Court Operations Associate, Ramsey County, Criminal Division

The Second Judicial District Criminal/Traffic Division is accepting applications for a Court Operations Associate. This Court Operations Associate position is a fast paced, highly detail-oriented position with a variety of responsibilities such as performing advanced clerical work, providing customer service and ensuring compliance with applicable court rules, policies, and standards to achieve an impartial, accessible, fair, and timely system of justice. 

Court Operations Associates work individually and in teams to provide professional, fair, impartial, and accessible court experience. This role requires dedication to providing excellent customer service, strong attention to detail, and the application of sound, quick, independent judgment.

Work requires the exercise of judgment in accordance with instructions, rules of court, state statutes, court and office policies, and procedures.  Work is evaluated for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and adherence to guidelines and requirements.  Positions in this classification receive occasional assistance as new or unusual situations arise.  Advice and assistance will normally be provided by a Court Operations Supervisor, a Court Operations Lead Worker and/or a Court Operations Specialist.   

This position will work onsite for the first six months of employment and possible remote opportunities upon successful completion of probation period and depending on business need. This position will be primarily based out of the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center (LEC) but, may travel to all court locations in Ramsey County including the Kellogg (St. Paul) Courthouse and the Suburban Courthouse. A reliable internet connection will be required if working remotely. 

Responsibilities

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position.

• Provide courtroom support by working with Judges, court reporters and other justice partners.
• Attend court daily in person and assist by calling cases, taking minutes and handling documents in the courtroom.
• Review legal documents, determine necessary processing required and take actions in accordance with court rules and procedures. 
• Performs clerical duties in the courtroom while court is in session, on all types of calendars.
• Prepare court calendars and forms for court.
• Checks people in and call the court calendar.
• Administers oaths for interpreters and defendants.  
• Accurately enter required permanent court record information such as case/citation events, activity, and documents into Minnesota Courts Information System (MNCIS).
• Schedules and maintains court calendars; assigns cases to regularly scheduled calendars; updates, reschedules, and assign cases as necessary.
• Operates standard office equipment such as a computer, printer, scanner and / or copier.
• May perform financial activities, including receipting of payments, reconciling own cash drawer, and handling and reconciling monies.
• Review reports and take necessary action in accordance with established procedures and/or court rules.
• Determine processing required and take necessary action in accordance with court rules or refers to highly complex matters to a Court Operations Supervisor, Lead worker, and/or Specialist.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, court case parties, court staff, attorneys, judicial officers, and the public.
• Attend and participate in division/team meetings and training; maintain knowledge of court policies, processes, and procedures.
• Other administrative duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, please consider applying.

• Graduation from approved high school or equivalent.  
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting a high customer service demand and a high level of accuracy.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.  
• Ability to learn computer programs and technology.
• Must be able to work at multiple locations and be able to travel between multiple locations within same day.
• Access to reliable internet connection while working remotely. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of courtroom decorum; 
• Knowledge of legal terminology; 
• Ability to speak in front of a large group of people; 
• Ability to communicate concisely and clearly, both verbally and in writing, as well as understand and follow verbal and written instructions; 
• Ability to and willingness to adapt to changing priorities, procedures, and job assignments; 
• Ability to take directions well and maintain a professional and positive attitude through challenging circumstances; 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced, stressful environment; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; 
• Ability to manage competing demands simultaneously;  
• Ability to work at multiple locations and remotely as scheduled.
   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Six months or more experience as a court clerk or in the legal field.
• Ability to communicate and work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual language skills to assist court users in languages other than English that are commonly spoken by Ramsey County court users, including Hmong, Somali, Spanish, and Karen.

Working Conditions

This position provides a high volume of customer service in-person at the service counter and over the phone. Work involves contact with persons who may be confused, upset, angry, abusive, or threatening. Work may involve exposure to calls and case records that may be disturbing.

Physical Demands

Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds. Some assignments may require periods of extended sitting, standing, or computer use.

Rate of Pay

The expected hiring range for this position for external candidates starts at $22.50/hour based on qualifications and experience.

Instructions to Apply:

This AFSCME-represented position is posted for bidding and internal/external application simultaneously and will be filled in accordance with the AFSCME contract.  

All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.

ABOUT US

Why Work for Us?

Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth. 

Employee Benefits

The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Career Opportunities - State Court Administrator's Office. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 2ndHR@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Internal Applicants

If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.

Questions:

Please contact Human Resources at 2nddistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.