Court Clerk

Pinellas County Government; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FRS retirement options

Deferred compensation

Wellness centers

Job summary

Pinellas County Government is seeking a service-minded Court Clerk to work closely with judges and attorneys and capture an accurate record of court proceedings.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for safeguarding public records and funds, attending court sessions, taking minutes, and preparing official records across multiple court areas while maintaining courtroom security and professional contact with judges and the public.

Qualifications

• Three years of secretarial/clerical work with court procedures experience preferred.
• Associate's degree or higher with related legal/clerical background required or equivalent.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and ability to work overtime including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and check court calendars before hearings.
• Attend court proceedings and take minutes with pen and electronically.
• Enter, update, and research court records and case information during proceedings.
• Administer oaths to jurors, witnesses, and defendants.
• Generate and distribute after-court minutes to appropriate personnel.

Skills

Attention to detail

Record keeping

Communication skills

Computer skills

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience

Tools

Windows-based applications

Case management system

In-court docketing program

Job description

Location: 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater FL 33762

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; 6:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court, as an elected Constitutional Officer responsible for safeguarding public records and funds, is seeking a service minded Court Clerk to work closely with judges and attorneys and capture an accurate record of court proceedings.

An employee in this position supports Judicial Officers and prepares the official record of court proceedings within a courtroom setting and processes after court paperwork. Performs specialized administrative work attending court sessions, takes minutes in handwritten form and electronically, and prepares a wide variety of court-related documents; performs advanced, independent administrative duties in two (2) of the following court areas: Traffic, Juvenile, Civil/Small Claims, County Criminal, Circuit Criminal; ensures the care, custody, and control of all tangible evidence submitted in court; maintains heavy professional contact with judges, attorneys, defendants, and the general public.

What Would You Do?

• Prepare and check court calendars prior to court hearings;
• Prepare and publish verdict forms;
• Serve the public by furnishing information as requested;
• Attend court proceedings such as, but not limited to, advisories, arraignments, pre-trials, motions, jury and non-jury trials, and sentencings in order to provide an accurate record of disposition by taking and entering minutes of court proceedings/ case activity into the in-court docketing program and uploading the session results and information to the case management system;
• Write and submit accurate and concise minutes of proceedings by analyzing and summarizing complex discussions and presentations;
• Ensure that pertinent data is included in minutes and that information is accurately reflected;
• Accurately enter, update, and research court records and case information including dispositions and financials during court proceedings;
• Handle the logistical functioning and flow of courtroom activities, answer procedural questions, notifies bailiff of any actions that may adversely affect courtroom security, and maintain orderly appearance of courtroom and assigned areas;
• Administer oaths to jurors, witnesses, and defendants;
• Receive and examine legal documents, research and review legal correspondence, and determine appropriate processing of legal documents;
• Receive, identify, mark, maintain, and store all evidence, including obtaining a signed receipt for exhibits not admitted into evidence;
• Attend and take the court record for weekend and holiday advisories;
• Generate and distribute after-court minutes to appropriate personnel and agencies;
• Issue and recall warrants;
• Complete paperwork required for disposition of case and obtains signatures from the judge for required paperwork;
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

What Do You Need To Have?

• 3 years’ experience in secretarial/clerical work, 1 year of which has been in work related to legal or court procedures; and 1 year which involved use of personal computers, Windows based applications; or
• Associate’s degree and at least 1 year of experience in secretarial/clerical work, 1 year of which has been in work related to legal or court procedures; and 1 year which involved use of personal computers, Windows based applications; or
• Bachelor's or higher-level degree; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Work overtime, including weekends and holidays.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Highly Desirable

• Command of the English language.
• Self-motivated.
• Ability to travel to other court locations on assignment.
• Ability to be an effective team player and to multi-task.
• Ability to remain physically calm and mentally alert while sitting in a courtroom for long periods of time.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of court practices and procedures and Florida Statutes
• Knowledge of legal terminology and administrative and procedural regulations applicable to the court system.
• Ability to understand complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm.
• Ability to work independently.

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the below link.