Assistant Clerk / Hearing Clerk

State of North Carolina - Judicial Branch; North Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Clerk of Superior Court, Pitt County, seeks an Assistant Clerk for its Special Proceedings Division. Salary range $41,696.00 - $77,036.00; hours 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday; cross-trained in Estates.

Preferred Juris Doctor with active NC license; paralegal experience considered. Responsibilities include handling foreclosures, guardianships, adoptions, and probate matters, with interaction across attorneys and the public.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; 18+ years old.
• Preference for Juris Doctor and active NC license; courthouse/law office experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Clerk in exercising judicial authority and acts as ex officio Judge of Probate.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings and render judicial opinions with findings of fact and conclusions of law.
• Preside over foreclosures, guardianships, estates, and related matters within statutory jurisdiction.
• Process probate applications and appoint personal representatives.
• Prepare letters of testamentary and guardianship; administer oaths and set bonds.
• Review annual/final accounts and issue notices to parties.

Skills

Typing 35-40 wpm

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Juris Doctor degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Agency Clerk of Superior Court Division CSC Pitt Job Classification Title Assistant Clerk (NS) Position Number 60004158 Grade JA01

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work

SALARY RANGE: $41,696.00 - $77,036.00

The Office of the Clerk of Superior Court, Pitt County, seeks an Assistant Clerk for its Special Proceedings Division. Assistant Clerks process matters of original jurisdiction before the Clerk and hear cases on behalf of the Clerk in matters where the Clerk has judicial authority such as Foreclosures, Guardianship, Adoptions, Motor Vehicle Liens, Name Changes, Legitimization, and matters concerning Real Property and Estates in accordance with North Carolina statutes. Special Proceedings Clerks meet with attorneys, representatives of other agencies, and the public and must be able to tactfully and diplomatically explain rules, policies, and procedures. This position requires critical thinking and logical reasoning in the application of relevant state statutes and applicable case law in matters brought before the Clerk. The person in this position will be cross-trained in the Estates Division. This position reports to the Clerk of Court. Work hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.

Primary responsibilities for this Assistant Clerk position include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist the Clerk in the exercise of judicial authority, exercising all of the judicial powers, functions and authority of the Clerk as ex officio Judge of Probate and as a judicial officer of the Superior Court.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings and render judicial opinions including relevant findings of fact and conclusions of law.
• Preside over hearings and issue orders on foreclosures, guardianships, claim and deliveries, supplemental proceedings, disputed funds, surplus proceeds, minor's funds, adult adoptions, and other matters within the statutory jurisdiction of the Clerk of Superior Court.
• Process applications for probate of wills and codicils.
• Appoint personal representatives for decedent estates, guardianships, trustees, collectors, and allowances.
• Prepare letters of testamentary, administration, and guardianship.
• Administer oaths and set bonds for administrators and guardians.
• Review annual and final accountings for accuracy.
• Issue Notices and Orders to personal representatives and legal counsel.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:

• Knowledge of:
  • North Carolina court systems and procedures; case, statutory, regulatory, and common law; NC General Statutes; Estates and Special Proceedings and other areas of civil law; and basic accounting.
• Skill in:
  • following oral and written instructions; working quickly and with accuracy; managing a high volume case load; attention to detail and organization; entering data with precision; accurately typing 35-40 wpm; and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to:
  • work independently and under pressure with time limited mandates; interpret laws and make timely decisions with accuracy; read and understand the statutes and procedures for estate administration and record keeping; effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds; demonstrate a superior work ethic; and effectively manage a high volume of public interaction.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate required.
• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• Pitt County residents preferred.
• Management prefers applicants with a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina.
• Professional experience working in a courthouse or law office and experience in Estates and Probate law a plus.
• Spanish language fluency also helpful.
• Management will consider an experienced paralegal.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter

Recruiter: Dominikii C Coleman Email: [e-mail] North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time‑limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today! State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post‑secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.