Court Clerk - Garnishments​/Magistrate Court

Job Title

Clerk of Court

The purpose of this job is to assist in providing clerical support to Athens Clarke County Magistrate Court. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the processing of all garnishment duties required under OCGA §18.

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

General Duties:

• Reviews for accuracy, and processes affidavits for garnishment as received into court; includes the docketing, indexing and filing of same.
• Check for refiles/multiples. Cross-reference all Garnishment refiles/multiples.
• Present new filings to Judge for approval prior. Ring and Initiate all new, approved, Garnishment cases.
• Prepare garnishment answer forms as needed.
• Prepare all Garnishment cases for service by Sheriff or approved Private Process Server, as required by state law.
• Mail copies of filings to Plaintiff, including a second set, for service on Defendant as required by state law.
• Docket Garnishment Service and file.
• Set up AR accounts for new cases that receive payments.
• Pull files and ring all Garnishment money answers daily. Maintain accurate balances and alert Clerk of Court of any errors, or anomalies.
• Docket and file all Garnishment Notice to Defendant, Orders, Dismissals, Releases, and Answers.
• Prepare and mail Clerk's Release for all cases as required by new State law.
• Schedule and prepare Hearing Notices for all Garnishment hearings including Traverse, Defendant Claims, Requests for Default Judgment, and Motions to Modify Default Judgments on Garnishee.
• Prepare Hold Memos and Deposit Memos as needed.
• Alert Clerk of Court of any anomalies, over payments, etc regarding money answers.
• Maintain accurate records for office budget and State reporting requirements.
• Attend monthly garnishee payee meetings.
• Prepare and review FIFA's, process requests for interrogatories, process record search requests.
• Answers incoming telephone calls, provides accurate information, direct calls to appropriate staff/departments, and/or relays messages timely.
• Rotate opening/closing of office. Cover counter duties and courtroom duties, as assigned.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by Chief Judge, Judges, Clerk of Court and Deputy Clerk.
• Assumes responsibility for the correctness of spelling, punctuation, forma, and grammar.
• Cross-train with other Magistrate Court departments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Georgia law and government policies, court procedures, and activities of the Magistrate Court as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Court Clerk.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
• Knowledge of legal data including warrants, subpoenas, information, procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.
• Ability to operate computer applications utilizing word processing and database programs, and the ability to learn and comprehend various tasks performed on computer relating to the operation of the court.
• Ability to operate of various office equipment including computers, copiers, scanners, calculators, paper shredders and fax machines.
• Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of legal and financial records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to office policy and State regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, other staff members and the public at large.
• Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to handle required calculations.
• Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
• Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to comprehend laws and apply regulations and procedures of the Court.
• Ability to learn and comprehend programs related to the specific tasks performed on computer.

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, typewriters, calculators, and copying machines. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.

Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.

DATA CONCEPTION:
Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:
Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes…