THE COURT
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of complex and technical legal work of a highly responsible nature; performs related work as required. This is a 6-month limited term position.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Court Processing Specialist III is the advanced journey/lead-worker level in the Court Processing Specialist series. At this level, incumbents work independently performing the full range of work requiring specialized knowledge of the court system. These positions require significant contact with the public, attorneys, court personnel and the judiciary. Incumbents may train or provide lead direction to lower level Court Processing Specialists. The Court Processing Specialist III is distinguished from the Court Processing Specialist I/II in that the latter are the entry/journey level classifications. The Court Processing Specialist III is further distinguished from the Court Services Supervisor, in that the latter is the first full supervisory level in this class series. This class reports to the Court Services Supervisor or Court Operations/Division Manager.
DUTIES
Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work, and are not necessarily all-inclusive or exclusive but are indicative of the type of duties performed at this level.
1. Assists the public by providing information regarding court procedures; answers inquiries and explains legal filing processes; explains fees and fines; assists individuals in locating material and information.
2. Reads, interprets and processes a wide variety of complex legal documents such as court orders, arrest and incident reports, citations, probation reports, judgments, criminal records, petitions, calendars, proofs of service, motions, garnishments, temporary restraining orders, orders to show cause, arrest warrants and other legal papers.
3. Verifies, edits, enters and retrieves legal data and prepares reports using court computer system; accesses confidential statewide data files; images documents and destroys records as directed.
4. Performs the most difficult and complex duties assigned to the work unit including receiving, examining and filing a variety of court documents for traffic, criminal, civil, juvenile, family law, adoptions, probate and civil and criminal appeals.
5. Under the direction of the Court Services Supervisor or Court Operations/Division Manager, trains Court Processing Specialists; reviews work for accuracy and completeness; assures deadlines are met.
6. Assesses appropriate amounts due, prepares billings, processes payments and receipts; arranges for refunds of deposits and bonds; reviews and approves payment statements submitted by interpreters and court reporters; enters information into court accounting program.
7. Prepares correspondence, reports, forms and specialized legal documents from drafts, notes or brief instructions; maintains exhibits and exhibit workroom.
8. Selects, prints and mails juror summons; instructs jurors in jury procedures; receives and reviews juror correspondence; evaluates requests for excusals and postponement of service; enters information into jury system; conducts juror orientation.
9. Serves as a courtroom clerk in traffic, small claims and appeals courtrooms; takes minutes during court proceedings; files motions, issues and recalls bench warrants and accepts fines and fees; prepares documents and follows-up on actions as required.
10. May act as a court interpreter and/or court reporter coordinator, including maintaining records and scheduling of assignments.
11. Schedules and assigns arbitrators, settlement conference panelists and discovery facilitators to civil and family law cases.
12. Provides relief to a variety of assignment areas when employees are absent or additional assistance is required due to work volume.
13. Assists with the development of court policies and procedures, desk manuals, forms and formatted letters.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS – Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be the equivalent of:
Education: Possession of a high school diploma, or its equivalent.
Experience: Three years of work experience. Experience working in a customer service, legal or clerical environment is a plus. Internal candidates may apply with at least one year of experience as a Court Processing Specialist I/II.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Standard office procedures and practices; record keeping principles and practices; correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; the operation of standard office equipment; legal and justice system terminology, forms, documents and procedures; court procedures; California Government Code, Civil Code, Penal Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Vehicle Code, Rules of Court, local ordinances and other related statutes or codes; work planning and organization.
Skill in: Operating standard office equipment.
Ability to: Obtain and apply specialized knowledge and understanding of technical legal terms and complex legal procedures in the preparation of and processing of legal documents; to understand, explain and apply codes pertaining to court proceedings; accept and account for money received and make accurate arithmetic calculations; organize and prioritize own work in order to meet critical deadlines; coordinate and review work of others; prepare clear and concise reports; plan, review and organize the work of others; train staff in work procedures; communicate orally and in written form in a clear and concise manner; deal tactfully, effectively and courteously with the public and coworkers; manage upset and difficult members of the public; establish and maintain effective work relationships with judicial officers, court personnel, governmental agencies and members of the public.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: On a continuous basis, stand, walk or sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen; intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; strength to lift files weighing up to 25 pounds; use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass background investigation to access the Criminal Justice Systems.
This is a full time, non-exempt represented position with a 6-month duration.
The Superior Court of California, County of Marin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
COUNTY OF MARIN
The County of Marin has a population of approximately 257,000 and covers 521 square miles. One of the nine Bay Area counties, Marin County is linked to San Francisco by the Golden Gate Bridge and to the East Bay by the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The county is recognized as one of the most enjoyable living areas in the country and has many state, county and city operated parks and recreational facilities, including China Camp State Park, Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Court is housed in the historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center.
