JUDICIAL ASSISTANT- Circuit Court

Department:                          Circuit Court- Worcester County 

Job Title:                               Judicial Assistant

Compensation                      Grade 14/Step 1 $22.84 Hourly/ $47,507 Annually-

Grade 14/Step 5 $24.91 Hourly/ $51,813 Annually*

*(Starting salary depends on qualifications and experience)

Job Location:                       Worcester County Court House, Snow Hill, MD 

Work Schedule:                   8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

Application Period:             Open until filled 

To apply:                             Our Main Page: Worcester County Employment

Job Summary: This position is responsible for providing legal administrative support and extensive customer service for the Family Services Division, under the supervision of the Circuit Court Magistrate and the Family Services Division Coordinator. The use of independent judgment, discretion and strong organizational, communication, technical and interpersonal skills are required. This is an “at will” position and serves at the pleasure of the Court Administrator and County Administrative Judge. Applicants are subject to a background check.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform high-level paralegal work supporting the Magistrate and the Family Services Division.
• Assist the Magistrate with daily courtroom procedures including reviewing dockets, preparing reports, drafting correspondence, and processing cases in the Odyssey/MDEC case management system in compliance with state mandated time standards.
• Process all filings for the Magistrate and Family Division in Odyssey/MDEC and maintain all domestic relations forms for Family Services and the Office of the Clerk.
• Assist the public and court related personnel on the phone and in person at the front desk, especially during weekly Family Law clinics. 
• Manage Magistrate and Family Services information in state judiciary applications, such as GEARS and CONNECT. 
• Responsible for setup and support of all remote appearances for the Division. 
• Assist the Family Division Coordinator in the operation of the Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs.
• Schedule maintenance of all office equipment; computers, printers, and photocopier.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and by established deadlines.
• Crosstrain and back up other staff as needed.
• Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, elected or appointed officials, and the general public using tact, discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Comply with safety programs, procedures, training, fire drills, COOP plans, etc., and works safely. 
• Knowledge of proper safety procedures and PPE utilization at all times to perform job-related duties. 
• Ensure confidentiality of information and records and comply with record retention schedule.
• Adhere to, supports, and enforces Worcester County Government Personnel Rules & Regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including providing support to visiting judges as needed.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated attention to detail through accurate record keeping, correspondence and legal documentation. 
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with employees, court agencies and the public. 
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and strong decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and proceedings.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to comply with and participate in all required safety programs, procedures, training, and drills. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite of programs.

Minimum Qualifications: 

High school diploma (or equivalent) required, with minimum of 2 years of experience, preferably in legal administration or related field. Education in related field or paralegal training may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. 

Physical Requirements:

Work environment involves everyday risks typical of such places as offices, training rooms and court rooms. Must be able to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact. Physical ability to effectively use and operate various items of office-related equipment. 

Additional Information:

This position is funded by a grant from the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts and administered as a pass-through by Worcester County for the Circuit Court.

To Apply: 

Applicants must apply online at Worcester County Employment with a cover letter, resume, or CV. Applicants can also send a completed Worcester County Employment application, cover letter, resume, or CV to tburkhead@worcestermd.gov