Definition:

Under limited supervision, this supervisory position plans, coordinates, reviews, organizes and supervises the work of the Legal Process Clerk classes, Judicial Courtroom Assistant classes, and other classes as assigned.  Performs the most difficult or complex work of the unit(s) and other duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This classification is supervisory level and is distinguished from lower-level classes in that the Court Supervisor has some supervisory authority regarding, hiring, firing, discipline and performance assessments, with full supervisory authority regarding training and other areas as directed.

Reports To:

The Court Executive Officer and/or Chief of Court Services or designee.

Typical Physical Requirements: 

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX.

Typical Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office and courtroom environment; with continuous contact with other agencies, staff and public; and often multiple deadlines under potentially stressful conditions. Fluctuating workloads will occasionally require the incumbent to maintain flexible hours and travel to meetings inside and outside of the Superior Court's home community. May be required to travel for training, meetings, and off-site assignments. 

Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, assigns, supervises, coordinates, reviews and evaluates the work of the Legal Process Clerk classes and Judicial Courtroom Assistant classes as directed; ensures adequate coverage for all legal processing, courtroom and judicial services activities.
• Trains staff in various activities including, but not limited to: legal terminology and procedures, document processing, courtroom duties, minute preparation and calendar duties, new rules of Court and/or legislation; reviews work in progress and upon completion.
• In consultation with Court Executive Office or the Chief of Court Services, participates in the selection of staff; appraises employee performance, conducts counseling on work issues, recommends and administers discipline to staff as required.  Schedules staffing and balances workload; approves leave requests.
• Assists in the development and implementation of procedures and work standards for court support staff; ensures that work is performed in a consistent, timely and professional manner.
• Monitors changes in law, policies, and procedures that impact work; recommends procedural improvements and implements them after approval by the Court Executive Officer or the Chief of Court Services; assists in communicating procedures in staff.
• Answers legal or procedural questions relating to document processing, courtroom operations, policies and procedures; applies departmental policy to resolve conflicts with customers and staff.   Researches, interprets and explains application of codes, regulations, laws and procedures.
• Prepares and maintains statistical and narrative reports related to activity and work of the unit(s); provides input into development of the budget for the unit(s).
• Conduct team and/or staff meetings.
• Any and all other duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge of:  

• Thorough knowledge of: California law relating to court procedures, legal documents and legal terminology; office and courtroom procedures and practices.  Organization, operating details and procedures of the court system.
• Working knowledge of: Modern office management methods and procedures; public and community relations; legal clerical and financial record keeping practices and procedures; proper English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation and personal computers and software applications.
• Some knowledge of: Principles and practices of supervision and training including work planning, organization and prioritizing, planning and adjusting staffing; monitoring and evaluating effectiveness.

Ability to:

• Organize, motivate and evaluate the work of staff
• Plan and organize work and establish priorities to meet legally set time limits
• Develop and provide staff training that advances the court’s mission and promotes service excellence
• Analyze situations and resolve problems
• Coordinate unit(s) activities with other departments and agencies
• Maintain flexibility and confidentiality
• Exercise independent judgment to run daily operations
• Identify the need for and recommend changes to operations
• Follow complex oral and written instructions
• Communicate and work with the public and other court staff in a professional and courteous manner
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Research, understand, interpret utilize and apply a wide variety of court procedures, policies and statutes
• Access and input computerized information
• Safeguard confidential materials

Training & Experience:

Any combination of training, experience and education, which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities including the knowledge of principles and practices of effective supervision, the legal system and courtroom procedures and operations, is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is: 

• Educational level equivalent to a high school diploma or GED; AND
• Experience equivalent to four or more years of court and courtroom experience; AND
• Experience equivalent to one year in any lead or supervisor capacity which demonstrates lead and/or supervisor duties

Education Substitution:

Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or court specific educational programs may be substituted for up to one year of court experience or lead/supervisor experience.