COURT ASSISTANT II (3 Positions) presso County of Thurston

The salary for this position is: $4,669 - $6,210 monthly.

Thurston County District Court is seeking highly motivated, community and customer service oriented, positive individuals to fill three (3) Court Assistant II – Judicial Support Specialist positions. The Court Assistant II provides technical assistance on detailed legal processes and researches questions and complaints. This position reviews legal documents to ensure compliance with case management standards, statutory requirements, and court orders. Courtroom duties include attending and accurately reporting decisions (via written minutes and recording equipment) of judicial officers at court proceedings. In-custody desk duties include working with attorneys and corrections staff to schedule in-custody defendants for hearings and responding to requests for court records.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performing technical review of court documents for completeness and compliance with statutory requirements and approves documents for filing or requests additional information from parties. 
• Responsible for the operational duties of the assigned courtroom to include: operating courtroom technology and programs such as virtual appearance and audio/video recording, electronic document management systems, and judicial information systems.
• Reviews court filings and orders, verifying the accuracy and completeness of any legal documents. Identifies inconsistency with statutes and provides technical information to customer for compliance.
• Compiles and applies appropriate coding of information for all cases and documents into statewide database and court systems. Identifies and prepares information for entry judgments into statewide indexing system. Applies RCWs, court rules, court policies and procedures before entering judgments. 
• Generates legal documents as ordered by the Court and enters and tracks in the statewide system, providing copies to appropriate agencies.
• Notifies appropriate agencies of convictions. Documents and enters dispositions of cases for transfer to appropriate agency.
• Attends and keeps accurate records (written minutes and recording equipment) by efficiently detailing court proceedings and judgments for official public records.
• Performs legal research and explains technical and detailed statutory requirements and procedures to attorneys, pro tem judges, law enforcement, and the public seeking assistance to ensure judicial compliance.

To view the full job classification, click here: Class Specifications | Court Assistant II | Class Spec Details

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Work is performed primarily in an office environment, serving judicial officers, team members, and the public. Position may experience extended periods of sitting and/or standing. This is a team-centered environment.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with members of the public, justice partners, and team members.

WHO WE ARE:

District Court serves the community of Thurston County as a court of limited jurisdiction. This court hears misdemeanors, infractions, civil and small claims, protection orders, and name changes. Thurston County District Court provides recognized support through our court and community support services, Mental Health and Veterans Court, as well as Probation services. The vision of District Court is Serving Justice Through Serving People.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of progressively responsible clerical support experience in a court or legal environment. Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work will be considered.
• Typing speed of 45 wpm and ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking, and other essential job functions.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Associate degree in law, business or other related field; Paralegal certification; or legal certificate is highly desirable.
• Exceptional listening skills with the ability to take notes utilizing shorthand or speedwriting accurately.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Heather Villalobos Email: [email protected] Phone: 360-786-5142

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.