Legal Clerk I - Family Court

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania (“FJD”) is the Philadelphia County Court System and is composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. The mission of the FJD 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. The FJD is part of the Unified Judicial System reporting into the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Job Description

This 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.

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.

Essential Functions

The 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 systems.

· Check 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 needed.

· Updates case history, address changes and completes 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 clientele

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.

 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Considerable 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.

Qualifications

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

OR

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

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

4. Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation.

5. Ability to perform the essential functions of a position in this class. 6. Covid -19 vaccination is recommended.

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.

Additional Information

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.

Salary Range: $36,516 - $39,691 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 4 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 plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx