Job Description

This is work receiving, reviewing, and processing initial filings of legal documents and instruments in civil cases and related non-criminal actions. Work requires the application of standard rules of civil procedure in determining the acceptability and appropriateness of papers which are filed.

A significant aspect of the work is the full-time contact with lawyers, court officials and the public. Work is performed under the general supervision of a legal unit supervisor in accordance with standard legal practices.

THE COURTROOM DOES NOT CLOSE, AND APPLICANTS SHALL UNDERSTAND THIS IS NOT A 9-5 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY POSITION. APPLICANTS MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND SHIFTS AS ASSIGNED 24/7, 365 DAYS PER YEAR SHIFT WORK COULD INCLUDE 12 HOUR SHIFTS WHEN NECESSARY. THIS ALSO INCLUDES ALL COURT HOLIDAYS, INCLEMENT WEATHER, ETC. 

YOU MUST VISIT  https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION BY JULY 15, 2022.  APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/

Qualifications

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE NORMAL FOR THIS POSITION.  THESE ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE.  OTHER DUTIES MAY BE REQUIRED AND ASSIGNED.

• Works directly with Arraignment Court Magistrates, representatives of the District Attorney’s Office & Defender Association in the courtroom.  Indirect but continual interaction with the Philadelphia Police Department, FJD Adult Probation, Pretrial Services Departments, private attorneys, and Philadelphia Prison System is routine.    
• Electronically schedules all adult defendants for preliminary arraignment via PARS software application.
• Compiles the original criminal case file and ensures all documents are enclosed as mandated by Criminal Administration 
• Responsible for properly scheduling all criminal cases as mandated by the PA Rules of Criminal Procedure and as provided by Criminal Listings. Case management is monitored 24/7 and communication is paramount to avoid over listing issues for judicial courtrooms.
• Responsible for securing all video connections to police sites geographically located throughout the City of Philadelphia. (Advanced teleconferencing communication techniques)
• Responds to inquiries from the judiciary, department heads and support staff within the First Judicial District, all criminal justice partners, and the public   
• Enters pertinent data into databases as needed with respect to bail, conditions of bail, next court actions and bail appeals effectuated by the MC Emergency Judge.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems with files, case event tracks for criminal scheduling, technical and operational issues.
• Continually answer inquiries ranging from routine to high profile cases
• Schedule Arrest & Search and Seizure warrants for law enforcement agencies
• Maintain equipment and supplies
• General knowledge of bench warrant and scofflaw protocols
• Coordinating and securing staff and language line interpreters
• Coordinating files and schedules for hospital arraignments
• Performs related work as required.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Standard clerical, office and high volume courtroom conditions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Considerable knowledge of English usage and grammar.
• Complete knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn the principles and practices required in the technical or administrative field to which assigned.
• Ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the members of the judiciary, jurors, attorneys, associates, employees, and the general public. 
• THE ABILITY TO BE AVAILABLE TO WORK WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND SHIFTS AS ASSIGNED 24/7, 365 DAYS PER YEAR.  SHIFT WORK COULD INCLUDE 12 HOUR SHIFTS WHEN NECESSARY. THIS ALSO INCLUDES ALL COURT HOLIDAYS, INCLEMENT WEATHER, ETC.

THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.

YOU MUST VISIT  https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION BY JULY 15, 2022.  APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/

REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma and four years of progressively responsible clerical experience processing civil procedure legal documents and instruments, one year of which shall have been at the Legal Clerk II level.                                                                                                               OR
2. Two years supervising a staff of clerical employees engaged in the processing of legal instruments and documents.     OR
3. Equivalent combinations of desirable training and experience providing the characteristics required to perform the essential functions of the class, which also includes a high school diploma or equivalent.
4. Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation.
5. After meeting minimum standards, successful completion of a panel review and interview process.
6. City residency required within six (6) months of satisfactory completion of an employment orientation period.
7. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
8. Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is required.

YOU MUST VISIT  https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION BY JULY 15, 2022.  APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/

Additional Information

SALARY RANGE: $38,514- $42,069

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Did you know?

●        We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer

●        25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

●        We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents

●        Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan

●        Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

●        Generous retirement savings options are available

The First Judicial District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.