JUSTICE COURT CLERK (SPANISH SPEAKING)                                       0052

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs varied clerical work, in and out of court, requiring some knowledge of statutes and laws governing the practices and procedures of Justice Courts.  Work involves responsibility for the preparation and issuance of various legal papers and recording legal matters pertaining to the operation of the court.  Work involves contact with attorneys and the general public regarding court functions and procedures. The work differs from that of a Justice Court Clerk in that the incumbent must also communicate with Spanish-speaking persons in Spanish and assist them in their contacts with the department. All work is performed according to standard procedures prescribed by state law, judicial determination and administrative directives.  Supervision may be exercised over clerical personnel.  Work is performed under the supervision of a clerical supervisor or a Justice of the Court.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Assists Spanish-speaking individuals in person and by telephone in all activities related to the Justice Court’s function;

          Prepares a variety of legal documents and papers, including civil sum­monses, criminal warrants, subpoenas, transcripts of judgments and commitments; dockets and enters civil, motor vehicle and criminal cases; prepares certifi­cates of conviction for submission to County Clerk;

          Collects and records fines and fees, and accepts bail payments; makes up bank deposits; prepares monthly report for New York State Department of Audit and Con­trol, itemizing each case and fine or sentence imposed;

          Draws juries for civil or criminal cases; sends notices of trial to all parties concerned; sends follow-up notices to persons failing to appear in court on scheduled dates;

          Makes up copies of information for attorneys and District Attorney on criminal cases; answers correspondence pertaining to the Court; maintains court files;

          May be asked to act as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking individuals during court sessions.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic; good knowledge of office terminology and procedures and common office appliances; some know­ledge of legal terminology and court proceedings, primarily regarding motor vehicle law and civil law; ability to read, write and converse fluently in Spanish; ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; ability to make decisions in accordance with state statutes relating to court procedures; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, judges and the general public; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          OPEN COMPETITIVE

          Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and two (2) years of experience in general clerical work.

 

NOTE: Relevant additional education from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university will be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

There will be a qualifying Spanish language examination.

 

 

5/05/08

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive