Court Clerk - Magistrate I

Job ID: 27068
Agency: Unified Judicial System, Sixth Judicial Circuit
Location: Fort Pierre
Salary: $28.01 per hour
Closing date: 06/04/2024

For more information on the Unified Judicial System, please visit http://ujs.sd.gov.

The Mission of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System is to provide Justice for All.

Our employees are our most valuable resource and crucial to accomplishing our mission. We seek talented and motivated individuals to be the face of the court system and help ensure that the Court and all the people that come before it receives the highest level of service. Our dedicated staff work to enhance community safety and ensure victim’s rights while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

The Unified Judicial System offers a comprehensive benefits package consisting of 10-12 paid holidays every year, extensive sick and vacation leave, paid family leave, military training leave, health, and flexible benefits, regular working hours, continuing education opportunities, retirement benefits, a great working environment, and more.

Position Purpose:
This position manages office operations associated with circuit and magistrate court cases filed with the court by planning, organizing, and directing procedures; and supervising personnel assigned to the court clerk magistrate’s office to ensure compliance with rules and regulations set by the Unified Judicial System (UJS) and South Dakota statutes.

Duties include:

• managing the processing of case types, e.g., criminal, juvenile, traffic ticket, civil, child support, divorce, probate, protection order, guardianship, trust, adoption, mental illness, involuntary commitment, small claim, pardon, expungement, pro se, etc., according to procedural guidelines and rules, and ensures files are correct and complete;
• performing clerk magistrate duties as assigned to assist the circuit court in disposing of civil actions and to provide direct court contact for average citizens;
• performing administrative tasks to ensure the work of the unit and the court is accomplished according to applicable procedural guidelines and protocols;
• managing receipt and disbursement of money collected by the court, e.g., bonds, alimony, child support, prepaid attorneys’ fees, scram, drug-testing, fines, costs, restitution, filing fees, etc., according to established accounting procedures and protocols;
• providing customer service by answering questions from and maintaining working relationships with a wide variety of sources, including the public, collection agencies, law enforcement, abstract offices, attorneys, media, lending institutions, defendants, and their families, Judges, and other staff to assist them with court functions and to facilitate positive public relations;
• implementing jury management procedures by preparing a master jury list, grand jury list, and petit trial lists to ensure an adequate number of jurors are available for scheduled and pending hearings;
• communicates via telephone and e-mail;
• supervising staff, ensuring completion of workloads, organizing staff meetings; and
• performing other work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or possession of a GED certificate and two (2) years of applicable experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Supervisory experience is preferred but not required. Certification in a Court Management Program (CMP) or Court Executive Development Program (CEDP) through the National Center for State Courts is preferred.

Upon hire, the successful applicant must meet the following requirements before beginning employment:

If you already meet these requirements, please note them on your application details or on your resume.

Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• the organization, rules, and procedures of the Unified Judicial System;
• South Dakota Codified Laws;
• policies and procedures of circuit districts and local circuit courts;
• principles and practices of case management and processing;
• computer codes and software programs used by the UJS;
• civil fees and costs required or authorized by the law;
• policies and practices of human resources management;
• general office practices;
• accounting principles and practices;
• policies governing legal information and legal advice;
• legal terminology.

Skill in:

• data entry and word processing;
• critical thinking;
• organizing and prioritizing work;
• time management;
• perseverance.

Ability to:

• remain neutral and objective while providing information and assistance to a wide variety of agencies and individuals;
• work with irate and unhappy litigants and recognize and defuse unacceptable behaviors;
• manage stress;
• adapt and work effectively in changing situations and with varying individuals;
• acquire and analyze information from various sources and draw conclusions;
• assess procedures and recommend improvements;
• pay attention to details and recognize and resolve errors;
• speak in public.

The State of South Dakota, Unified Judicial System does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The Unified Judicial System as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

You may view our benefits information at https://ujs.sd.gov/uploads/pubs/Come_work_for_us.pdf.

Apply at: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=PUO
Unified Judicial System
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Phone: 605.773.4884
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"