Chief Court Clerk

nisquallyhr; Washington; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Nisqually Tribal Court seeks a Chief Court Clerk to lead court operations, manage dockets, and supervise clerks under the Court Administrator. You will develop policies, prepare monthly reports, oversee budgets, and ensure compliance with tribal court policies.

A strong background in criminal justice, paralegal studies, and supervisory experience is required, including the ability to obtain a Notary commission within six months and pass background checks.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in criminal justice, paralegal studies, or related discipline; plus six years of court clerk experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Bondable; pass a criminal background check and drug test.
• Notary within six months of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates all court functions, including filings and records.
• Maintains dockets, reports, calendars, and case files.
• Analyzes data for monthly reports and budget monitoring.
• Develops efficient day-to-day operations and Clerk’s Manual policies.
• Supervises Court Clerks and provides clerical support to Judges and Court Administrator.
• Prepares routine correspondence and court documents; maintains court forms.
• Acts as Appellate Court clerk and handles financial transactions with monthly reports.
• Ensures compliance with tribal court policies and legal requirements.
• Oversees community projects and training for clerks as assigned.

Skills

Court administration

Supervisory experience

Legal terminology

Data analysis

Education

Associates degree in criminal justice or paralegal studies

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

ICW/Vulnerable Adults. This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

The Chief Court Clerk is responsible for the management and coordination of the Nisqually Tribal Court's responsibilities. This position is responsible for independently planning, assigning, and the carrying out program projects and services in compliance with Nisqually Tribal Court policies, procedures and legal requirements. The Chief Court Clerk is responsible for administrative and supervisory functions that includes the development and implementation of new policies, procedures, and techniques that are necessary for the successful function of the Nisqually Tribal Court. The Chief Court Clerk delegates, coordinates, and supervises the activities and efforts of the clerks. The Chief Clerk is to responsible for making timely independent decisions regarding work priorities while fulfilling the legal responsibilities of the Nisqually Tribal Court. Work is performed under the guidance and supervision of the Court Administrator.

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Plans and coordinates all functions of the court; including the reception of legal filings of all types of litigation and exemplification of records.
• Oversees and provides support in maintaining all dockets and reports.
• Analyzes, reviews, and collects data in preparation of monthly reports.
• Uses and develops the most efficient methods and techniques for the day to day operations of the Nisqually Tribal Court.
• Assists in monitoring and coordinating the Judicial Services budget.
• Establishes goals and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, develops project workloads, and provides recommendations to the Court Administrator.
• Performs all duties of the Court Clerk in their absence.
• Develops, maintains, implements, and enforces policies and procedures as set forth in the Clerk's Manual for the Nisqually Tribal Court.
• Maintains the Nisqually Tribal Court's database and recording system.
• Maintains case numbers, dockets, court calendars, dispositions, and case files of the Nisqually Tribal Court.
• Provides Court Administrator with monthly statistical reports.
• Plans, assigns, coordinates, and reviews work of the Court Clerks.
• Provides clerical and technical duties for the Tribal Judges and the Court Administrator.
• Prepares and edits routine correspondence, memoranda, order, jury instructions, notices, dockets, judgements executions, warrants, affidavits, and any other forms/documents as necessary.
• Develops, edits, creates, and maintains court forms.
• Acts as clerk for the Appellate Court.
• Oversees all financial transactions and provides supervisor with monthly financial reports.
• Handles all non-compliant criminal and traffic cases for collection or special hearings.
• Certifies official copies of the tribal court.
• Maintains official bar admissions.
• Maintains official jury list.
• Assists in community projects as assigned by Court Administrator.
• Identifies and recommends training for court clerks.
• Develops, maintains, implements, and enforces policies and procedures as set forth in the Clerk's Manual for the Nisqually Tribal Court.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Must have an associates in criminal justice or paralegal studies or other closely related discipline AND six (6) years of court clerk experience OR equivalent combination of recent experience and education.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Must be bondable.
• Must be willing to become a Notary within six months of being hired.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug test, and possess high moral character.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and be insurable under the Nisqually Indian Tribe's insurance policy.

SUPERVISION

This position does supervise.

COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Tribal Court systems, Tribal Law, and legal terminology.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, budgets, and management practices.
• Knowledge and skills relating to principles and practices of employee supervision.
• Advanced knowledge of current technological software programs, specifically Microsoft programs.
• Ability to work in high stress and/or potentially violent situations and manage difficult people.
• Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.

• Background Check: I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.
• Drug Screening: I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.