Court Operations Associate, Ramsey County, Criminal Division

The Second Judicial District Criminal/Traffic Division is accepting applications for a customer service focused Court Operations Associate. This is an entry-level position performing detail-oriented work while providing excellent customer service in the courtroom. Court Operations Associates work individually and in teams to provide customers with a professional, fair, impartial, and accessible court experience. This position provides a high volume of customer service in-person at the service counter and over the phone for all criminal cases, including parking and traffic.  This role requires dedication to providing excellent customer service, strong attention to detail, and the application of sound, quick, independent judgment. Work requires the exercise of judgment in accordance with instructions, rules of court, state statutes, court and office policies, and procedures.  Work is evaluated for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and adherence to guidelines and requirements.  Positions in this classification receive occasional assistance as new or unusual situations arise.  Advice and assistance will normally be provided by a Court Operations Supervisor, a Court Operations Lead Worker and/or a Court Operations Specialist.    This position will work onsite for the first six months of employment and possible remote opportunities upon successful completion of probation period and depending on business need. This position will travel to all court locations in Ramsey County including the Law Enforcement Center, the Kellogg (St. Paul) Courthouse, and the Suburban Courthouse. A reliable internet connection will be required if working remotely.  Responsibilities The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position. * Performs clerical duties in the courtroom while court is in session, on all types of calendars. * Attend court and assist by calling cases, taking minutes and handling documents in the courtroom. * May perform financial activities, including receipting of payments, reconciling own cash drawer, and handling and reconciling monies. * May answer telephone calls and inquiries from the public regarding citations and/or cases in Ramsey District Court; provide assistance, information, and instructions to callers regarding fine amounts, fine payments, hearing officer appointments, court dates, and other court information.   * Review reports and take necessary action in accordance with established procedures and/or court rules. * Accurately enter required permanent court record information such as case/citation events, activity, and documents on appropriate computer system. * Determine processing required and take necessary action in accordance with court rules or refers highly complex matters to a Court Operations Supervisor, Lead worker, and/or Specialist. * Provide assistance to customers in-person, over the phone, by mail, and/or electronically quickly and courteously, in accordance with data privacy regulations and the most current rules/policies. * Communicate effectively with co-workers, court case parties, court staff, attorneys, judicial officers, and the public. * Attend and participates in division/team meetings and trainings; maintains knowledge of court policies, process, and procedures. * Other administrative duties as assigned   Minimum Qualifications The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, please consider applying. * Graduation from approved high school or equivalent.   * At least six months previous experience providing excellent customer service in challenging situations. * Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting a high customer service demand and a high level of accuracy.   * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.   * Ability to learn computer programs and technology. * Must be able to work at multiple locations and be able to travel between multiple locations within same day. * Access to reliable internet connection while working remotely.    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Effective customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain a calm professional demeanor, diffuse difficult customer service interactions, and work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds. * Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as well as understand and follow verbal and written instruction; * Ability and willingness to remain flexible and adapt to ever-changing priorities, procedures, and job assignments; * Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information; * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, judicial officers, justice partners and others; * Ability to learn, adapt, and utilize new technology; * Ability to take direction and maintain a professional and positive attitude through challenging circumstances; * Ability to work under pressure in a high -volume, fast-paced work environment while assuring timeliness and accuracy; * Ability to exercise independent judgment, organizational, and decision making skills; * Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve desired results and commitments.   Preferred Qualifications  * Ability to communicate and work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds. * At least one-year of experience processing financial transactions, specifically handling cash and credit card transactions with the public. * Bilingual language skills to assist court users in languages other than English that are commonly spoken by Ramsey County court users, including Hmong, Somali, Spanish, and Karen.   Working Conditions This position provides a high volume of customer service in-person at the service counter and over the phone. Work involves contact with persons who may be confused, upset, angry, abusive, or threatening. Work may involve exposure to calls and case records that may be disturbing. Physical Demands Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds. Some assignments may require periods of extended sitting, standing, or computer use. Rate of Pay The expected hiring range for this position for external candidates starts at $22.50/hour based on qualifications and experience. Instructions to Apply: This AFSCME-represented position is posted for bidding and internal/external application simultaneously and will be filled in accordance with the AFSCME contract.   All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions. ABOUT US 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 - Career Opportunities - State Court Administrator's Office [https://mncourts.gov/state-court-administrators-office/careers/employee-benefits]. 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 2ndHR@courts.state.mn.us [2ndHR@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 [https://fa-exco-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/fscmUI/redwood/internalmobility/opportunitymarketplace/search?optyType=JOB]. Questions: Please contact Human Resources at 2nddistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us [2nddistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us] with questions regarding this position.