CIVIL PROCESS CLERK

Polk County; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County is seeking a Civil Process Clerk under general supervision to handle processing and service of civil process papers, including protective orders, summons, complaints, subpoenas, levies, and more.

The role requires high attention to detail, accurate records, and the ability to communicate clearly with attorneys, the public, and other agencies. A high school diploma and clerical experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of clerical or related office experience.
• Ability to pass criminal background check and drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries about processing legal documents and provide clear directions.
• Receive, prepare, and record legal documents for service including evictions, subpoenas, and levies.
• Determine and record service fees and handle related payments; prepare billing statements.
• Releases documents for service and prepares affidavits of service for court records.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Office procedures

Record keeping

Cash handling

Typing & data entry

Verbal & written communication

Mathematical calculations

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years clerical experience

Job description

Under general supervision, performs a variety of fiscal and clerical duties related to the processing and service of civil process papers, including protective orders, summons, complaints, subpoenas, levies, wage assignments, evictions, foreclosures, and condemnations, in accordance with the Code of Iowa. Prepares, reviews, corrects, records, and distributes legal documents and determines payments, maintains records, and ensures accuracy in all processes.

1. Responds to inquiries regarding the processing of legal documents, providing accurate information and clear direction; opens, examines, and prioritizes incoming court documents by type, required action, and expiration date; disseminates them accordingly.
2. Receives, processes, prepares, and records various legal documents for service, including evictions, bankruptcies, small claims, summons, complaints, civil and criminal subpoenas, restraining orders, and wage assignments.
3. Examines legal documents for conformance with established standards, rules and legal requirements; assists clients, the public, or employees with document completion and ensures proper submission; determines and calculates appropriate service fees for civil actions.
4. Receives and processes payments and fees associated with garnishments, judgments, attachments, and service-related actions; prepares billing statements to plaintiffs, attorneys, and contracting agencies and ensures receipts are issued accurately and in accordance with established procedures.
5. Releases documents for service by deputies, including tracking and recording actions taken; returns processed documents to originating agencies and preparesaffidavits of service for court records; prepares stops and releases for garnishments and vehicle levies, ensuring all actions are documented and recorded in the system.
6. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the organization, procedures, and operations of the Sheriff’s Office Civil Division.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and laws relevant to Civil Process.
• Knowledge of basic math.
• Knowledge of cash handling/balancing procedures.
• Skill in operating a personal computer, calculator, cash register, and other general office equipment.
• Skill in reconciling accounts, balancing daily receipts/disbursements.
• Proficiency in typing and data entry with high accuracy and speed.
• Ability to make minor decisions in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to continuously prioritize/re-prioritize tasks.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply a wide variety of statutes, policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to civil process.
• Ability to function courteously and effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing using tact and sensitivity.
• Ability to be attentive to details.
• Ability to anticipate problems with proper service of papers and to take actions to minimize difficulties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with attorneys, plaintiffs, law enforcement personnel, Clerk of Court employees, other county employees, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education.
• Two years of experience in clerical or related office work, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.

Polk County is committed to providing a work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.