Job Description

Objective

Under general supervision, and daily operations of court processing fines, fees, and forfeitures paid to the court. Provides administrative support to the Court Administrator and Deputy Clerk.  A high level of confidentiality is required.

Essential Job Functions

Accepts and posts payments for municipal fines, and related city services; issues receipts; reconciles collections and makes deposits; works with and assists customers in person, email, and by phone.

Performs a variety of municipal court office operations; accepts tickets and complaints submitted to the court; creates file folders; enters data into the court’s recording system; issues court processes; sets court dates and advises parties; responds to inquires at the counter, by phone, email, and/or letter, provides response within the limits of authority and according to prevailing policies regarding giving legal advice verses legal information; and works in the courtroom as required to assist the judge.

Maintains court statistics; prepares and provides follow-up paperwork resulting from court activities; prepares all documents in cases appealed to a higher court. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and Federal statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, administrative orders, City of Palestine policies and procedures, and other governing documents.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of bookkeeping/accounting practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of file and records management.
• Knowledge of court processes and legal terminology.
• Knowledge of the principles of management, supervision, and administration.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with employees, other departments, attorneys, litigants, defendants, witnesses, law enforcement representatives, contractors, vendors, the general public, and others having business with the  City of Palestine.
• Skill in documenting and reporting detailed information.
• Skill in communicating effectively.
• Skill in operating a variety of office equipment.

• Skill in operating a computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREE, CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES:

A high school diploma or GED AND four years  of progressively and relevant cashiering, clerical accounting, bookkeeping, secretarial, receptionist, accounting clerk, or closely related responsibilities in a business, or law office working with the public or involving closely related responsibilities.

Incumbents are required to obtain and maintain registration as a Notary Public for the State of Texas within six months of appointment and a Court Clerk Level I Certification within twenty-four months of appointment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

May be subject to a stressful work environment related to customer contact and dissatisfaction involving financial status and the responsibilities to municipal court. Strong customer service skills are required. Fast paced customer service focused position. Due to the nature of the job dependability is critical part of the job requirements.

Certifications and Licenses required

Must be willing and capable of completing all required courses and classes for certification requirements.

Must possess a Valid Texas motor vehicle driver’s license.

Conditions of Employment

Must pass a pre-employment drug and background screen.