Court Bailiff/Clerk

SUMMARY This position will serve as a Court Bailiff/Clerk under the direct supervision of the Court Administrator and Tribal Judge. The Court Bailiff/Clerk works with a variety of court personnel, government workers and lawyers. Although their primary role is to maintain order and provide security, many of their day-to-day duties are administrative in nature.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have first aid CPR/AED Training.
• Must have a Chauffeur's License.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Open, process, close and summarize cases. Log cases into database, process complaints, answer pleadings, distribute and file documents within legal timeframes.
• Coordinate services of process, prepare legal documents and enter default judgments, orders and other judgments.
• Develop court forms in compliance with tribal statues, ordinances, codes, etc.
• Receive, record and deposit fees, fines, court costs, reimbursements, restitution and all other monies and/or property utilizing tribal accounting procedures.
• Develop court files for every court case. Document all case activity and pertinent case information in computer and court files.
• Provide information to attorneys, law enforcement officers, plaintiffs, defendants, court patrons and agencies regarding court policies and procedures, case status, jurisdiction, and scheduling of court hearings.
• Schedule court proceedings and issue proper notices to appropriate parties.
• Process garnishments, withholdings and other post-judgment matters. Prepare writs of garnishment, habeas corpus, audit garnishment, per cap accounts and judgment balances; prepare and process orders to pay and/or release funds.
• Attend court hearings as Court Recorder and schedule subsequent hearings as needed.
• Ensure case files are prepared and available for scheduled proceedings.
• Ensure clients and visitors check in upon arrival to the tribal court building.
• Assist court staff with clerical tasks.
• Maintain in/out schedules/itineraries of tribal court personnel.
• Act as Court Marshal with powers of arrest.
• May also serve bench warrants or make arrests when Judge sentences from the bench, an individual reports to the Court on a bench warrant, when a crime occurs within the building, or as otherwise requested.
• Serve notice for court hearings, protection orders, civil lawsuits, garnishments and asset seizures.
• Transport prisoners to and from the courtroom.
• Copy and post daily case schedules.
• Maintain courtroom supplies such as paper, pencils, water, Kleenex tissues and other materials as necessary for use during court proceedings.
• Prepare bond forms, criminal offense citations, civil rights forms, rights/waiver to attorney forms for distribution to defendants before arraignments.
• Perform security checks such as wand detection and/or physical inspection of individuals and materials before they enter the courtroom.
• Ensure courtrooms and jury rooms are neat and orderly.
• Sign in all persons appearing for court and ensure that each is on the docket.
• Open court and inform Judge that court is ready.
• Call witnesses and administer oaths to witnesses.
• Escort defendants to and from the courtroom.
• Prevent smoking, noise or other distractions in the courtroom during hearings.
• Take custody of defendants in the courtroom and transport them to appropriate correctional facilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by judiciary.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be punctual and be a self-starter and ability to work well with others.
• Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Exceptional knowledge of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct regarding attorneys.
• Working knowledge of the GTB Tribal Code, particularly the Criminal Code and all Court Rules (especially procedure).
• Remain current regarding changes in tribal law and Federal Indian law, as they relate to GTB.
• Work requires proficiency in computers, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and other Microsoft office products and database applications as well as legal research data bases.
• Reasonable familiarity of state and federal laws required.
• Knowledge of office management, record keeping and data management.
• Ability to work under pressure and in often volatile situations.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and to take on additional responsibilities when asked.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of ages.
• Possess basic mathematical skills with an outgoing personality
• Prefer previous customer service and legal office experience.
• Should have first aid CPR/AED Training.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess valid Chauffeur's License.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.
• Must provide MVR report.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment such as, calculators, computers, modem, copiers, fax, phone systems, and other courtroom equipment, etc.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting heavy objects, such as a case of paper or several books at once. This position requires self-defense or specialized weapon permits/training and will be required to use reasonable and appropriate physical force to detain or defuse a situation when necessary.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The employee uses judgment in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use, or in determining which of several established alternatives to use. Some deadlines are involved, so there is time pressure on occasion. Occasional weekend or evening hours required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A good deal of work is performed in an office environment, but it is important to realize that some of the work is in the offices of the various tribal properties and that you are expected to go on-site on a regular basis. In addition, the court requires personal contact with offenders and their families and work with other court and tribal personnel.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Court Bailiff/Clerk Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians