Job Description

• The Starting Rate for this position is $23.22 per hour
• 35 hours per week

The Jury Clerk performs specialized and routine clerical activities associated with the administration of the court’s one–day, one–trial jury system. Compiles, verifies, evaluates, and processes a variety of data and information and updates/maintains the jury management system database. Uses established standards and independent judgment to evaluate and determine juror qualifications and/or requests for exemption or excusal. Interacts and deals with prospective jurors to resolve problems, answer questions, and/or provide special services or assistance.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Evaluates questionnaire information and determines eligibility and qualification to serve.
• Evaluates juror requests for excusal or deferment, determines adequacy of supporting information in conforming with existing guidelines, and makes appropriate decisions.
• Determines necessity for and processes various excusal/exemption letters, refusal letters, incomplete questionnaire inquiries, and follow-up letters to prospective jurors.
• Inputs juror information and correspondence into the jury management system database.
• Answers phone calls and responds to jurors' inquiries and questions relative to jury duty.
• Takes special actions as necessary to ensure that disabled or handicapped jurors are identified and that special accommodations are provided.
• Provides customer assistance for jurors, attorneys, and members of the public who enter the court administration office and jury assembly room to obtain information or assistance.
• Monitors and controls access to the secure corridor to the judicial chambers located on the fourth floor of the Services Center.
• Receives, sorts, and distributes incoming mail. As requested or required, answers telephones and takes messages for other staff while away from the office.
• Scans juror questionnaires and correspondence to the jury management system database.
• Performs various other duties as may be assigned on a temporary basis.

Jury Room Assignment Essential Functions:

• Coordinates with the jury program supervisor on a daily basis to ascertain the need for and number of jurors to be called for the following day. Enters appropriate information into the computer system and prepares a daily pre-recorded telephone message for jurors to hear and verify their selection for jury duty.
• Maintains juror attendance records and prepares juror payroll.
• Prepares jury panel lists and assures the return of said lists to the jury room.
• Prepares reports for Court Administration. Prepares state-mandated reports such as the Juror Compensation and Jury Utilization Reports, and any other required reports.
• Prepares juror no-show reports and follows up on letters that are required to be sent. Maintains files and timelines regarding double no-show jurors for subsequent hearings.
• Prepares and reconciles juror parking reports for the Reading Parking Authority. Enters juror license plate information in the Reading Parking Authority’s database.
• Prepares and reconciles juror meal reports for payment.
• Provides support to the Jury Program Supervisor during juror check-in and orientation.
• Prepares employer letters for jurors each day jurors report.
• Prepares and maintains Grand Jury statistics and reports. Submits financial reports to the District Attorney’s Office.
• Completes assigned tasks as designated by the Deputy Court Administrator and Jury Program Supervisor.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency.
• A minimum of two (2) years of related experience in a general office environment which provided experience in customer service or dealing with the public, typing and the use of general office equipment and varied computer operations or data input experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply jury-related statutes, local rules, and procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to and interact with the public and with irritated individuals in a calm and amiable manner.
• Ability to independently resolve jury-related problems and use judgment to make routine decisions.
• Ability to input data and use automated data processing equipment.
• Knowledge of office methods, practices, and procedures, and ability to use basic mathematics.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Us:

Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other ​county information, this is the place to start.