THE COURT AS EMPLOYER
The Court employs approximately 105 people in 30 job classifications, ranging from clerical support to professional level positions. Court employees support a total of 14 judicial officers. Court employment is governed by the Trial Court Employment Protection and Governance Act and is not covered by Civil Service Rules.
The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all persons regardless of their race, ethnic background, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability.
EXAMINATION AND SELECTION
All completed application materials will be reviewed after the final filing date to determine if each applicant meets the stated desirable qualifications for the position. Applicants should take note that possession of the desirable qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee of further advancement in the employment process.
Based upon the information provided in application materials, the most qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of application screening, written test, performance or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination thereof.
An eligibility list is then established by ranking candidates according to their overall score in the examination process. The eligibility list generally remains valid for up to six months and appointments are made from this list to fill all vacant positions in that classification.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Health Benefits
The Court offers medical, dental and vision insurance coverage to employees and their dependents. There are Kaiser and Blue Cross medical plans to choose from, a dental plan provided by Delta Dental, and a vision plan provided by Vision Services Plan. Full-time employees receive a generous contribution to health insurance benefits while regularly scheduled part-time employees receive a prorated amount of the benefit contribution.
Life and Disability Insurance
The Court provides a mandatory, basic term life insurance plan in the amount of $10,000, payable to a designated beneficiary. The Court also offers optional supplemental term life insurance, dependent life insurance and long-term disability insurance. For some employee groups, there is mandatory participation in the State Disability Insurance program.
Holidays and Paid Time Off
Full-time employees receive fourteen (14) paid holidays per year and, depending on the position, earn paid time off at a minimum rate of fourteen days per year for the first two years, with increases at designated intervals in subsequent years, based on employment longevity. Eligible employees are also entitled to two (2) Professional Development Days per year that may be prorated based on date of hire. Employees also receive one (1) Wellness Day annually.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees accrue twelve (12) days of sick leave per year, which may accumulate on an unlimited basis. Upon retirement, eligible employees may convert 75% of their unused, accrued sick leave balance to retirement service credit.
Flexible Spending Plans
All employees are eligible to participate in a voluntary flexible spending plan which reimburses up to $5,000 per year for qualifying dependent care expenses and $2,750 per year for qualifying medical expenses.
Carpool/Biking Incentive
Join a carpool to go further, or jump on a bike to boost your health and your wallet. You can receive a $240 taxable carpool/bike incentive once every 6 months for carpooling or biking to work at least 60 days within each 6-month reporting period. This incentive is paid out twice a year if you meet all the requirements. That's up to $480 a year! The 60 days can be achieved through a combination of biking and/or carpooling.
Marin County Retirement Plan
Court employees participate in the County of Marin's defined benefit retirement plan under the 1937 County Retirement Act. The specific plan depends on the employee's hire date and provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). All full-time employees and part-time employees who work a minimum of three-fourths time are enrolled in the plan. Plan benefits are based on age at time of retirement, years of service and compensation. The county retirement plan has reciprocity with other 1937 Act Retirement System organizations and California Public Employee Retirement System (Cal PERS.) Neither the Court nor the employee contributes to the federal Social Security system, but employees are required to withhold Medicare contributions.
Deferred Compensation Plan
All court employees may participate in a voluntary Internal Revenue Code Section 457 deferred compensation plan paid 100% by the employee.
Tuition Reimbursement Program
The Court offers a Tuition Reimbursement Program to employees who enroll in approved training courses or classes that directly relate to their present positions with the Court, or which may make employees more upwardly mobile in the Court. The Court's reimbursement program pays up to 50% of registration fees and materials, provided employees are pre-approved for their educational expenses and there are sufficient funds available in the Court's budget.
Employee Training and Development Program
The Court is committed to a continuous learning environment where employees are encouraged to improve their knowledge and skills throughout their careers with the Court. Onsite programs are offered in such areas as Customer Service, Safety and Ergonomics in the Workplace and Using Microsoft Office Applications. The Court also is involved in regional and statewide training networks with other courts and professional organizations, making it possible for staff to participate in enriched training in particular functional areas of court processing.
Social Security
The Court does not contribute to Social Security except for a mandatory Medicare contribution of 1.45%.
State Disability Insurance (SD)
This program provides weekly benefits in the event of short-term disability. Premiums are automatically deducted from your pay.
Worker's Compensation
Court pays into the judicial branch administered insurance fund.
Bilingual Pay
Is available for selected positions.
This Benefit Summary is informational only, and cannot modify or affect your benefits in any way, nor shall you accrue any rights because of a statement or omission from this Summary. Please contact a Human Resources representative for further details.
