Legal Clerk I Family Court

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Agency DescriptionThe First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is the Philadelphia County Court System composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. Our mission is to adjudicate cases and provide services to the community within our jurisdiction while ensuring fair, timely, and accessible justice to the people of Philadelphia.

About DepartmentThe FJD Family Division consists of the Juvenile and the Domestic Relations Branch.

The Domestic Relationship Branch has varied responsibilities in responding to complaints and petitions that can be broadly categorized under: Child and Spousal Support, Divorce, Child Custody, and Domestic Violence.

The Juvenile Branch processes cases involving juvenile delinquency where minors have been accused of crimes; dependency cases arising from allegations of neglect or abuse; truancy petitions and those alleging incorrigibility; and adoptions. Several means are used to provide services to youth and their families.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Job DescriptionPosition SummaryThis is entry level clerical legal work, and the individual selected for this position may be assigned to either the Juvenile Branch or Domestic Relations Branch of Family Court, and may be reassigned to either Branch, as business needs might require. The position involves data input of pertinent court outcome information from courtroom and other matters. Daily work may include preparing court lists, obtaining the necessary case records for Judges, Masters, or hearing officers, recording additional supportive data pertaining to case histories, summarizing case dispositions directly onto the court lists for distribution to appropriate personnel within Family Court and other court related agencies, and coding and entering dispositions into appropriate computer systems. Work is performed according to clearly defined rules and procedures, under direct supervision. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with standard Family Court practices and procedures.

Essential FunctionsThe following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive and may vary according to which Branch of Family Court the employee is assigned. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Initiate and update Family Court cases on applicable computer systemsCheck if litigants have other active/inactive cases and pending proceedings; if individual is in custody or under any type of supervision; details of custody status and/or court supervision.

Check for any and all information from litigant and case histories that are pertinent to pending matter.

Selects and schedule court dates, conferences, and other appointments.

Copies court list, blocking out the prejudicial information in the notes, if applicable. 

COURTROOM DUTIES

(if applicable)Records the judge's order on the court list; records any exhibits that are marked and moved into evidence.

Schedules the next hearing date and records all related dispositional codes, conditions, and institutions. At Pre-Trial and Detention hearings, obtain attorney ID# and appoint counsel for juvenile in computer.

If conflict counsel is needed, forwards request to Legal Liaison Office for formal appointment. When counsel is attached, completes the paperwork and forward to Legal Liaison Office. If notification of counsel is necessary, notify the Legal Liaison Office.

Typing as required during court proceedings.

OFFICE DUTIES

Conduct in-person and telephone Interviews with litigants and attorneys to obtain and update case and demographic information, as neededUpdates case history, address changes and complete all docket information. Enter fact-finder disposition for each petition.

Completes previous day's assignments. Copies completed docket for distribution.

Perform related work, as assigned.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Answers the telephone or perform customer service activities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard courtroom and office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clienteleKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesConsiderable knowledge of Family Court operations and procedures regarding assigned function.

Knowledge of clerical procedures necessary to prepare cases and implement court decisions, computerized data entry procedures and related office practices/procedures.

Knowledge of legal terminology and applicable laws and regulations within court structure.

Experience with data input and computer information systems.

Ability to learn new systems and procedures within reasonable timeframes, as business needs require.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court employees and representatives of agencies involved in court hearings and/or implementation of court decisions.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent and one to two years of progressively responsible clerical experience processing legal instruments and documents.

OREquivalent combinations of training and experience providing the characteristics required to perform the essential functions of the class may substitute.

After meeting minimum standards, successful completion of a panel review and/or interview process.

Satisfactory clearance of a criminal background investigation.

Ability to perform the essential functions of a position in this class.

Must work in person (not remote).Additional InformationIn order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Salary:

$39,301 AnnuallyDiscover the Perks of Being a

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The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.

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

Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical planEmployees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidaysGenerous retirement savings options are availablePay off your student loans faster

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Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].For more information, go to:

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