Court Operations Associate, Blue Earth County

Do you desire a meaningful career serving the public and want an opportunity to make a difference for your community? Come join The Minnesota Judicial Branch. The Fifth Judicial District is seeking a full-time customer focused, team orientated, Court Operations Associate for Blue Earth County, Mankato, MN to join the criminal and juvenile divisions.

The primary work location for this position is the Blue Earth County Justice Center located at 401 Carver Road, Mankato, MN. The regular work hours will be Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This position may have the option of a hybrid work environment after the initial training period. Access to reliable internet connection is required.

The primary responsibilities for this position may include advanced case processing in multiple divisions with an emphasis in criminal and juvenile divisions. Working in an electronic environment, providing exceptional customer service on the phone and in person and require the application of independent judgment ensuring compliance with applicable court rules, laws, policies, procedures, and regulations based on training and knowledge gained through experience on the job training to achieve an impartial, accessible, fair, and timely system of justice.

A successful candidate will need to possess strong technical and customer service skills in a high volume, fast-paced environment which requires the ability to manage competing demands simultaneously.

Example of Duties

The following are examples of job duties that may be expected for these positions:

• Performs the full scope of varied court clerical work involved in case processing on Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) or related technology systems in criminal case types.
• Provides assistance courteously and effectively to attorneys, parties, self-represented litigants, judges, and the public by responding to a variety of questions in-person, over the phone, by mail, and/or electronically; provides forms, documents, and court procedure information; assists public in filling out various applications and forms and arranges for language interpretation as needed.
• Initiates case records using electronic means or paper documents; records required data regarding parties, documents, flags comments, events, and dispositions in case processing system and other relevant systems; reviews for completeness, adequacy, accuracy and compliance with rules/policies.
• Performs in-court updating including calling cases, taking minutes, processing documents filed and distributed in the courtroom, and recording required data regarding parties, documents, flags, comments, and events in electronic case management and other relevant systems in the courtroom and takes court minutes and/or may operate electronic recorder.
• Participates in and coordinates the scheduling and calendaring of court proceedings; sends out notices; and contacts attorneys and parties concerning rescheduling.
• May perform financial activities within the office; receipting bail payments, making disposition entries and adjustments, preparing and making bank deposits; balances tills, and monitors accounts for delinquency; and Court Payment Center holding queues.
• May perform the duties of an Electronic Recording Equipment Operator (EREO) including recording and monitoring court proceedings.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed. An example of an acceptable qualification for this position is:)

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Six months of recent experience in the legal field or a highly technical, customer focused, administrative position
• OR Equivalent education and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience using electronic applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and the ability to learn job related software.
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with attorneys, court staff, judicial officers, and the general public, including the handling of sensitive and confidential matters.
• Experience in providing excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to de-escalate difficult customer interactions and process financial transactions accurately.
• Ability to prioritize and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and departmental policies and procedures; to read and interpret legal documents of varying types and complexity; to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, team orientated with a positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, political science, business administration or a related field.
• Experience working in the legal field or court setting.
• Extensive knowledge of current court policies, procedures, processes, and terminology.
• Knowledge and experience with Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) and e-File and Serve (EFS).

To Apply

Please complete your online application with a resume and cover letter attached by clicking the "APPLY NOW" link at the bottom of this page.

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Labor Agreement.

This position is being posted internally and externally simultaneously, in accordance with the AFSCME labor agreement. Current AFSCME represented employees must have served a minimum of six (6) months in their current position and be in good standing to be eligible to apply for a position vacancy.

All Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.

Please contact Human Resources at 5thDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.

Why Work for Us?

Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another's growth.

Employee Benefits

The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family's wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 5thDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Internal Applicants

If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.