Job DescriptionThe Eighth Judicial District is accepting applications for a full-time Court Operations Associate position. This position is a part of the Eighth Judicial Districts Northern Assignment Area which includes the counties of Big Stone, Grant, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin with the primary work location in Stevens County Court Administration in Morris, MN. Interviews are tentatively planned for the week of December 16th, 2024. This position will provide extensive support in processing of all cases of assigned areas from initiation through disposition. This is a fast-paced work environment where complex tasks are performed independently. Thoroughness and flexibility are needed for daily job duties. This includes filing of documents, initiation of court files, receipting of court fees and scheduling of hearings. Provide written, in person and telephone assistance to the public and other agency personnel. This position rotates among various specializations throughout court administration. Activities performed require extensive knowledge.Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed:
- Initiate and schedule new cases.
- Use Odyssey eFile to receive, file and eServe court documents.
- Sort mail and receipt mail and bail payments.
- Reviews legal documents for completeness, adequacy, accuracy, and compliance with rules.
- Reviews documents to determine accurate security level code, imaging documents to the file, working within the eFile and eServe queue to initiate and file documents.
- Determines proper routing of complaints, petitions, and other filings; notifies parties.
- Performs receipting function for case initiations, certified copies, and fine payments.
- May have daily contact with judges while working as their assistants in court proceedings and in responding to their request for documents or other information; with the general public, attorneys and representatives from outside agencies for the purpose of answering questions relative to court policies and procedures, providing referrals for further assistance, providing information on case status and court records, and giving assistance with the processing of applications and documents; and with local law enforcement agencies and personnel for the purpose of exchanging information on court cases and proceedings.
- Types or generates from the computer, notices, executions, correspondence, court calendars, orders, etc.; reviews for accuracy and completeness; also may perform jury coordination and processing activities.
- Enters on computer system, required permanent record information such as case events, bail information, case activity, dispositions and sentencing. May report information to Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, as applicable.
- Performs telephone and counter work; answers/responds to incoming phone calls; responds to questions/in queries regarding court procedures; manages court records.
- Assures completeness and accuracy of records leaving the court jurisdiction pursuant to change of venue, appeal, and certification requirements.
- Performs courtroom clerical duties; prepares case files and forms for court; checks people in and calls the calendar; swears in witnesses; takes court minutes and/or may operate electronic recorder to record dispositions; sets court dates for next appearance; arranges and organizes the docket, notes continuances, makes minute and docket entries to reflect case progress; updates cases and prepares judge orders.
- May participate in and coordinate the scheduling and calendaring of arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, continuances, trials and other matters; sends out notices; contacts attorneys and parties concerning rescheduling; makes appropriate record entries.
- Reviews Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) case exception or related operational reports and implements appropriate corrective actions.
Typical QualificationsBelow are the past experiences that will lead to success in the role. For education requirements listed, the equivalent number of years of related experience may serve as a substituteMinimum Qualifications:High School Diploma or EquivalentSix months of recent experience in the legal field or a highly technical, customer focused, administrative positionOR Equivalent education and experienceKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesExperience using electronic applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and the ability to learn job related softwareExperience providing exceptional customer service while working under pressure in a high volume, fast-paced environmentAbility to multitask and prioritize duties while remaining flexible and adaptable to changeAbility to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, including the handling of sensitive and confidential mattersAbility to read, comprehend and explain rules, statutes, legal documents, policies and procedures of varying complexityAbility to establish and maintain respectful, and effective working relationships with othersAbility to work in an inclusive, multicultural environment and professionally exhibit cultural sensitivityAbility to begin new tasks with little supervision while maintaining a high degree of accuracy in work product and demonstrating attention to detailAbility to make independent judgments and decisionsExcellent customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to de-escalate difficult interactionsReliable with the ability to meet commitments of work dutiesPreferred QualificationsAssociates or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Business Administration or a related fieldExperience working in the legal field or court settingExtensive knowledge of current court policies, procedures, processes, and terminologyKnowledge and experience with Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) and eFile and Serve (EFS)We have comprehensive benefits, to learn more click here.SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK. Employment offers maybe rescinded if the required criminal background check identifies job related convictions.Current judicial branch employees must have satisfactory performance and no documented disciplinary action in the preceding 12 months.Once the six month probationary period is successfully completed, there is potential for a hybrid work option. About Us
Why Work for Us? Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another's growth.
Employee Benefits The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family's wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at ...@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Internal Applicants If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.