Trust Clerk

Non-exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm; full-benefits; grant-funded

This position is responsible in assisting and monitoring fiduciary requirements of court-appointed guardianships. The position reviews guardianship trust cases and provides information and guidelines regarding fiduciary obligations for guardians.  The position also provides guardians with additional support concerning reporting and provides the Court with information regarding the financial status of guardianships.  Supervision is received by Family Services Administrator. 

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
 

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover 
• 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 10 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
• Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

Pursuant to Section 2-501 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, this position serves at the discretion of the Circuit Court Judges.  This means that this position is at will and that either an employee, or the court, may terminate the employee relationship at any time, with or without cause.  There are no contractual relationships between the Circuit Court and an employee; letters, benefit or policy statements, performance evaluation, handbooks, or other employee communications should not be interpreted as such.  The at-will relationship remains in full force and effect notwithstanding any statements to the contrary made by court personnel or set forth in any documents.   

• Review guardianship cases to ensure compliance with MD Rules and laws; ensure cases are maintained and in proper posture to proceed in court hearings
• Notify guardians and other fiduciaries regarding reports and other documents required to be filed in accordance with the Maryland Rules and Order(s) of Court; provide the Court with information regarding the financial status of guardianships
• Provide the Court with information regarding the financial status of guardianship cases
• Track all guardianship trust cases to ensure compliance with mandated requirements
• Assist in the scheduling and coordination of meetings regarding guardianship trust issues 
• Prepare and file timely reports as required by the Court and the State Judiciary
• Review all Annual Fiduciary Reports 
• Prepare Trust Clerk Reports
• Identify and monitor Court procedures and  filing of required documents 
• Provide additional support to guardians concerning reporting 
• Provide assistance in the courtroom as needed
• Address and assist the public concerning guardianship trust questions and concerns 
• Liaison between the Court and all parties of the case
• Perform other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. 

The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Associate’s degree
• Minimum 2 years work experience in a court or legal environment
• Minimum 2 years administrative work experience, which includes experience working with the public
• Intermediate skill with Microsoft Office Suite 
• NOTE: Additional years of court/legal environment work experience may substitute for the education requirement

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of legal pleadings, with the ability to prepare draft orders
• Familiarity with and/or ability to learn basic accounting principles
• Strong mathematical and clerical skills, including the ability to accurately compile and verify data, and prepare and maintain files, records, forms, spreadsheets, etc.
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, with the ability to prepare pleadings, draft orders and reports
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities (and reassess as needed), perform multiple tasks concurrently, and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision and instruction
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to attend and participate in meetings or trainings, whether on or off-site
• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment, tact, diplomacy, and competence in working with judges, attorneys, court personnel, and the public
• Ability to understand legal terminology to include the ability to apply rules of procedure and relevant statutory provisions within established guidelines

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Paralegal certification from an accredited institution 
• Experience working for the Maryland Judiciary or in a legal environment in support of the Maryland Courts
• Experience using the Maryland Electronic Court / Odyssey system used by the Maryland Judiciary
• Experience in accounting and/or auditing
• College degree in accounting, finance or related from an accredited college or university

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and perform repetitive motions; frequently walk and climb; occasionally reach; and rarely stoop, lift up to 20 pounds and drive
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors

• Available for varied working hours when needed to accommodate meetings or other commitments

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews
• A writing sample
• A pre-employment physical examination and drug test

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.