Friend of the Court Clerk I-Ottawa County

Job Description

Job Title: Friend of the Court Clerk I

Company: Ottawa County

Location: Ottawa County, MI

Pay: $18.34 – 23.83 per hour

AI Pay Analysis: The hourly rate of $18.34 to $23.83 for the “Friend of the Court Clerk I” position in Ottawa County, MI, falls within a moderate range relative to public sector roles in similar geographic areas. Generally, clerical and administrative positions in the legal and court systems typically range from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience and specific responsibilities. Considering cost of living factors in Ottawa County and the nature of court services, this rate appears to be competitive, particularly for entry-level roles. Additionally, it offers potential for growth through increases or advancements within the court system, aligning well with local industry standards.

Job description:

Under the supervision of the Assistant Friend of the Court for Operations, the successful candidate will provide essential clerical and case processing support for the Friend of the Court. This position entails performing caseflow management functions in both substantive and procedural compliance with the Michigan Court Rules. Responsibilities include preparing the daily court schedule, typing correspondence and a variety of legal documents, and delivering comprehensive clerical and customer support services.

This is a full-time, benefited position located at the Family Justice Center in West Olive, MI, as well as the Grand Haven Courthouse in Grand Haven, MI, with typical working hours of Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Occasional travel to other county locations may be required.

Essential Job Functions:
The essential functions of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Providing assistance to customers via phone and in-person, explaining Friend of the Court policies and procedures regarding child support, custody, and parenting time. This includes relaying information about scheduled hearing dates and appointments, directing urgent inquiries to the appropriate staff members, and referring clients to relevant community agencies as necessary.
• Addressing client inquiries concerning the status of their cases, including arrearages, funds held in suspense, tax offsets, and other issues, utilizing the case management information system (MiCSES) as needed.
• Dispensing various legal forms required for petitioning the Court regarding modifications to support, parenting time, and custody, as well as forms for IV-D services and opting out of Friend of the Court services. Updating client information for investigators and offering customer assistance as appropriate.
• Ensuring accurate records by barcoding, scanning, and indexing incoming and outgoing mail and documents to maintain updated and imaged Friend of the Court files for each docket number.
• Drafting correspondence, orders, and other court documents.
• Preparing and updating the bench warrant list to reflect accurate enforcement actions.
• Reviewing divorce judgments, including Uniform Child Support Orders prepared by attorneys, for compliance with substantive and procedural requirements, and notifying attorneys of necessary corrections prior to Friend of the Court approval.
• Managing incoming and outgoing mail processes.
• Entering case data into the caseflow management system (MiCSES).
• Generating various caseflow management reports.
• Maintaining investigators’ appointment calendars and monitoring the hearing schedule to guide clients to the appropriate courtrooms and keep investigators on track.
• Monitoring office supply inventories, placing orders, and reconciling supply invoices.
• Executing office opening and closing protocols, which includes managing the safe and counting the daily cash drawer for accuracy.
• Performing additional support tasks such as copying, faxing, preparing files for closure, and organizing off-site storage as needed.
• Assisting with other functions as required to ensure efficient caseflow and timely adjudication of Friend of the Court cases.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Exceptional customer relations and service skills.
• Familiarity with the Michigan Court Rules and State Court Administrative Office rules, regulations, and requirements.
• Understanding of Michigan Office of Child Support rules, regulations, and requirements.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, accounting software, imaging systems, and MiCSES applications.
• Strong keyboarding skills with a focus on speed and accuracy.
• Thorough knowledge of privacy regulations related to court records and Friend of the Court files.
• Acquainted with document imaging protocols and the operation of relevant equipment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven interpersonal and human relations abilities.
• Capacity to interact positively and objectively with a diverse range of individuals, including coworkers, court officials, clients, attorneys, and members of the public from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, adapting communication styles as needed.

Preference will be given to candidates who are able to communicate in Spanish, Lao, Cambodian, or other languages spoken by ethnic groups residing in the county.

Required Education, Training, and Experience:

• An Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in legal studies, office management, business information systems, or a closely related field, coupled with one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in a role involving extensive public contact and fast, accurate keyboarding skills; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Physical Requirements:
The successful candidate must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, which may include the use of visual and/or auditory devices to enhance mobility.

Working Conditions:
The work environment is primarily an office setting.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or activities required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position includes benefits and is part of the Friend of the Court bargaining unit. Ottawa County offers a comprehensive range of benefits to support your career.

Job Posting Date: Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:41:04 GMT

Apply now!