Job Description

Posting number: 27-00159

Department: 444 Judicial

Job classification: GENERIC CLASS SPEC

Posting type: Open

Categories: Clerical & Data Entry, Legal, Customer Service, Office and Administrative Support

Job Title: Judicial Operations Clerk - Criminal

The Iowa Judicial Branch is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Judicial Operations Clerk - Criminal to join the Polk County Clerk of Court team.

The Judicial Operations Clerk - Criminal is responsible for processing and managing criminal case documents submitted by external filers to include attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and the general public, as well as materials received internally from judges and court staff. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to provide high-customer service to a diverse range of individuals. The Criminal Clerk ensures accurate recordkeeping, timely workflow, and compliance with applicable laws, rules, and procedures.

Opportunity for weekend overtime/comp after successful completion of probation.

What’s in it for you:

• Collaborative, positive professional work environment
  • Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
  • Excellent benefits package
  • Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
  • Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) plan
  • Employee discount program
  • Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.

The pay range for this position is $21.98 - $34.74per hour. This is a contract-covered, FLSA non-exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.

Position classification is determined as the ‘best fit’ of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a Judicial Operations Clerk as summarized below.

Perform customer service, clerical, and administrative work necessary for court operations.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide customer service by responding to inquiries from the general public, attorneys, and court employees.
• Assist court users with resources, equipment, and services.
• Perform routine court operations paper and electronic documentation tasks and filing in accordance with established procedures.
• Review, process, update, and publish information, documents, files, orders, warrants, judgment notifications, and other materials for completeness and accuracy.
• Perform basic bookkeeping and accounting tasks, including cashier duties and processing.
• Assist courtroom preparations for appropriate proceedings, including electronic device setup and digital recording management software use.
• Provide office support such as maintaining organization, equipment, and supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity and understanding of court operation support, record keeping, and filing.
• Basic computer database, software, and math skills.
• Ability to secure confidential data and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to www.iowacourts.gov and click on the Careers page.

Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Iowa Council 61, AFL-CIO (AFSCME).

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the “To Apply” section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

Qualifications

The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.

1. High school diploma (or high school equivalency diploma).
2. One (1) year of full-time equivalent professional office experience in business support, court, or legal support.

Experience may be substituted with related education on the basis that successful completion of thirty (30) semester hours or academic equivalent equals one year of experience.

Additional Information

May be designated to give bond per Iowa Code §602.8101.3

Supplemental information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a court, legal, or criminal justice setting.
• Experience with case management or document management systems.
• Familiarity with legal terminology, filing procedures, or judicial processes.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
• Bilingual, Spanish language preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar office software.