Salary

$18.57 - $22.09 Hourly

Location 

Bastrop, TX

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

101-12-06-01

Department

Municipal Court

Opening Date

09/05/2024

APPLY ONLINE AT CITY OF BASTROP JOBS

Under general supervision of the Court Administrator, employees in this class are responsible for ensuring the efficient and accurate operation of the Municipal Court by performing a wide variety of clerical duties in a timely and adequate manner.  This includes but is not limited to frequent communication with the general public, judges, attorneys, other law enforcement and governmental agencies, and other city employees providing general and specific information in an accurate, professional, and courteous manner; must exercise considerable discretion in matters of a sensitive and confidential nature and must be capable of making decisions based on the knowledge of court procedures and laws governing access to information and reporting. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Note:  Other duties may be assigned and/or shared with other employees in the Court)

• Provide excellent customer service to Municipal Court inquiries by communicating Court processes, as defined by state law, policy, and judicial orders; both oral and written.
• Respond to customers in person, over the phone, via email, written correspondence regarding legal options to satisfy cases, including fines, trials or hearings, driver’s safety, warrants, extensions, postings of bonds, filing motions and others as appropriate to criminal and administrative case types.
• Receive and apply payments as appropriate; determine applicable fees, enter information into computer system; provide receipt of payment, and ensure accurate account maintenance.
• Balance daily funds collected, prepare deposits, and assist in safekeeping of cash assets.
• Update case files in the Court’s software system and case docket(s) as contact is made with customers, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and others.
• Upload and/or enter citations in the court software system.
• Assist in coordinating jury and bench trials. This includes summoning qualified jurors per the Judge’s order to summon venire and mailing juror summonses, subpoenas for witnesses, and notices to defendants.
• Prepare, review and process legal documents, correspondence, motions, and orders; ensure all documents are accurate and complete prior to the court date; ensure required copies are appropriately distributed.
• Post weekly Court dockets. 
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquires and complaints, and answer citizen questions on procedures and policies.
• Complete weekly signature verification checks on documents signed by the Judge and or City Prosecutor.
• Verify data for accuracy and completeness.
• Exercise considerable discretion when handling confidential information and sensitive matters.
• Maintain composure and exercise tact and courtesy in assisting emotionally distraught persons, i.e., defendants, clients, attorneys, witnesses.
• File, scan, copy, mail, and/or fax documents.
• File closed cases and process records according to retention schedule by state law.
• Convey a positive professional image by action, communication, and appearance.
• Stay abreast of legislature and Court procedures and training related to Court duties.
• Ensure the effective coordination of Municipal Court operations by contributing to both the departmental and the City-wide court teams by communicating effectively on problems and issues.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.  Leave scheduled should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Emergency Management
May participate with Emergency Management when the need arises with the duties assigned.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two (2) years previous administrative support experience, preferably in a municipal setting or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:

• Texas Municipal Court Clerk Level I Certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.  Certification must be maintained throughout employment.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver License with an acceptable driving record to be maintained throughout employment.

Other Requirements:

• Proof of citizenship and/or eligibility to legally work in the United States.
• Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: 

• Typical administrative practices and processes associated with local government offices or functions or possess ability to acquire and put such knowledge into practice.
• General computer operations, specifically familiarity of Microsoft Office software.

Skills in:

• Using standard office machines, such as scanner, computer, copier, and fax machine. 
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Tactfully communicating with a wide variety of diverse populations; 

Ability to:

• Applyappropriatelaws,policy,or procedures dependent on circumstances.Retainknowledge of historical laws and procedures.
• Maintain a pleasant and courteous demeanor working in a fast-paced environment.
• Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Exercise discretion in matters of a sensitive and confidential nature.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, City officials, vendors, other departments/agencies/employees, and the general public.
• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and by e-mail with all levels of management, City officials, vendors, other employees, and the general public.
• Meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks under pressure.
• Effectively respond to a stressful or high-pressure environment.
• Work in a multi-task environment.
• Read and comprehend the basic knowledge of grammar and spelling.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide; calculate decimals and percentages.
• Perform multiple tasks efficiently and applies knowledge of procedures to fulfill essential job duties.
• Organize, prioritize, and carry out office work with minimal supervision.
• Maintain a professional appearance and attire.
• Work closely with others as part of a team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Most tasks are essentially sedentary, with occasional walking, bending, light lifting (5-20 pounds), driving a vehicle, or other restricted physical activities.   Some tasks involve some physical effort, i.e., standing and walking, or frequent moderate lifting (20-50 pounds), minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of office equipment.  Tasks may involve extended periods of time sitting at a keyboard or workstation, answering phones, filing, and other administrative work.  Must be able to handle stressful situations.  Mental acuity for attention to accuracy and detail is required.

Sensory Requirements:
Some tasks may require sound perception and discrimination.
Some tasks may require visual perception and discrimination. 
Some tasks may require oral communications ability.

The City of Bastrop is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO) and values diversity in its workforce. As an EEO employer, the City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

  

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

 **Employment is contingent on passing post-offer, pre-employment drug testing, and criminal background investigation.**