COURT CLERK, TYPING

Code: 01438 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under supervision, attends and assists the judge of the court to which assigned by performing the specialized court clerical work requiring knowledge of court practices and procedures; does related work and typing as required.

Examples of work

• Attends court and assists the judge by performing a variety of court clerical work.
• Attends the call of civil and criminal trial list under direction of the Judge.
• Secures assigned files, notifies attorneys and/or Prosecutor's Office for preparation of trial.
• Assists in selection of jury and swears in jury under direction of Court.
• Prepare daily minute sheet of court proceedings.
• Administer oath to all witnesses and constables attending jury.
• Maintains record of all exhibits admitted into evidence during trial.
• Impounds exhibits and stores them in vault of the County Clerk's Office by order of the Court.
• Record daily attendance of selected jury.
• Takes and records proper verdict from jury and polls jury by order of the Court.
• May release exhibits to respective attorneys by a signed order under the direction of the Court.
• Prepare minute sheet for various types of judgments and non-jury trials; records Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court dispositions.
• Collects fines and costs as directed by the Court.
• Assist Court in pre-trial sessions.
• Record all dispositions of Superior and County Court motions and discoveries.
• Record pleas, sentences, and retractions.
• Acquire signature of judge on a writ of habeas corpus.
• Files extradition papers and processes bail papers.
• Receives and records Grand Jury Presentments and assists in selection of special jury panels.
• Notifies the Assignment Clerk of the disposition of all assigned matters and marks files accordingly.
• Maintains contact with the Assignment Clerk in preparation of "back-up cases" and other matters to ensure a smooth and continuous operation of the court.
• Performs other clerical work in the absence of the judge or when court is not in session.
• May operate sound recording devices for the recording of testimony and other statements in a court room.
• Types documents from various forms of copy.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in the preparation and/or processing of legal papers and documents, or as an aide or an administrative assistant to an executive or administrative officer in a public or private agency.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of court practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in performing the various types of court clerical work.
• Knowledge of various legal papers/documents used in court work.
• Knowledge of sound recording equipment.
• Knowledge of methods used in maintaining records and files.
• Ability to interpret and apply the laws, rules and regulations relating to the operation of the Courts.
• Ability to learn to operate sound recording equipment.
• Ability to attend court and assist the Judge by performing a variety of court clerical work.
• Ability to take notes on the court proceedings and prepare minutes on the court activities including dispositions of cases.
• Ability to work effectively with associates, superior officials, and members of the public concerned with the work of the department.
• Ability to administer oaths.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not possess the required experience may substitute semester hour credits from an accredited college or university on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.