Tribal Court - Court Clerk - Child Support

Position Summary

Provides clerical support and records management for the operation of the Tribal Court specializing in child support cases and support services for the Tribal Court Judges. Position subject to funding.

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and impartiality as court personnel.
• Maintain court records, files, and other records.
• Accurately record details of all courtroom proceedings.
• Maintain the court calendar and ensure the docket is prepared one week in advance for the presiding Judge.
• Oversee issuance of summons, subpoenas, orders, and other necessary documents.
• Receive and review court filings for completeness and conformity to requirements, determining whether each document should be accepted or denied.
• Complete data entry and record keeping accurately.
• Receive and review fines and fees; perform accounting and record‑keeping.
• Assist the public, attorneys, law enforcement, social services, and other agencies in submitting filings, explaining how to amend filings without providing legal advice.
• Affix stamps and appropriate seals to accepted filings, provide copies, file originals, note actions, and ensure filings are presented to the presiding judge.
• Verify, enter, retrieve, correct, and update information in manual and automated record‑keeping systems.
• Organize work responsibilities, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Apply knowledge of the Puyallup Tribal Code and the tribal judicial system, learning and applying legal terminology.
• Prepare and review court documentation (orders, etc.) as directed by the presiding judge.
• Contact parties by telephone or e‑mail as required by the presiding judge.
• Assist with the legal and administrative needs of a jury trial as directed.
• Attend and participate in trainings and meetings.
• Uphold all court policies and procedures.
• Operate copiers, computers, Zoom audio/video, phones, and fax machine.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Court Clerk, Court Administrator, Chief Judge, Associate Judges, and Pro Tempore Judges.
• Assist in the deposit of funds to accounting for tribal court fines and fees.
• Assist in drafting the court’s standard operating procedures.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

• High School Diploma or GED required; two years related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Intermediate experience and knowledge using word processing and spreadsheets (Word, Excel, Access, etc.) required.
• Preference for at least two years experience in legal procedure for civil traffic, child welfare, juvenile, criminal, and child support policies and procedures (part‑time work prorated).

• Ability to interact tactfully and positively with tribal members, all levels of staff, and management.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and professional correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups or co‑workers.
• Mathematical skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, calculating rates, ratios, percentages, and interpreting bar graphs.
• Reasoning skills: deal with problems involving several concrete variables; solve practical problems and apply common sense to instructions.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication; strong customer‑service skills.
• Remain calm and defuse tense situations; maintain impartiality.
• Culturally sensitive in a diverse society.

Must be able to pass a background check prior to and periodically during employment. Must be willing to attend child support specific training.

• Frequently required to sit; use hands, talk, or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities: close and distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The work environment is an office setting with moderate noise. This position may require adhering to updated duties and responsibilities as needs arise.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Indian Preference is required by law.