Judicial Specialist at Laurens County Government

Description

Pay: $17.01/hour

Employees of the County of Laurens and applicants for employment shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be available to employees or applicants of this position under the ADA/ADAA if given prior notice by the employee or applicant.

The information contained within this document indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or work required of employees assigned to this position.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under direct supervision, provides varied, complex and at times confidential assistance to the Probate Court and its Supervisors. Provides efficient, accurate and timely responses to questions and concerns of the public, attorneys and other entities. Participates in the day-to-day activities of the Probate Court. Work involves typing and preparing various documents, maintaining files and logs, providing professional and courteous customer service at all times, and performing related tasks specific to assigned department. Reports to the assigned supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Answers telephone, prepared to maneuver urgent matters or to correlate between grieving families/attorneys and the Court.
• Greets and assists office visitors, providing information which requires the interpretation of court policies and procedures; handles pro se litigants and gives information and direction. 
• Receives and processes various legal forms, such as applications, requests, records, judge’s orders and other documents.
• Types and/or prepares various legal documents, which may include in-depth correspondence, notices, invoices, receipts, court documents, forms and others; reviews documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.     
• Assists in maintaining department files; maintains various lists and logs pursuant to rules and regulations set forth by the Court Administration; ensures that all relevant materials are available for cases as required; reviews documents and verifies that proper signatures are obtained and assets have been distributed to the appropriate persons pursuant to South Carolina law.
• Explains departmental procedures and requirements to attorneys and their support staff.
• Perform bookkeeping duties as assigned, including but not limited to processing court fees, maintaining records and using current court system.
• Assists with special projects and performs specialized duties to ensure the operation of the Probate Court. These duties may include:
• Mental Health, Small Estates, Full Administrations, Ancillary Estates, Re-Opening Estates, Guardianships, Conservatorships, Marriage Licenses, accepting and admitting wills to Probate, and organizing and conducting Workshops.  
• Maintains wills for safekeeping.
• Reviews files for pending dates for annual fiduciary filings and prepares notices to fiduciaries, including Information to Heirs and Devisees, Inventories and Closing Documents.  
• Enters data into current case management information system; including scanning, entering deadlines/ due dates and bond information. 
• Performs duties as required for formal litigation, such as filing Summons and Petitions, ensuring proper service pursuant to South Carolina Code, corresponding with attorneys and disgruntled interested parties and family members. 
• Coordinates the schedule of the judge with that of attorneys, law enforcement and others participating in specific cases to schedule hearings/conferences.  
• Coordinates interactive video technology hearings with residential psychiatric and treatment facilities/programs, alongside Mental Health, Department of Disabilities Special Needs “DDSN”, Solicitor’s Office and other entities. 
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and/or complaints and processes daily mail and correspondence in areas of responsibilities, such as designated specialties and caseload. 
• Compiles information for and prepares and /or processes various documents, which may include records, forms, reports, notices, memos and correspondence. 
• Prepares post-hearing orders or documents and uploads digital recordings into current probate system.
• Refers to meeting minutes, directories, policy and procedure manuals, law/regulations, reference texts, etc.
• Operates a variety of office equipment, such as telephone system, computer, copier, printer, fax machine; uses a variety of office tools and materials and computer software from word and data processing. 
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals, including judges from other counties and courts, the Solicitor’s Office, Department of Disabilities Special Needs, Mental Health, Social Security Administration, Veteran’s Affairs, and other government agencies. 
• Follows up on projects; transmits information to other departments or to organizations outside of the court; keeps informed of court activities so as to give out appropriate information.
• Prepares and coordinates protective orders to include verifying information, preparing orders and affidavits for the judge.
• Attends meetings, seminars, and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills. 

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Prepares and coordinates orders, including verifying information and preparing affidavits for the judge.
• Receives and processes fees and other monies, prepares receipts and balances for such monies.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Probate Court and its service to its clients by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a team. 
• Represents Laurens County with dignity and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Requirements

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent with one year of experience in clerical or secretarial work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
• Proper written and verbal communication skills; meticulous attention to detail; a consistently high level of accuracy; knowledge of and ability to apply policies and procedures to meet the needs of the Court and its clients; highly effective interpersonal and customer service skills.