Judges Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for the position of Administrative Assistant in Circuit Court located in the 9th Circuit. Under direct supervision of the Circuit Court Judge, performs administrative and secretarial duties, which generally requires individual discretion in the interpretation and application of office policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Answers phones, collects and logs all mail, organizes office, drafts forms, maintains files, schedules conference calls, and schedules hearings. Attends and keeps minutes of meeting for committees the Judge participates in.
• Organizes and keeps up with inmate correspondences. Corresponds with attorneys/paralegals. Acts as liaison between Judge and attorneys. Logs all incoming/outgoing orders and attorney protection requests. Keeps records of cases of interest. Reviews incoming orders for errors and logs all ex parte letters from inmates. Logs bench warrants, completes Judge's section of all motion/order cover sheets. Interacts with the Clerk's offices across the state. Collects orders from the Clerk's office and returns upon execution. Collects orders/correspondence from the Clerk's office and Judge's box. Interacts with the Solicitor's Office and Public Defender's Office. Interacts with Probation/Parole Offices.
• Responds to and takes care of all courtroom issues prior to court. Prints any and all documents needed by the Judge or Law Clerk. Organizes Judge's calendar of events. Creates calendars of Judge's traveling and logs all default packages. Completes and submits Judge's travel voucher and MUA reports. Completes and submits annual Judicial Reports. Maintains inventory of all furniture for annual review. Assists Court Administration representative in annual inventory.
• Assists visiting Judges with a variety of needs including, but not limited to: parking, key cards, locations, hotels, restaurants, etc.
• Oversees the application process for new Law Clerk hires. Aids in training Law Clerks and orients new Law Clerk to office procedures. Assists Judge and Law Clerk with computer problems. Interacts with I.T. on both State and County levels.
• When Judge is out of the county, performs all necessary office duties so that the office operates as if the Judge were in.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A high school diploma
• 3 years of related administrative/secretarial work experience.
• Computer and word processing experience (ex: Microsoft Office Suite) required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of principles, policies, and practices of office management.
• Knowledge of applicable terminology and research practices.
• Knowledge of grammatical rules, spelling, language usage, and clerical formats.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping practices.
• Ability to effectively plan and organize work activities and prioritize task completion according to schedules and goals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both orally and in writing, with Judges, attorneys, and the general public.
• Ability to exercise judgement and discretion in interpreting and applying policies and procedures.
• Punctuality and avoidance of excessive absences required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Administrative/secretarial experience working in a court environment or legal setting.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
• 15 days paid sick leave per year;
• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
• 13 paid state holidays;
• Paid Parental Leave; and
• Workers' Compensation Benefits.

Benefits for State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. Employees in temporary positions should contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.