Job Description

The salary for this position is: $4,033 - $5,364 monthly.

This position has an anticipated end date of December 31, 2027.

The Thurston County Clerk's Office is looking to hire for the position of Judicial Information Specialist to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for those seeking entry level work in the court system, work in a great environment, and receive excellent benefits. Serves as primary customer service representative for the Clerk's Office. Responsible for initial intake and review of court-related documents ensuring the paperwork and/or file is complete and accurate. It is critical to identify and process court-ordered documents in an appropriate and timely manner. Provides technical assistance on detailed legal processes to the public, and researches questions Thurston County Clerk’s Office is seeking a professional, motivated, and dependable candidate and complaints.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Audits Superior Court records, in both paper and electronic formats, to ensure completeness and accuracy. Maintains detailed audit records to support records retention and authorized destruction processes.
• Acts as primary customer service representative for the Clerk's Office. Receives, monitors and processes case files and legal documents, maintains records, and prepares legal documents for court proceedings. Provides customers with technical assistance on detailed legal procedures and obtains additional information as needed.
• Reviews incoming documents, identifies court orders, and processes according to procedures. Verifies appropriate information is included on paperwork or in file to ensure accurate processing. Determines confidentiality level of case file for future examination by individuals.
• Reviews petitions, applications, affidavits, oaths and court orders prior to issuance of writs, subpoenas, letters testamentary and arrest warrants. Verifies the accuracy/completeness of legal documents identifying inconsistency with statutes and provides technical information for compliance.
• Assists public including attorneys, law enforcement, court and community agencies by answering inquiries, explaining detailed regulations, procedures and complex requirements of the judicial process. Analyzes case specifications and assists in the selection of appropriate mandatory forms required to proceed in court. Evaluates customer's need for domestic violence, harassment and/or restraining orders and assists customers in the preparation of documents for emergency matters.
• Enters and retrieves computer data. Utilizes statewide indexing and person database systems to conduct complex and extensive record searches.

To view the full job classification, click here: Clerk’s Judicial Information Specialist

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Work is performed primarily in an office environment with lifting required on occasion. A physical hazard may occur from agitated defendants awaiting or during trails or hearings.
• Schedule – Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via in-person, phone, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

The County Clerk has two departments: the Criminal and Civil Division and the Family, Juvenile and Probate/Guardianship Division. The Clerk’s office consists of the County Clerk, Chief Deputy Clerk, Managers and staff. The Clerk’s office is an integral part of the executive branch of government, in that it preserves for the public unfettered access to a fair, accurate, and independently established record of the opinions, decisions, and judgments of the court.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plansfor more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED, and one year of college in paralegal studies or other related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible office experience in a court or legal environment and customer service experience or training. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Typing and ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Edison M Herron, Chief Deputy Clerk, 360-709-3270 or 360-786-5743, Edison.herron@co.thurston.wa.us

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.