Court Clerk

Overview

Seattle Municipal Court's mission is to provide a forum for individuals to resolve alleged violations of the law in a respectful, independent, and impartial manner. The Court is dedicated to advancing social justice issues by supporting personal, structural, and systemic change in our community, and building a diverse workforce. Candidates with the ability to effectively work with multi-cultural communities are encouraged to apply.

The Clerk's Office is recruiting to fill three Court Clerk vacancies. The Clerk's Office service area is part of the Court’s Operations Division, supporting courtrooms, records management, and jury services. Court Clerks primarily work in criminal and formal courtrooms, where they prepare the official record of proceedings using SMC’s case management system and audio-recording software, review dispositional documents with individuals, and coordinate transportation for people in custody.

They act as a liaison between the judges, magistrates, defense attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, interpreters, and other criminal justice partners.

You will be successful in this role if you have a commitment for:

• Public service and being part of the justice system
• Working in a fast-paced collaborative work environment
• Providing excellent customer service
• Learning new systems

• Be an active listener and utilize good communication skills.
• Learn and adapt to frequent changes in law, policy, work assignments, technology, processes, and procedures.
• Exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and interact tactfully and impartially when assisting individuals in courtroom settings—particularly those experiencing heightened emotions or distress and who may benefit from de‑escalation strategies.
• Multi-task accurately and independently while paying careful attention to the details.
• Maintain flexibility and professionalism while working in all aspects of the job.
• Navigate frequent change with a positive attitude.
• Remain calm, positive, and have a sense of humor while working in a tense environment.

• Working inside or in support of a courtroom.
• Using Outlook, Word, Excel, and database computer programs with intermediate proficiency.

Minimum Qualifications: Equivalent of one year of experience in a court clerk or other similarly related experience, or a combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position.

Examples of related experience may include: accurately record and maintain database entries, manage large and complex calendars, transcription (transcribing meeting minutes, faculty lectures or medical information), handle sensitive/confidential information, work with executives and the public providing guidance around rules, policies, procedures and/or laws.

• This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
• The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Salary: The full salary range for this role is $37.73 - $43.93 per hour. New employees begin at Step…