Court Clerk
Have you always thought that working in the Court system was only for judges and attorneys? There are many interesting opportunities and challenges available to you as a Court Clerk at Bellingham Municipal Court. Join our team providing access to justice and excellent service to our community. As a Court clerk you will perform courtroom operation functions which include scheduling and docketing; coordinating cases with the law and justice community and the public; and arrangements for bench and jury trials. Probation tracking functions include acting as the judge's liaison and compliance officer for court-ordered probation or evaluation processes, pre- or post-trial, involving misdemeanor offenders. Accounting functions include booking and adjusting court and parking fines, fees, time payment agreements, collection accounts, and Department of Licensing releases. Mail and counter receipting of cash, credit cards, and checks; daily reconciliation and preparation of bank deposits; intake of bail bonds and trust fund deposits. The Court Clerk works to minimize errors in court processes and procedures or identifies ethical breaches which may impact case disposition and involve substantial liability and judicial consequences for the citizen, City, or Court Clerk. The clerk ensures compliance with Washington State and local court rules and procedures by following designed procedures, processes and systems. This position will start at Step 1 ($29.90/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $29.90 - $39.01. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families Life insurance and long-term disability coverage Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month. Essential functions include preparing files for court use, assisting the Municipal Court judge, providing customer services, exercising judgment in taking appropriate remedial action, acting as bailiff for jury trials, assisting in scheduling hearings, coordinating day-to-day activities, and ensuring the accuracy of records pertaining to case dispositions and convictions. Additional work performed includes telephone responsibilities, assisting with organizing and maintaining databases, assisting with training assignments, and assisting other staff during peak workloads or absences. The working environment includes a courtroom and fast-paced office environment, with exposure to pathogens, hostile language, and physical harm. Physical ability includes operating a computer, communicating verbally, moving between work sites, and occasional lifting of boxes or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs. Experience and Training
Two years of clerical work, bookkeeping or customer service. OR Two years of related college level education. Ability to type 45 wpm NET Necessary Special Requirements
Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions and local background check (See Fair Hiring Practices). Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire. Some assignments may require access to law enforcement databases. Access to these databases requires fingerprinting and a more extensive examination of an individual's criminal history. Must be willing to sign confidentiality agreements with the State of Washington and the Court in regard to ethical standards and database access and use. May be required to work overtime as required for jury trials or to process materials with legal deadlines. Selection Process
All applications will be forwarded to the Bellingham Municipal Court for review. Candidates selected to participate in further assessment will be notified directly by the Bellingham Municipal Court. Equal Opportunity: The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment. Fair Hiring Practices: The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment. The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made. The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied. The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.
Have you always thought that working in the Court system was only for judges and attorneys? There are many interesting opportunities and challenges available to you as a Court Clerk at Bellingham Municipal Court. Join our team providing access to justice and excellent service to our community. As a Court clerk you will perform courtroom operation functions which include scheduling and docketing; coordinating cases with the law and justice community and the public; and arrangements for bench and jury trials. Probation tracking functions include acting as the judge's liaison and compliance officer for court-ordered probation or evaluation processes, pre- or post-trial, involving misdemeanor offenders. Accounting functions include booking and adjusting court and parking fines, fees, time payment agreements, collection accounts, and Department of Licensing releases. Mail and counter receipting of cash, credit cards, and checks; daily reconciliation and preparation of bank deposits; intake of bail bonds and trust fund deposits. The Court Clerk works to minimize errors in court processes and procedures or identifies ethical breaches which may impact case disposition and involve substantial liability and judicial consequences for the citizen, City, or Court Clerk. The clerk ensures compliance with Washington State and local court rules and procedures by following designed procedures, processes and systems. This position will start at Step 1 ($29.90/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $29.90 - $39.01. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families Life insurance and long-term disability coverage Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month. Essential functions include preparing files for court use, assisting the Municipal Court judge, providing customer services, exercising judgment in taking appropriate remedial action, acting as bailiff for jury trials, assisting in scheduling hearings, coordinating day-to-day activities, and ensuring the accuracy of records pertaining to case dispositions and convictions. Additional work performed includes telephone responsibilities, assisting with organizing and maintaining databases, assisting with training assignments, and assisting other staff during peak workloads or absences. The working environment includes a courtroom and fast-paced office environment, with exposure to pathogens, hostile language, and physical harm. Physical ability includes operating a computer, communicating verbally, moving between work sites, and occasional lifting of boxes or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs. Experience and Training
Two years of clerical work, bookkeeping or customer service. OR Two years of related college level education. Ability to type 45 wpm NET Necessary Special Requirements
Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions and local background check (See Fair Hiring Practices). Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire. Some assignments may require access to law enforcement databases. Access to these databases requires fingerprinting and a more extensive examination of an individual's criminal history. Must be willing to sign confidentiality agreements with the State of Washington and the Court in regard to ethical standards and database access and use. May be required to work overtime as required for jury trials or to process materials with legal deadlines. Selection Process
All applications will be forwarded to the Bellingham Municipal Court for review. Candidates selected to participate in further assessment will be notified directly by the Bellingham Municipal Court. Equal Opportunity: The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment. Fair Hiring Practices: The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment. The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made. The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied. The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.