Court Clerk
: Job Details :

The City of Seattle is seeking a Court Clerk for the Seattle Municipal Court. The Clerk's Office is part of the Court's Operations Division, supporting the courtrooms, records management, and jury services. Court Clerks primarily work in the courtrooms and prepare the official record of all courtroom sessions through SMC's case management system, audio recording software, review of dispositional documents with individuals, and coordinating transportation of in-custody people. They act as a liaison between the judges, magistrates, defense attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, interpreters, and other criminal justice partners. Selected candidates must be able to work any shift Monday through Saturday and holidays, and maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

You will be successful in this role if you have a commitment for:

• Public service and playing a part in the justice system
• Working in a fast-paced collaborative work environment
• Providing excellent service to internal and external customers
• Learning new systems

Your effectiveness in this role will depend on your ability to:

• Be an active listener and utilize good communication skills
• Learn and adapt to frequent changes in law, policy, work assignments, technology, processes, and procedures
• Exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and interact tactfully and impartially when assisting individuals in courtroom settings-particularly those experiencing heightened emotions or distress
• Multi-task accurately and independently while paying careful attention to the details
• Maintain flexibility and professionalism while working in all aspects of the job
• Navigate frequent change with a positive attitude
• Remain calm, positive, and have a sense of humor while working in a tense environment

You will feel prepared if you have experience:

• Working inside or in support of a courtroom
• Using Outlook, Word, Excel, and database computer programs with intermediate proficiency

Job responsibilities include:

• Listening to, summarizing, and recording judicial actions or directives, including rulings, findings, pleas, and sentencing
• Ensuring that all forms, motions, and briefs are properly prepared and filed
• Accounting for all case files and ensuring that all necessary documents are available and correctly assembled prior to the court hearing
• Operating and hosting remote hearings
• Responding to questions or inquiries from other court departments, agencies, defendants, attorneys, witnesses, and victims as requested by the Judge
• Summarizing court proceedings for other court departments and City departments, including coordinating transportation and court supervision of in-custody defendants
• Preparing, processing, and explaining documents for defendants regarding their sentence
• Maintaining custody and care of jurors
• Assisting and cross-training other court clerks in courtroom procedures
• Performing other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned

Minimum qualifications include equivalent of one year of experience in a court clerk or other similarly related experience, or a combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position. Examples of related experience include accurately recording and maintaining database entries, managing large and complex calendars, transcription, handling sensitive/confidential information, work with executives and the public providing guidance around rules, policies, procedures, and/or laws.

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, the City of Seattle seeks employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services. If you share these values and meet the qualifications for this position, we invite you to apply.

The full salary range for this role is $36.42 - $42.40 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $36.42 hourly. The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

Court Clerks are required to work onsite everyday downtown Seattle at the Municipal Court. Telework, and hybrid schedules are not possible for this role.

In addition to completing your online application, the following attachments are required for your application to be considered complete:

• Resume
• Cover Letter describing how your skills and experience align with stated job responsibilities and qualifications and how you would apply them to advance and support the court's RSJI mission

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. A job offer is contingent upon successfully passing the court's background check. This is a full-time position, working 40-hours per week.