Basic Functions and Responsibilities:

The Apprentice Court Clerk position is an entry level position in a court within the Missouri State Court System, which utilizes an electronic filing system.

Work initially is under close supervision while the incumbent learns general office knowledge and specific court policies and procedures. Work involves responsibility for court case processing which may require the application of independent judgment and the application of statutes, policies, and regulations. Work requires frequent interaction with the public providing exceptional customer service. Work may also involve financial record keeping within an automated case management system, providing direct support for a circuit judge or associate circuit judge providing a full range of responsibilities within the division's jurisdiction.

Job Duties:
Perform advanced clerical work in the Probate - Records/Copy Department which includes the following: E-filed documents - reviewing legal and court documents being E-filed for completeness, accuracy and compliance with Missouri Statutes and Local Court Rules; accepting or rejecting E-filed documents; assigning E-filed documents to appropriate clerks for processing; Incoming mail - retrieves incoming mail from non-attorneys; opens, sorts, enter docket codes and scans paper documents; assigns to appropriate clerks for processing; Receptionist -screens and refers to the appropriate department all callers and visitors to the court; Information Booth - handles inquiries from public at the Information Booth on the Street level; Files for Courtroom Dockets -reviews and corrects electronic version of files for use with E-Bench; Courtroom Clerk -sets up and tests FTR Gold sound recording equipment for hearings for both Commissioners; checks in parties for hearings and notifies the division clerk/Commissioner what parties are here and ready to proceed; requesting conference with Commissioner; or requesting continuance of hearing; records and monitors all hearings; acts as bailiff for Commissioners hearings; Copy Department -intake of all requests for copies (plain; certified or authenticated) of court documents-phone, fax, email, mail and in person; prepares requested copies; contacts requesting parties when order complete or if problem with request; processes Orders for Change of Venue; Supply Room Assistance -works closely with Probate Manager in maintaining Probate Supply Room; and any other duties as assigned.

Characteristic Duties:

(The following duties are representative of this position, not comprehensive.)

Performs case processing in receiving and initiating case files; performs technical duties such as reviewing judgments, preparing warrants, summonses and garnishments and executions, bond settings and docket control.

Reviews legal documents for necessary information required for filing; determines processing required and takes necessary action in accordance with court rules requiring a detailed knowledge of applicable terminology, rules and procedures.

Performs accounting duties in receiving and disbursing monies, reconciles financial accounts, and prepares daily and monthly financial reports.

Provides information and customer assistance in person, via telephone, email or other mediums (without giving legal advice) (i.e., pro se litigants, attorneys, reporters, law enforcement, other judicial agencies, co-workers, supervisors, and judges).

Prepares a variety of documents related to court operations including court orders, court calendars, notices of hearings, court appearances, or reports; coordinates the flow of documents necessary for court assignments; and properly queues electronically filed proceedings for processing.

Serves in the courtroom, swears in litigants and witnesses, operates electronic sound recording equipment, makes docket entries to reflect case progress, and performs other courtroom related duties.

Prepares juror lists and performs related work involving summonses, appearances and payments of jurors using an automated jury management system.

Contacts attorneys and other court personnel to resolve technical discrepancies with court filings.

Enter orders, court dates, pleadings, and other court maters.

Creates and processes copies of official legal documents.

Interacts with the public in a timely and courteous manner

Minimum Qualifications:

(Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis provided that a high school diploma or GED has been obtained):

• Associate's Degree in a related field or at least 60 semester hours from an institution of higher learning

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(This job description does not include specific physical requirements necessary to perform the job, such as, carrying, standing and lifting. Such requirements vary from position to position and may be determined by the appointing authority.)

Ability to comprehend court procedures and policies, legal documents, laws and legal factors pertaining to the court.

Ability to gain working knowledge of organization operations, functions and scope of authority of the court.

Ability to work independently and manage time effectively while handling a high-volume workload in an environment subject to frequently changing priorities and high stress

Ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions in accordance with general policy and objectives

Ability to maintain a variety of complex records and prepare reports from an automated system

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, in a tactful and courteous manner with diverse parties

Ability to work with minimal supervision and follow oral and written instructions

Requires strong time management and organization skills with the ability to be detail oriented