COURT SPECIALIST

Category: Full-Time

Status: Open

Hourly: Min $18.815 - Mid $23.518

Published: April 24, 2025

Closing: Until Filled

DEFINITION

To assist with the daily operations of the municipal court requiring a specialized knowledge of court operations and municipal court law while possessing strong organizational and basic accounting skills, the ability to multi-task, interact with the general public, and occasionally hostile defendants.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from general clerical duties by the more complex, responsible and sensitive duties related to functioning as a Court Specialist. To daily perform a variety of complex duties based on Standing Orders provided by the Presiding Judge. To maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of the job. To process complex Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier citations as well as juvenile cases. This is the journey level of the general clerical series. This class may be distinguished from the Clerk I level by the difficulty and complexity of work performed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Court Administrator and Assistant Court Administrator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Providing court case management including filing, docketing, motions, and updating the electronic cases.
Processing citations.
Responding to requests regarding fines, trial and hearing dates, warrants, extensions, jail time credit, posting of bonds, driving safety, deferred disposition, and other information pertaining to court processes and policies.
Monitoring cases for compliance.
Processing cases in accordance with approved Court processes, policies and Standing Orders.
Making informational phone calls.
Collecting fines and fees.
Scheduling hearings, court dates and trials.
Scheduling interpreters and court reporters.
Maintaining warrants database.
Preparing court dockets, jury charges, and summons.
Generating subpoenas and preparing paperwork for use at court appearance.
Assisting with the preparation of complaints, appeals, and judgments
Clearing defendants from SETCIC and OMNIBase.
Corresponding with defendants, attorneys and prosecutors.
Subpoenaing witnesses.
Contacting defendants, parents, schools, other courts and/or social services regarding court appearances and non-compliance. Researching names, addresses, and phone numbers of defendants and families to facilitate contact.
Serving as courtroom clerk.
Assisting judge in courtroom, monitoring and attending to juror needs and coordinating courtroom activity.
Attending court dockets and/or alternative sentencing programs as assigned.
Data entry and reporting convictions to DPS.
Investigating and resolving routine procedural and operational problems.
Responding to complaints and requests for information on procedures relating to responsibilities assigned.
Working with other departments to insure the timely processing of paperwork.
Providing an excellent level of customer service and demonstrating dependability and professionalism at all times.
Perform general clerical work including filing, payroll and purchasing information.
Attending meetings and/or seminars.
Staying up-to-date on Legislative changes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

For indefinite periods of time - mobility within an office environment; writing; walking; typing; stooping; standing; squatting; sorting; sitting; seeing; filing; data entry; cleaning; reading; decision making; lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person and by telephone; fine finger manipulation; operation of calculator, personal computer and typewriter; operation of a variety of office tools and equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Modern office methods, procedures, and equipment and business letter writing.
Record keeping principles and procedures.

Ability to:

Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Handle multiple tasks and prioritize.
Handle hostile or difficult customers.
Retain knowledge of historical laws and procedures.
Perform basic mathematical calculations.
Communicate effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy.
Exercise discretion in confidential matters.
Learn department policies, procedures, organization and operating details.
Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance.
Operate a personal computer.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED. Level 1 Court Clerk Certification preferred
Clear criminal record (background investigation will be conducted).

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid Texas Driver's License.
Bilingual skills preferred.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals.

City of La Porte

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Court Specialist