Job Description

The Third Judicial District is seeking a Court Operations Associate to join the Steele County Court Administrationteam in Owatonna, MN.

The Court Operations Associate position is a fast paced, highly detail orientated position with a variety of responsibilities such as performing advanced clerical work, extensive work in the courtroom including live case updating while court is in session, providing exceptional customer service, and ensuring compliance with applicable court rules, policies, and standards. This position will work directly with the public, judges and justice partners. Duties require the application of independent judgment and the interpretation of established laws, policies, procedures, regulations based on training and knowledge gained through experience on the job.

This AFSCME represented position is classified as a Court Operations Associate and located in the Steele County Courthouse, E. Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060. Standard business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

What You Will Do

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

• Performs criminal courtroom clerking; prepares case files for court; checks people in, hosts Zoom for remote calendars as needed, swears in witnesses; live updates court files and completes other criminal case processing as needed.
• Enters manually or on computer system, required permanent record information, update case information, and generate legal documents as decisions are made by the court during proceedings; ensures that electronic messages containing custody, warrant and sentencing information are passing to partner agencies in a timely and accurate manner.
• Independently performs clerical court work relating to criminal case processing and other case types for Rice, Steele, and Waseca County Court Administration.
• Schedules court hearings and sends notices to parties/attorneys.
• Reviews legal documents for completeness, adequacy, accuracy and compliance with rules and statues; determines processing required and takes necessary action in accordance with applicable court rules and business practices or refers highly complex or unusual matters to a Lead Worker or Supervisor.
• Communicates courteously and effectively with court stakeholders by responding to requests for information, answering questions on court policies and procedures, and assisting with the processing of applications and documents.
• Performs customer service work quickly and courteously, in accordance with data privacy regulations and the most current rules/policies; access information on appropriate computer system(s) to respond to questions/inquiries regarding court procedures and case status.
• May perform financial activities including calculating costs and amounts due; receipting fines, fees, and bail via counter and mail payments; balancing tills and preparing and making bank deposits.
• Administrative duties as assigned.

What You Must Have

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, apply today!

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of relevant job experience or greater, which may include but is not limited to customer service, administrative work, office, and clerical work

Nice to Have

• Certificate or degree in a related field
• Considerable knowledge of court procedures, policies, and records management
• Experience working with the court's electronic case processing system

What You Will Bring

• Ability to learn rules of court, state statutes, case processing, policies, and procedures of the area of court assigned
• Knowledge of basic math
• Skill in navigating difficult situations and resolving conflict in a respectful and courteous manner
• Ability to effectively support court users who have limited experience with the judicial system
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service while working under pressure in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer, including electronic case management system and related applications and equipment
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and in compliance with all applicable court rules, policies, and statutes
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Well organized, detail oriented, and analytical

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 - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers 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 3rdDistrictHR@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
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