Court Clerk

The Town of Cottage Grove is seeking applicants for a Court Clerk to start as soon as possible. This position reports directly to the Municipal Court Judge and averages 10-15 office hours per week, in addition to Court that is held one night each month, plus additional hours as needed to meet the workload. Responsibilities include keeping official records of Municipal Court, staffing court proceedings, processing citations, and assisting the Judge in performing his/her statutory duties. Starting wage will be $22.00-$25.00 per hour.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain court case files, paper and electronic. Prepare court dockets and calendars for scheduled appearances, pre-trials, motion hearings, restitution hearings, refusal hearings, judicial reviews.
• Coordinate overall court matters with all involved parties, including the municipal judge, defendants, defense counsel, municipal prosecutor, police department, and other criminal justice or social service agencies.
• Coordinate overall court matters with all involved parties, including the municipal judge, defendants, defense counsel, municipal prosecutor, police department, and other criminal justice or social service agencies.
• Tracks court cases and court-ordered actions
• Data entry for court records to include dispositions, forfeitures, appearances, court orders, Judge’s notes, enforcements, alternatives, attorney information, witnesses, payments and reviews.
• Maintain court software security and permissions per law and court rule.
• Answers phone calls to include assisting public, litigants, attorneys, state and local along with other agencies.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints with frequent public contact and communications over the telephone, email or in person
• Fills open records requests regarding applicable court case files to include certified records and notary requests
• Collect, receipt, and record payments of fines and forfeitures. Prepare deposits and balance cash receipts. Set-up and monitor payment schedules. Compile and submit financial reports to the appropriate agencies.
• Process court mail, complete forms, requests and responses.
• Assists Municipal Judge in the formulation and implementation of court rules, policies and court forms.
• Remains current in court law and operation with yearly attendance at the WI Municipal Court Clerk’s Seminar and other training opportunities as necessary.
• Issue documents (warrants, subpoenas, commitments, default letters, suspensions, notices, etc.) as required by the Judge
• Informs Law Enforcement Department of upcoming trial dates, arraignment dates, court policies or policy changes, law or bond schedule changes, warrant or commitment withdrawals.
• Attend all court sessions (consisting of one evening a month and occasional day court.)
• Prepare and maintain courtroom, court records, addendums, and payment notices. Provides necessary or requested files and addendums to prosecuting attorney.
• Secures substitute Judge or interpreters when needed
• Responds to written inquiries on behalf of the Judge
• Maintains electronic proceedings for trials and hearings
• Assists Judge in budget management and preparation.
• Purchases office supplies when needed.
• Files pending and completed cases. Maintains record retention as required by law.
• Performs any other duties as required by the Judge.

Requirements include working knowledge of computers and electronic date processing, working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, some knowledge of accounting principles and practices, ability to perform cashier duties accurately, ability to learn software specific to Municipal Court, ability to meet with and communicate effectively with customers and coworkers, and ability to provide exceptional customer service and handle stressful situations. A valid state driver's license and a criminal background check will be required.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 15 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cottage Grove, WI 53527