District Court Specialist

Nigel Wright Consultancy Ltd (UK); Kelso (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The District Court seeks a diligent Court Specialist to perform a variety of clerical tasks supporting the court and its administrative office. You will assist judges, handle case information in JIS, index documents, file records, and prepare courtrooms for daily dockets. Strong customer service and data entry skills are essential.

Testing under NCRC requirements is part of the process, and staff may rotate duties to cover court operations. A valid driver’s license and bondability are required.

Qualifications

• Must pass Level 4 (Silver) of each ACT/Work Keys – NCRC through LCC or provide NCRC certificate.
• Two years of clerical experience with strong customer service.
• Valid driver’s license and be bondable.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the Model Code of Conduct for Court Employees.
• Provide accurate information and assistance to court customers at the front counter or via phones/emails.

Skills

Cash handling

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Education

High school diploma

Business courses

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database software

Job description

General Position Summary:

This position performs a variety of technical clerical work to support the functions of the District Court and its administrative office and assists the Judges in the execution of judicial duties. It provides customer service to the public, legal community, and state and local government agencies.

This position requires applicants to pass a test – NCRC Work Keys – no later than 10/15/2026.

*Clerical Exam:

Applicant must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) or higher of each of the three (3) ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Test (NCRC) – or current employees of Cowlitz County must have passed the Cowlitz County Clerical Exam.

Cowlitz County has partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA, to facilitate the testing process. Test scores are good for 5 years.

Test Cost is $90.00

LCC Testing is available 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and closed on LCC observed holidays.

Testing is available by appointment only.

Applicants must take the NCRC tests no later than 3 business days after the job announcement closes.

NOTE: The duties of Court Specialist are divided and assigned distinctively to different individuals on a permanent basis or rotated among Court Specialists as assigned by the Administrator, and as cross-training permits it. They will assist each other as needed or assigned in order to fulfill the responsibilities and services of the District Court Office.

General Duties and Responsibilities of all Court Specialists:

1. Adhere to the Model Code of Conduct for Court Employees.
2. Provide accurate information and assistance to all levels of court customers, including attorneys, prosecutors, outside law enforcement agencies, defendants, victims, state agencies, etc. This may be either in person at the front counter or through answering of phones, correspondence, faxes and e-mail.
3. Enter new case information into JIS (Judicial Information System) and any other applicable systems.
4. Scan and accurately index incoming documents.
5. Maintain, update, secure, sort, route and archive all case records filed with Cowlitz County District Court. Retrieve archived files and tickets from physical or electronic storage.
6. File alphabetically, numerically, and by date.
7. Prepare courtroom and jury room for daily dockets and trials. Keeping all supplies well stocked.
8. Staff courtroom during sessions, record all proceedings, mark exhibits, and process orders of the court.
9. Provide clerical support to the Judge before, during, and after court sessions. Act as a liaison between judges and parties.
10. Schedule, coordinate and assist jurors
11. Run, edit, and review reports and notices.
12. Receive payment of court fines, filing fees, and bail; record and receipt payments accurately according to established court procedures.
13. Assistant customers with passport application process.
14. Arrange and schedule interpreters.
15. Prepare legal documents associated with processing citations, warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
16. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Discuss recommendations to improve own work process and the overall department’s performance. Attend county-sponsored training and seminars, including mandated courses. Stay up to date on knowledge and skills required.
17. Perform other duties or projects as assigned by the Administrative Assistant, Administrator and Judges, including training new staff and cross-training other clerks.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School diploma or equivalent, with business administration related college courses.
2. Must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) of each of the 3 ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Tests (NCRC) through Lower Columbia College (LCC) or provide a passing NCRC Certificate or current employees of Cowlitz County must have passed the Cowlitz County Clerical Exam.
3. Knowledge and experience in the use and operation of personal computers with word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Skilled in high volume data entry requiring high degrees of accuracy. Experience with standard office equipment.
4. Two (2) years of experience in a clerical capacity with strong customer service and high-volume of records management.
5. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must be bondable.

Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Cash handling skills to perform accurate receipting, cash counting, and balancing receipts.
2. Develop and maintain good working relations with other county employees, other agencies, lawyers and law enforcement agents. Good interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and other departments/agencies requiring services, including adequately and tactfully handle difficult situations with customers and the public.
3. Work well independently as well as in a teamwork and cooperative environment.
4. Manage and perform work in a multi-task environment, be organized in order to complete work under date/time deadlines, and able to manage work-related stress.
5. Communicate effectively orally and in writing, in a professional business-like manner. Maintain a professional appearance.
6. Exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department, the courts and their business.
7. Maintain high standards of accuracy, ethics and efficiency in handling money transactions and trust accounts.