COURT ASSISTANT I

Court Assistant I – Court Services Specialist

The salary for this position is: $4,446 - $5,914 monthly

Thurston County District Court is looking for a highly motivated, community and customer service oriented, positive individual for the position of Court Assistant I – Court Services Specialist. The responsibilities of this position encompass a wide variety of clerical activities associated with case processing and requires technical knowledge in aspects of court operations. The successful candidate will identify customer needs, explain court procedures and protocols, respond to requests, and ask questions to elicit information from customers in order to assist them in identifying and obtaining required forms and documents.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review incoming documents for completeness according to established procedures. Verify documents for accuracy identifying inconsistency with statutes and assist customers with technical information for compliance.
• Assist the public including attorneys, law enforcement, court, and community agencies by answering inquiries, explaining regulations, procedures, and complex requirements of the judicial process.
• Analyze case specifications and assist in the selection of appropriate mandatory forms required to proceed in court.
• Evaluate customer's need for domestic violence, harassment and/or restraining orders and assist customers in the preparation of documents for emergency matters. Issue warrants, summons, subpoenas, notices and hearings, writs of garnishments, and other legal documents as ordered by the court.
• File and record legal documents with the appropriate officials and agencies; distribute orders and report as required.
• Verify and receipt legal financial obligations, bail, PR slips, judgments, court fines and fees ensuring monies are recorded per statutes.
• Post cash receipts and balance cash register using accounting practices and procedures.
• Review and input pertinent case information into statewide database. Identify appropriate RCWs, court rules and procedures before entering judgments.

Working Conditions:

• Work Environment – Work is performed primarily in an office environment, assisting customers. Position may experience extended periods of sitting and/or standing. This is a team-centered environment.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with members of the public, justice partners, and team members.

Who We Are:

District Court serves the community of Thurston County as a court of limited jurisdiction. This court hears misdemeanors, infractions, civil and small claims, protection orders, and name changes. Thurston County District Court provides recognized support through our court and community support services, Mental Health and Veterans Court, as well as Probation services. The vision of District Court is Serving Justice Through Serving People.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

What We Offer Our Employees:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you'll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington's South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer's markets, kids' activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of progressively responsible clerical support experience in a court or legal environment and customer service experience or training.
• Typing speed of 45 wpm and ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking, and other essential job functions.

Desired Skills:

• Associate degree in law, business or other related field; paralegal certification; or legal certificate.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices.

Other Related Recruitment Information:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items Requested for Consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

Thurston County is an equal opportunity employer

Court Assistant I – Court Services Specialist

The salary for this position is: $4,446 - $5,914 monthly

Thurston County District Court is looking for a highly motivated, community and customer service oriented, positive individual for the position of Court Assistant I – Court Services Specialist. The responsibilities of this position encompass a wide variety of clerical activities associated with case processing and requires technical knowledge in aspects of court operations. The successful candidate will identify customer needs, explain court procedures and protocols, respond to requests, and ask questions to elicit information from customers in order to assist them in identifying and obtaining required forms and documents.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review incoming documents for completeness according to established procedures. Verify documents for accuracy identifying inconsistency with statutes and assist customers with technical information for compliance.
• Assist the public including attorneys, law enforcement, court, and community agencies by answering inquiries, explaining regulations, procedures, and complex requirements of the judicial process.
• Analyze case specifications and assist in the selection of appropriate mandatory forms required to proceed in court.
• Evaluate customer's need for domestic violence, harassment and/or restraining orders and assist customers in the preparation of documents for emergency matters. Issue warrants, summons, subpoenas, notices and hearings, writs of garnishments, and other legal documents as ordered by the court.
• File and record legal documents with the appropriate officials and agencies; distribute orders and report as required.
• Verify and receipt legal financial obligations, bail, PR slips, judgments, court fines and fees ensuring monies are recorded per statutes.
• Post cash receipts and balance cash register using accounting practices and procedures.
• Review and input pertinent case information into statewide database. Identify appropriate RCWs, court rules and procedures before entering judgments.

Working Conditions:

• Work Environment – Work is performed primarily in an office environment, assisting customers. Position may experience extended periods of sitting and/or standing. This is a team-centered environment.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with members of the public, justice partners, and team members.

Who We Are:

District Court serves the community of Thurston County as a court of limited jurisdiction. This court hears misdemeanors, infractions, civil and small claims, protection orders, and name changes. Thurston County District Court provides recognized support through our court and community support services, Mental Health and Veterans Court, as well as Probation services. The vision of District Court is Serving Justice Through Serving People.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

What We Offer Our Employees:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you'll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington's South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer's markets, kids' activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of progressively responsible clerical support experience in a court or legal environment and customer service experience or training.
• Typing speed of 45 wpm and ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking, and other essential job functions.

Desired Skills:

• Associate degree in law, business or other related field; paralegal certification; or legal certificate.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices.

Other Related Recruitment Information:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items Requested for Consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

Thurston County is an equal opportunity employer

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