Legal Clerk I - Magistrate

Job Description

Collin County is seeking candidates for the position of full-time Magistrate Clerk. This role is responsible for supporting the operations of the Magistrate Court, located within the Collin County Adult Detention Center.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must:

• Have at least 2 years of advanced study or training past the high school equivalency OR 1 year of relevant experience

• Pass a typing test at the rate of 40 words per minute

• Possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

• Be willing to take the constitutional oath of office required in Texas

• Clear a background investigation and pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical

• Complete CJIS Security Awareness training within 30 days of employment and become TLETS full access certified within 6 months of employment

Scheduled hours are from 6:30am

• 5:30pm (with a one hour lunch break), 4 days a week with 3 days per week off. Scheduled days vary and candidates must be willing and able to work any day of the week, with the schedule including one or both weekend days. In general, schedules will be re-evaluated every 2 - 3 months; additional changes to the schedule may occur if/when staffing levels change. Must be willing to work some holidays.

Primary Functions

• Under limited or no supervision, review law enforcement and legal documents while interpreting and applying detailed, complex legal procedures and precedents in the preparation of court documents for the Judge

• Extract case histories from the Odyssey court management system, pull criminal histories and interview inmates

• Using independent judgement, review criminal histories and prepare draft court orders for judicial review while following complex legal procedures

• Document judicial determination regarding probable cause, bail and bond conditions in Odyssey court management system, the Public Safety Reporting System ("PSRS") and TLETS

• Ensure final court orders, PR bonds and bond conditions are provided to inmates prior to leaving arraignment, and communicate special court orders (e.g., EPOs, DLDs, MH conditions) to applicable parties

• Schedule and maintain the weekly Modification dockets, weekly Violation dockets, and monthly Spanish dockets while complying with legal procedures associated with the receipt, analysis and filing of court documents

• Manage the court calendar and serve as liaison to relevant parties related to hearings scheduled, updated or canceled, including defendants, complainants, Defense Attorneys, District Attorney, CSCD, interpreters, Court Reporters and Bailiffs

• Perform pre-docket charge/case analysis to determine if Magistrate Court still has case jurisdiction

• Utilize Odyssey queue functionality to electronically send/receive court documents to/from the District Clerk's Office and the Judge

• Process documents related to criminal, probate or mental health court proceedings

• Perform quality assurance reviews of the Odyssey case documents, PSRS entries and TLETS input of the other magistrate clerks for accuracy, completeness and compliance

• Perform court administrative functions, such as answering phones and responding to inquiries from other departments, state and local agencies and the public

• Must possess emotional resilience and be able to focus and multi-task in high-speed hearings, including competently performing duties in stressful and adverse situations

• Must be willing to cross-train in Court Administrator duties to enable department coverage 7 days a week. This may include the preparation of monthly Magistrate Court metrics, management of the Examining Trial docket, serving as trainer for new clerks, assisting in interviewing job candidates or completing special projects

• Support the Magistrate Court Administrator and Magistrate Judge in other duties, as requested

This position requires a precise attention to detail, confidentiality, time management skills and the ability to learn quickly. The work requires initiative and independent analytical judgment, as well as the ability to accurately evaluate data. Must have excellent computer skills and be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including colleagues, county personnel, attorneys and the general public. Clear and concise communication skills, both verbally and in writing, are required as well.

Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality are required. This position is fast-paced and can be stressful for those not used to multi-tasking. The ideal candidate is patient, courteous and committed to equal justice under the law. While exhibiting a sense of fairness and respect, this candidate must have the ability to work with defendants who are in stressful situations.

Bilingual language skills is preferred

Working Conditions

• Position offices in the jail, and work is performed within jail and courthouse settings

• Requires working most weekends, including holidays

• Must be able to handle stressful situations

Testing Requirements

This position requires that you pass a typing test at the minimum rate specified above.

• If you have taken a typing test with us within the last 6 months that meets or exceeds the requirements above, you do not need to take it again.

• If you have never taken our typing test, have not met the requirements above, or it has been more than 6 months since your last test, you will need to take the test in order for your application to be complete.

Typing tests are administered in the Human Resources Testing room from 8:30am

• 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. You do not need an appointment to test, but you will need to bring a government issued photo ID.