Bailiff

St. Clair County, MI; Saint Clair (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Clair County, MI is seeking a Bailiff to provide armed, uniformed court security across Port Huron and Marine City locations. Responsibilities include screening entrants, maintaining courtroom order, arresting bench warrants, and assisting in the transport and custody of prisoners.

The role requires readiness for potentially dangerous situations and strict adherence to procedures. The position requires a high school diploma (GED acceptable), with preferred Associate’s in Criminal Justice and

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) required.
• An Associate's degree with a major in Criminal Justice or a closely related field preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of work experience in a relevant professional law enforcement or security capacity, or in one of the branches of the military required; experience in a court environment preferred.
• Certified police officer with prior law enforcement experience preferred.
• The Bailiff must have knowledge to operate x-ray and metal detection equipment.

Responsibilities

• Screen persons and possessions entering the courthouse; confiscate prohibited items.
• Maintain order and ensure safety for public, Judges, attorneys and staff.
• Arrest individuals with outstanding Bench Warrants or as directed by a Judge.
• Escort prisoners and assist Transport Deputies and MDOC officers as needed.
• Respond to emergencies and document incidents in written form.

Skills

Court security

Public safety

De-escalation

Emergency response

Communication

Decision making

Education

High school diploma (GED acceptable)

Associate's degree in Criminal Justice

Tools

X-ray equipment

Metal detection equipment

Job description

The Bailiff is an armed, uniformed position whose primary responsibility is court security. Court Security includes but is not limited to: the protection of Judges, controlling inmates and providing physical security for the county court buildings. The Bailiff oversees courtroom activities, maintains order and ensures safety of the public, Judges, attorneys, employees and prisoners. He/she will make arrests on Bench Warrants or at the direction of a Judge at both the Port Huron and Marine City locations. The Bailiff will use proper discretion and judgment while facing potentially violent and complex situations involving persons with extreme anger or mental illness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Screen persons and their possessions upon entry into the Court house. Confiscate prohibited or dangerous items.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of all court equipment utilized in the performance of the weapon screening program.
• Utilize observation skills achieved by years of law enforcement experience to diffuse potentially dangerous situations before they occur.
• Enforce courtroom rules and maintain order.
• Utilize verbal commands and physical force as needed to restrain disruptive prisoners or members of the public.
• Immediately respond to any incidents such as assaults, disturbances or other situations threatening the security of the court.
• Appropriate response may include the use of a Taser and/or the use of deadly force.
• Respond to emergencies within the court building and provide whatever assistance is necessary. This may include medical assistance, intervention in physical altercations, bomb threats etc.
• Document all incidents in written form and submit same to the Court Security Coordinator.
• Assists law enforcement officers and court officials in emergencies by following established procedures for the evacuation of personnel from the building, lock down of building, conducting searches etc.
• Responsible for the care, custody and control of jurors assigned to the court.
• Maintain and submit juror records of attendance as necessary.
• Assist in preparations for court sessions, prepare and post daily court schedules and call court to order.
• Arrest individuals who have outstanding Bench Warrants or are remanded to jail by a Judge. Perform a thorough search of same, prepare paperwork and secure the individual before turning them over to the Transport Deputy.
• Assist in preparation for court sessions; maintain custody of prisoners during court proceedings. May act as a Transport Deputy/Corrections Deputy and provide security for prisoners in the deputy's absence.
• Assist Transport deputies and MDOC officers in securing prisoners. Move prisoners from lock-up to courtrooms as needed.
• At the direction of the Judge, execute warrants and produce warranted people to the court.
• Must remain vigilant to prisoner activities. Detect unusual behavior to ensure the safety and security of employees, defendants and the public.
• Communicates with jail personnel electronically to receive transfer sheets and prisoner information. The Bailiff may assist the Transport deputies conveying prisoners to/from the court building and will escort prisoners between the courtrooms when needed.
• Bailiffs will assist Friend of the Court, District Court Probation and Circuit Court Probation with bench warrants and drug tests and take defendants into custody when appropriate.
• Maintain issued equipment.
• Prepares written records and reports related to the work.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Work is performed under the supervision of the Court Security Coordinator.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervision may be exercised over any person entering the building during the course of the court's business. This includes, but is not limited to: the public, law enforcement, employees, attorneys or persons in custody.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) required.
• An Associate's degree with a major in Criminal Justice or a closely related field preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of work experience in a relevant professional law enforcement or security capacity, or in one of the branches of the military required; experience in a court environment preferred.
• Certified police officer with prior law enforcement experience preferred.
• The Bailiff must have knowledge to operate x-ray and metal detection equipment.

• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.

• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, LIEN, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Possess a valid unrestricted State of Michigan Operator's License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's vehicle policy throughout employment in this position.
• Possess a familiarity with firearms and hold a Concealed Pistol License (CPL), or the ability to obtain such license prior to hire, and maintain this license throughout the course of employment as a condition of continued employment.
• No Bailiff shall at any time carry any weapon with which he/she has not qualified as required.
• Maintain proficiency with firearm and pass the MCOLES pistol course twice a year.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Speak, hear and understand information through spoken words and sentences.
• Read and understand documents such as safety rules, operating instructions and procedure manuals.
• Stand and walk for significant periods of time.
• Sit, bend or stoop in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Good physical condition which will mean the fitness to be able to apprehend, and the ability to exert the force necessary to subdue and control individuals who require physical intervention.
• Climb stairs.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Lift, move and carry boxes, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds;
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment such as but not limited to: duty weapon, Taser, handcuffs.
• Tasks are performed in a courtroom environment during normal office hours from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.
• Work involves an element of risk in the event of a breach of security.
• Tasks require the use of Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves and hand sanitizer.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.