Under the supervision of the Chief Clerk of the Court, schedules District Court proceedings, including hearings, trials, sentencings, and other actions, for misdemeanor and felony violations of the Michigan Criminal Code, general civil infractions, small claims and landlord/tenant matters, garnishments, and/or civil infractions and misdemeanor and felony violations of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code. Ensures timely scheduling of all matters in accordance with the provisions of the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure, chapters of Michigan Compiled Laws frequently applied in civil matters, Michigan Court Rules and Michigan Department of State Traffic Benchbook.

This is a full-time benefited position working out of the 58th District Court in Holland Michigan. Typical working hours are from 8a-5p Monday-Friday. Occasional travel between other County offices as needed.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ottawa County recognizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the accomplishment of our mission and hold it as a basic value to proactively engage and understand a variety of perspectives across all human difference. We seek to ensure respectful, fair treatment and full, equal access to opportunities and resources so all may thrive and achieve their full potential. We believe every person’s voice adds value.

Applicants whose work can align with this value are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Schedules pretrial hearings, conferences, trials, motions and other matters for misdemeanor and felony violations of the Michigan Criminal Code, general civil infractions, small claims and landlord/tenant cases, garnishments, and/or civil infractions and misdemeanor and felony violations of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code.
• Ensures compliance with statutory provisions governing the time requirements for scheduling of specific matters.
• Sets court dates and coordinates scheduling with prosecuting attorneys, arresting officers, defense attorneys and other parties, in order to avoid conflicts with matters scheduled in other courts and other locations of the district court.
• Prepares appearance notices and proofs of service and serves notices to involved parties by mail.
• Maintains daily court and judicial calendars.
• Receives and reviews requests for adjournments and recommends the granting or denying of requests; reschedules matters; prepares and/or directs other clerks in preparing stipulations and orders; and prepares proofs of service and serves notices to parties by mail.
• Prepares commitments to the County Jail, orders to release defendants on own recognizance, probation violation forms, appointments for court-appointed attorneys, and other documents.
• Prepares and processes documentation to bind cases over to Circuit Court.
• Monitors and maintains records of case progress for judges, prepares case status reports, and notifies judges of cases failing to progress through court.
• Assists customers on the phone and at the counter, explaining Court policy and procedures for misdemeanor and felony criminal matters, general civil infractions, small claims and landlord/tenant matters, garnishments, and civil infractions and misdemeanor and felony traffic violations, judgments, and Court orders.
• May perform any and all functions of the District Court Clerk I and II classifications.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Excellent customer relation skills.
• Working knowledge of the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure, chapters of Michigan Compiled Laws frequently applied in civil matters, Michigan Court Rules and Michigan Department of State Traffic Benchbook.
• Good working knowledge of court administrative procedures and practices.
• Good working knowledge of traffic, civil, and criminal court processes.
• Fast and accurate keyboarding skills.
• Good working knowledge of document imaging protocols and practices.
• Working knowledge of privacy requirements related to court records.
• Computer literacy and facility in the use of word processing, spreadsheet and database management applications.
• Knowledge of court recording protocols and requirements and the proper use of court recording equipment.
• LEIN user knowledge.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with judges, attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, employees, community and business representatives, plaintiffs, defendants, other parties to litigation and members of the general public with widely divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying levels of communication skills.

NOTE: Ability to communicate in Spanish, Lao, Cambodian or other language spoken by ethnic groups residing in the county strongly preferred.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or GED combined with some post-secondary training in court administration, business information systems, legal secretarial or other relevant field and two years of progressively responsible experience in a legal practice or court administrative office position requiring extensive public contact, including at least one year in a position equivalent to that of a District Court Clerk I; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.