Chief Deputy Court Clerk job in Bellingham

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 07/10/2020 4:30 PM Pacific Time

The current full salary range for this position is $6,019/month - $7,293/month. Placement within the range is based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy. This position is represented by a union.

JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for court and probation management functions of the Municipal Court. Manages Municipal Court calendars and judicial assignments. Assists the Court Administrator in division budget development and monitoring court caseload. Coordinates and monitors probation caseload. Supervises courtroom support staff. Performs analysis of legislation changes that impact criminal court operations. Implements procedural changes. Ensures compliance with Washington State and local court rules. Errors in court process or procedure may impact case disposition and involve substantial liability and judicial consequences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develops Court calendar and master facility schedule. Schedules all hearings, pre-trial motions, bench and jury trials. Analyzes schedule for recommended modifications and resolves conflicts with attorneys, law enforcement, judges, and courtroom staff. Oversees arrangements for juries. Schedules pro-tempore judges as needed.
2. Assures compliance with court orders. Monitors probation caseload. Processes commitments, releases, and referrals. Corresponds with community agencies regarding probationers. Provides analysis and assists Judge and Court Administrator in development of appropriate programs and services.
3. Coordinates day-to-day Municipal Court trial/hearing operations, making appropriate decisions for all activities. Responsible for certification of all court tape recordings and case files. Releases judicial orders, including arrest warrants, and notifies law enforcement agencies of arrest or order status.
4. Supervises preparation of court files and determines appropriate distribution for copies. Acts as liaison to prosecution and defense attorneys, law enforcement officers and witnesses.
5. Ensures the accuracy of protocols for entering case dispositions and convictions into the information systems as a permanent record. Verifies the Court's compliance with system rules established by the Bellingham Police Records division, Washington State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal case histories.
6. Supervises designated courtroom support staff; assigns and evaluates work, provides training and guidance in following appropriate court processes and technical procedures, re-scheduling, trouble-shooting or problem-solving activities. Delivers counseling and conflict resolution; recommends corrective action as appropriate.
7. Prepares case files for appeal to Superior Court. Assists defendant in preparing appeal documents and monitors all appeal cases.
8. Serves as a technical resource regarding the legal process. Analyzes legislation for impact on court operations and implements changes as necessary.
9. Manages and conducts daily evaluation of court caseload. Ensures accuracy and legal compliance of case disposition and convictions. Prepares monthly caseload statistical reports for the State of Washington.
10. Responsible for all official court documents. Ensures records are complete and accurate and certifies release and distribution.
11. Acts in responsible charge of all court administrative functions during the Court Administrator's absence.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Performs Court Clerk relief duties as needed.
2. Oversees monetary transactions daily and verifies Court clerk balancing and receipting of court monies as needed.
3. Performs other related work of a similar nature or level.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed in a Municipal Court and in a congested and fast-paced office environment. Possibility of exposure to hostile, offensive language and the risk of physical harm associated with the emotional climate of court proceedings.

Physical ability to perform essential functions of the job including:

• Frequently operate a computer and read a computer screen or typewritten page;
• Frequently communicate verbally;
• Move between work sites;
• Occasional lifting of boxes or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in a court environment required, including knowledge of court operations, statutes, rules, customer service, and probation compliance.
• Two years of experience in a supervisory or lead court position required. Five years of court experience may be considered as a substitute for supervisory or lead court position experience
• College level education in criminal justice, sociology, psychology or business administration is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, local background check and fingerprinting. Subject to re-check every five years.
• Must be willing to sign confidentiality agreements with the State of Washington and the Court in regard to ethical standards and database access and use.

SELECTION PROCESS:

As part of the application process, a cover letter is required.
Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions:

1. Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career.
2. Provide a brief summary of your education, experience and qualifications for this position.

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and required supplemental questions). The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questionnaire. Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training.

Supplemental Questionnaire responses not supported in your application will disqualify you from consideration for this position.

Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for on or around the week of August 3, 2020. Invitations to participate in the Interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around July 22, 2020.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently.