Summary: Senior Deputy County Clerks are appointed and deputized by the County Clerk in accordance with the Texas Constitution, Texas Statutes, and Texas Government Code. Senior Deputy County Clerks are bonded under the County Clerk and perform duties in support of the Judges of the County Courts at Law 1, 2, 3 and Probate Court.
Essential Job Functions: Assist and respond to attorneys, defendants, and the general public’s requested information regarding criminal misdemeanor, civil, and probate cases. Receipt all monies pertaining to filing fees, requested copies, appeal bonds, or other such monies pertaining to misdemeanor, civil and probate courts. Work directly with County Courts, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Constables’ Offices, FBI, Federal Probation Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, District Attorney’s Offices in other counties and law enforcement agencies, and the general public. Receive for filing all misdemeanor cases and assess all court fees associated with a new case. Issue standard warrants as needed in misdemeanor cases. Sign, date, seal, make appropriate copies, and disburse subpoenas accordingly. Review all documents e-filed in civil, criminal, and probate courts. Review, enter, and receipt all misdemeanor cases appealed from Municipal or JP Courts. Refund cash bonds to defendants. Perform misdemeanor and civil background checks. File and index new civil cases. Prepare citations, abstracts, notices, and writs as directed in the civil suits. Enter all signed orders as entered by the Judge. Receipt money into the registry of the court. Prepare, enter and file all associated work with a Judgment Nisi, including collections. Prepares and reports monthly caseload information for each of the three County Courts to the Office of Court Administration, including Probate and Mental cases. Report the monthly collection data from the two misdemeanor courts to the Office of Court Administration. Work on archive restoration project after completion of daily work. Issue Letters Testamentary, Letters of Guardianship, Letters of Independent Administration, and other applicable Letters for probate cases. Create new cases and index documents received from mental illness commitment hearings and cases transferred from other counties.
Other Job Functions: Provides assistance as necessary during elections periods; performs other job related duties as directed by the County Clerk.
NOTE: The above describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required nor is all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.
Education & Experience: College degree, technical school graduate or high school diploma. Knowledge of general clerical and secretarial function including working knowledge of personal computers, obtained by formal education or on the job training; 2 to 3 years of related job experience, preferably in a legal environment.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of Jefferson County Court forms, procedures, rules, and regulations; knowledge of accepted office practices and procedures of the courtroom; strong verbal and written communication skills; typing skills; computer skills, including word processing and data entry; skills in performing basic mathematical calculations; excellent interpersonal skills to cooperate and interact with all employees and co-workers, including court personnel, and to deal effectively with attorneys, government agencies, defendants, and the general public. Knowledge of the Odyssey/Enterprise Justice software program currently is beneficial.
Equipment Used: Personal computer/mainframe computer terminal; typewriter; copy machine; 10-key adding machine; other general office equipment needed.
Work Situations/Demands/Efforts: Work requires organizing, prioritizing; accuracy; attention to detail; working with the public; flexibility in order to perform a variety of duties; performing routine, respective duties; high speed performance; meeting frequent deadlines; working in high volume environment. Employee works independently within the established guidelines and time frame; requires assistance only with unusual, non-routine matters and situations.
Working Conditions: Work in the County Clerk’s Office is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment which is readily accessible to the general public as well as other employees.
Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary; job duties require occasional light work, including walking to deliver or retrieve files, books, copies, etc.; reaching to retrieve files and books; lifting and carrying books and files weighing up to 35 lbs.
Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer. The County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status (disabled), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or political affiliation in employment or the provision of services. To request a reasonable accommodation or other assistance, contact a Human Resources representative at (409) 839-2391, or for the hearing impaired, through RELAY Texas at 1-800-735-2989 or mail your request to 1225 Pearl St., Suite 201 Beaumont, Texas 77701.