Court Clerk - Magistrate II

Position

Purpose:

Manages office operations associated with circuit and magistrate court cases filed with the court by planning, organizing, and directing procedures and supervising personnel assigned to the court clerk magistrate's office to ensure compliance with rules and regulations set by the Unified Judicial System (UJS) and South Dakota statutes. Duties may include:

• Supervising staff, ensuring completion of workloads, organizing staff meetings, and communicating via telephone and e‑mail.
• Managing and processing case types (e.g., criminal, juvenile, traffic ticket, civil, child support, divorce, probate, protection order, guardianship, trust, adoption, mental illness, involuntary commitment, small claim, pardon, expungement, pro se, etc.) according to procedural guidelines and rules, and ensuring files are correct and complete.
• Performing administrative tasks to ensure the work of the unit and the court is accomplished according to applicable procedural guidelines and protocols.
• Managing receipt and disbursement of money collected by the court (bonds, alimony child support, prepaid attorneys' fees, scram, drug testing, fines, costs, restitutions, filing fees, etc.) according to established accounting and collections procedures and protocols.
• Providing customer service by answering questions from, and maintaining working relationships with a wide variety of sources, including public and county officials, collection agencies, law enforcement, abstract offices, attorneys, media, lending institutions, defendants and their families, judges, and other staff to assist them with court functions and to facilitate positive public relations.
• Performing clerk magistrate duties as assigned to assist the circuit court in disposing of civil actions and to provide direct court contact for average citizens.
• Implementing jury management procedures by preparing a master jury list, grand jury list, and petit trial lists to ensure an adequate number of jurors are available for scheduled and pending hearings.
• Performing other work as assigned.

High school diploma or possession of a GED Certificate. Three years of applicable experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Supervisory experience preferred but not required. Certification in a Court Management Program (CMP) or Court Executive Development Program (CEDP) through the National Center for State Courts is preferred. Upon hire, the successful applicant must meet the following requirements before beginning employment:

• MUST BE A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES.
• RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
• A VOTING RESIDENT WITHIN THE CIRCUIT (SD CONST. ART. V, SECTION
  6).

Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

• The organization, rules, and procedures of the Unified Judicial System.
• South Dakota Codified Laws.
• Policies and procedures of circuit districts and local circuit courts.
• Principles and practices of case management and processing.
• Computer codes and software programs used by the UJS.
• Civil fees and costs required or authorized by law.
• Policies and practices of human resources management.
• General office practices.
• Accounting principles and practices.
• Policies governing legal information and legal advice.
• Legal terminology.

• Data entry and word processing.
• Critical thinking.
• Organizing and prioritizing work.
• Time management.
• Perseverance.

• Remain neutral and objective while providing information and assistance to a wide variety of agencies and individuals.
• Work with irate and unhappy litigants and recognize and defuse unacceptable behaviors.
• Manage stress.
• Adapt and work effectively in changing situations and with varying individuals.
• Acquire and analyze information from various sources and draw conclusions.
• Assess procedures and recommend improvements.
• Pay attention to details and recognize and resolve errors.
• Speak in public.

The State of South Dakota, Unified Judicial System does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I‑9. The Unified Judicial System as an employer will be using E‑Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'