Assistant Clerk Magistrate - Springfield District Court

Title: Assistant Clerk Magistrate - Springfield District Court

Pay Grade: Assistant Clerk Magistrate

Starting Pay: $134,389.69

Departmental Mission Statement: As a gateway to justice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the District Court is dedicated to the administration of justice in a fair, impartial, and timely manner in accordance with the rule of law. In fulfilling this role, the District Court shall provide the communities it serves with an environment that is safe, accessible, and respectful to all. The District Court shall conduct its business with integrity, competence, and a commitment to excellence in order to promote public trust and confidence in the judicial system.

Organizational Profile:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/district-court

Notes:

• Law degree preferred.
• This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Position Summary:  This position involves responsible legal work and supervisory responsibilities. The employees in this position assist the Clerk of Court in performing administrative duties as set forth in state statutes and court rules. Administrative responsibilities include the preparation and maintenance of all court papers and records and performance of administrative tasks to ensure that cases move rapidly and smoothly to a determination by the court. Work is performed under the direction of the Clerk or First Assistant Clerk. Supervision is exercised over support personnel within the Clerk-Magistrate's Office.

Duties: Any one position may not include all of the duties and responsibilities listed below nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in these positions.

• Receives applications for criminal complaints and reviews them for probable cause.
• Reviews applications for search warrants filed by police and others and determines whether such warrants may issue.
• Conducts hearings and determines whether criminal complaints and/or arrest warrants may issue, determines appeals from civil motor vehicle citations, municipal by-law violations and environmental citations.
• Conducts trials of small claims and makes judgments of the same. In the absence of a justice, arraigns defendants, determines questions of bail, and conducts preliminary probation violation hearings.
• Calls the list of cases scheduled before a justice and makes the official record of the proceedings.
• Reviews filings from attorneys and Pro Se litigants and informs them on court procedure.
• Arranges for hearings and notifies counsel.
• Certifies and transmits official copies of court records as required.
• Issues process as required by the court or prescribed by statutes and rules of court.
• Receives, examines, and reviews all filings and has responsibility to ensure they comply with rules of court, and to establish their suitability for filing.
• Maintains electronic and written indexes of cases entered.
• Supervises the receipt, recording and disbursements of fees and money by the court.
• Distributes and implements changes in court rules and office procedure.
• Administers hearings inside and outside of court where no judge is present.
• Performs related work as required.

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:

Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.

Mission Driven Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.

Professional Development Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.

Customer Service Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

Applied Knowledge Demonstrates an ability to coordinate, distribute and administer State Contracts, State Price Agreements, Trial Court Contracts, and other statewide specialty items.

Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Problem Solving Accurately assesses fiscal problems in the Trial Court and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Assistant Clerk:

A bachelor’s degree and knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 6 or more years of relevant work experience in criminal justice, public administration or business administration including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of higher education and relevant experience equal to 10 years total. 

OR 

A law degree or a graduate degree in a relevant field (for example: criminal justice, public administration, or business administration); and knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 2 or more years of relevant work experience.