job duties (mileage reimbursement provided under the County policy), and to be insurable under the County's liability policies.

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation.

For application consideration, the following documents are required to be submitted when you apply online:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three (3) work references

Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction.

Excellent Medical Health Benefits - Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $205.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $400 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Flexible Benefits Plan - Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

Supplemental Medical Coverage and voluntary Life Insurance Coverage are offered through Mutual of Omaha..

Public Employees Retirement System - Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options: the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS) - A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

Supplemental Retirement Benefits are offered through Nationwide and Empower.

Sick Leave - Full-time employees accrue 7.40 hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once it is accrued. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Vacation Leave - Full-time employees accrue 9.20 hours per month and are eligible to use leave once it is accrued. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays - The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)- In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Gallatin County provides 240 hours of PPL to eligible full-time employees. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Gallatin County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

Bilingual Pay - Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.