PROBATE ASSISTANT

Code: 02864@ Local Non-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

Assists the Surrogate, Deputies, and Probate Clerks by performing varied typing and clerical work in the preparation of various documents, legal forms, certificates, and exemplified records concerning the probation of wills and administration of estates; may take the lead in a small clerical unit; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• May prepare estate, guardianship, administration, and adoption papers.
• Secures pertinent data from official records.
• Types various legal papers and forms.
• Collates documents and records.
• Certifies copies of wills, exemplified records, and similar documents.
• Prepares Surrogate's certificates and letters of trusteeship, administration, and guardianship.
• Assembles and prepares documents and forms on appeals and consolidations.
• Handles routine inquiries from attorneys and others regarding probate procedure.
• May prepare bank deposits.
• Gives assignments and instructions to other clerical employees.
• Makes docket entries, and assists or directs attorneys and others searching records and papers on file.
• 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

One (1) year of clerical experience in working with legal papers and documents used in the courts.

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

• Ability to perform moderately difficult clerical and typing work.
• Ability to comprehend established office routines, rules, and regulations pertaining to probate practices and procedures.
• 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 the 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 the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: LG - @ RKR/hw 10/1/97
• This job specification is for local government use only.

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.