Court Clerk

Do you have interest in working within a Court and learning more about Court operations? This is a great opportunity for an experienced clerical worker who has great attention to detail, strong customer service skills when interacting with the public who enjoys being in a team oriented and fast pace setting.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled. First review of applications on April 24, 2024.

To Apply

Complete the online application available on the City's website and attach a resume and cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements. Note that the recruitment process includes an online skills assessment that successful applicants will be asked to complete.

2024 Salary: $5,002- $6,080 per month, DOE.

Nature of Work

Under the direct supervision of the Court Operations Supervisor, Court Clerks provide reception and clerical support to the Des Moines Municipal Court and serve as in-court clerk during court proceedings. The Court Clerk (CC) performs a variety of tasks, which include, but are not limited to resolving unusual, highly technical or complex issues. Performs complex job functions and lead projects on occasion. Handles clerical tasks at an intermediate/higher level. Works independently, keeping supervisor apprised of project and workload status. Independently maintain and record entry of all court proceedings in a timely manner. Time management for the duties of this position is of the utmost importance. This position requires experience and demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of the assignment, and the use of independent judgment and decision-making skills to analyze and resolve non-routine problems. The services of this position are also used for contracting cities, Normandy Park.

Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Municipal Court Organizational Structure

The Municipal Court is an independent branch of government and personnel employed under the judicial branch of government are bound to act in accordance with GR 29. Under GR 29, the Presiding Judge is responsible for the daily operations of the Court, which includes working conditions, hiring, discipline, and termination decisions.

Court Personnel are also subject to the rules contained within the City of Des Moines Personnel Manual, City Ordinances, state and/or federal laws. The provisions of the City of Des Moines Personnel Manual, including wage and benefits, apply to all Court Employees and controls, unless otherwise ordered by the Presiding Judge.

Essential Functions

• Sets cases for various types of hearings including arraignment, pretrial, bench trials, motions, reviews, sentencing, mitigation, contested and show cause hearings.
• Responds to telephone and counter inquiries to the general public and attorneys, sorts and routes documents that may initiate correspondence responding to court related inquiry or requested information.
• Scans and indexes court documents.
• Opens court; records court proceedings, maintains recording logs and docket court proceedings, marks exhibits, processes orders of the court; performs court clerk duties during jury trials; directs and accommodates jurors.
• Keeps accurate and complete records; prepares subpoenas, and any other legal documents as ordered by the court; this function may require docket entries.
• Responds to requests for information from prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and attorneys.
• Operates a computer entering civil, criminal, investigation citations, updating and retrieving and processing computer data from the JIS system and software systems that are tied to the JIS system.
• Prepares jail calendars for video court, physical transports.
• Receives payments of court fines, online payments, bail, penalties, assessments and fees; records and receives payments according to court procedures; sends collection notices.
• Arranges for time-payments for fines, monitors payments and takes appropriate action for delinquent payments in accordance with court policy.
• Maintains warrant control: issue, recall, process and purge warrants.
• Assists in the scheduling and coordinating of jury trials, summons and notify Defendant's, attorneys.
• Processes and distributes all incoming US mail or interoffice mail.
• Maintains Failure to Appear (FTA) records; issues the FTA, adjudicates and purges when necessary.
• Maintains No Contact Order (NCO) records; issues the NCO, recalls and processes expired NC