Under the supervision of the City Secretary, the Municipal Court Clerk performs administrative, clerical, financial, records management, and customer service duties in support of the Municipal Court and Office of the City Secretary. The position assists with court operations, processes cases and legal documents, maintains accurate court records, collects fines and fees, and provides information and assistance to defendants, attorneys, law enforcement, and the general public in accordance with applicable laws, judicial orders, and City policies.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Provides courteous and professional customer service in person, by telephone, and electronically regarding citations, court dates, payments, compliance requirements, and the municipal court process.
- Prepares, processes, and maintains court documents, including citations, summonses, warrants, subpoenas, promises to appear, payment agreements, and other court correspondence.
- Reviews court documents and case files for accuracy, completeness, compliance, and appropriate judicial action.
- Prepares cases and dockets for court, schedules hearings, processes judgments and dispositions, and enters case information into the court management system.
- Assists the Municipal Court Judge and court personnel with courtroom operations, including jury selection, trial preparation, and operation of recording software as required for a court of record.
- Processes administrative dismissals in accordance with judicial standing orders and assists with research and interpretation of judicial orders.
- Calculates, collects, records, and processes fines, fees, court costs, and cash bonds; establishes payment plans and processes authorized payment transactions.
- Maintains accurate manual and electronic court records, including data entry, scanning, digital imaging, indexing, and records retention.
- Prepares reports, correspondence, and documentation for defendants, attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and other authorized parties.
- Processes incoming and outgoing mail, electronic submissions, and internet transactions related to court cases and adjudication.
- Coordinates with law enforcement, attorneys, defendants, City departments, court personnel, and the public as needed to facilitate court operations.
- Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and protected information and ensures work is accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable requirements.
- Provides general information regarding City services and directs inquiries to the appropriate department.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the City Secretary.
PUBLIC SERVICE EXPECTATIONS
- Performs duties as a responsible steward of the public trust and strives for excellence in public service.
- Treats management, coworkers, City officials, court personnel, and members of the public with professionalism, courtesy, and respect.
- Performs all duties in a manner that supports the effective, efficient, and lawful operation of the Municipal Court and the City.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of municipal court procedures, terminology, and applicable laws, or the ability to learn quickly.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to accurately process financial transactions and maintain records.
- Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and professionally with the public, coworkers, officials, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn court management and other City software.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to remain professional and courteous when dealing with upset or difficult individual
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.
- Previous municipal court, legal, municipal government, or administrative experience required.
- Experience with cash handling, records management, or customer service desirable.
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Texas Court Clerk Certification Level I preferred; must obtain within 12 months of employment.
- Valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.