Court Clerk II

About the Role

The position of Court Clerk II involves diverse responsibilities connected with court administration, including managing traffic tickets, warrants, payments, and court documents. This role requires solid legal knowledge, strong computer proficiency, multitasking abilities, and excellent customer service skills. The clerk supports court proceedings by organizing schedules, handling communications, and maintaining detailed records.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage collection and accountability of traffic tickets and warrants by accurate data entry, payment receipt, deposit preparation, correspondence preparation, and maintaining logs.
• Verify docket citations for infractions and misdemeanors issued by local police, and maintain orderly records and filing systems.
• Organize court calendars, issue appearance notices, and distribute schedules to relevant legal and community agencies.
• File court-related documents and enter data into computer systems.
• Receive bail forfeitures and fine payments; issue receipts and keep accurate financial records.
• Complete citation dispositions, necessary court paperwork, payment forms, community service forms, and distribute accordingly.
• Generate court documents like jail commitment orders and warrants for judge’s signature.
• Proofread all materials to ensure accuracy, proper format, grammar, and completeness.
• Attend court sessions to annotate proceedings and serve as court session recorder.
• Provide courteous assistance to court participants in person and via telephone, responding appropriately within the scope of authority and referring complex issues upward.
• Maintain communication and record-keeping duties required for court operations.
• Handle routine correspondence, answer inquiries, take messages, and make referrals as needed.
• Type, proofread, and disseminate confidential orders, docket entries, and correspondence.
• Ensure proper operation of courtroom recording equipment for accurate documentation.
• Maintain docket files, update case entries, apply file stamps, and facilitate document flow securely and confidentially.
• Create a variety of court orders such as warrants, subpoenas, commitment orders, bond conditions, payment schedules, motions, trial requests, background checks, etc.
• Act as liaison between judges and numerous city and county agencies.
• Handle bond forfeitures and fine payments, issue correct change, and update relevant state departments with compliance forms.
• Assist participants by resolving issues quickly and accurately through research and communication.
• Maintain judge’s calendar, schedule hearings, meetings, and jury lists, ensuring management is informed of juror status changes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Deputy Clerk or Court Administrator, including assisting with cashiering and customer service.
• Process mail and maintain a comprehensive filing system for case files, warrants, correspondence, and court documents.
• Support judges, police officers, and court staff with clerical, administrative, and judicial tasks.
• Use office equipment such as computers, typewriters, printers, adding machines, tape recorders, telephones, copiers, and fax machines efficiently.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One to two years of relevant legal or office experience and/or formal training.
• Strong knowledge of legal terminology, South Carolina court administration laws, and office procedures.
• Proficient reading, writing, and verbal communication skills to ensure clear interaction with court participants.
• Competent computer skills including data entry, use of various software programs, and office communication systems.
• Basic mathematical abilities to handle currency, compute fines, and balance accounts accurately.
• Excellent reasoning skills and ability to analyze complex situations and make sound judgments under pressure.
• Capacity to maintain confidentiality, use good judgment, and stay neutral in all dealings with court participants.
• Ability to multitask efficiently and adapt to changing responsibilities swiftly.
• Must complete criminal justice information security training every three years and annual victim service provider training.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Job performed in a secured facility; successful background check required.
• Office setting with moderate noise levels and frequent exposure to sensitive information.
• Physical demands include walking, pushing, pulling, reaching, kneeling, crouching, stooping, and periods of sitting.

Customer Service Expectations

Provides professional, courteous engagement with all court participants and staff. Demonstrates active listening and diligent follow-through to ensure participants’ concerns are resolved effectively.