Bailiff

Wage: B23~ $22.93 per hour.

Job Overview: Routine work preserving order and decorum in a courtroom while serving the needs of jurors and participants in court proceedings. May include performance of routine clerical functions as assigned by the presiding judge or designated Court Administrator’s office staff.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience:

Minimum qualifications are a high school diploma or general education degree (GED). Candidates must be able to pass a background investigation that will be conducted prior to hire. Candidates must have the ability to read/write and to understand verbal and written instructions.

Preferred qualifications include supplemental training, either at a 2- or 4-year college, vocational school or police academy will improve your employment prospects for a bailiff position. Coursework in a field like criminal justice, law enforcement or civil rights provides a good background for a bailiff. Prior experience as a law enforcement officer and/or court-related experience is desirable.

Essential Work Functions:

Pre-Trial duties: Unlock/lock courtrooms and jury rooms and ensure that they are neat and orderly, fill water pitchers for court and jury rooms, maintain supplies of paper, pencils, water and other materials for use during court and sign in all persons appearing for court and ensure each is on the docket.

Trial/Courtroom Duties: open court and inform judge that court is ready, take custody of jurors, assist jurors in finding seats and distribute jury questionnaires, call witnesses and administer oaths to witnesses and jurors, relay messages from jurors to court and/or families, advise court personnel and attorneys when verdicts are reached, collect evidence from juries, operate courtroom equipment, prevent smoking, noise or other distractions in the courtroom during trial and close court.

Calls court proceedings to order and maintains decorum and order in the court room while court is in session following established guidelines, rules, and judge's preference and direction.

Performs general court room preparation duties including assuring adequate table and seating space at counsel tables, provides and maintains trial aides (opaque projector, TV/VCR), sound system and lights, assures proper storage of equipment.

Locates parties for hearings, calls court room calendar, advises judges and court personnel of readiness of matters for hearing or trial.

Acquaints jurors with the jury assembly room, court room, jury deliberation room and building facilities; escorts jurors to seating area for jury selection, takes daily attendance and forwards information to appropriate court staff.

Responsible for overall convenience and comfort of jury panel; attends to their needs while court is in session; remains in attendance with jury through duration of deliberation; assists in making overnight arrangements for overnight lodging when required.

Provides courtroom staff and participants with general information and assistance; marks exhibits received during court proceedings; records minutes of proceedings, as necessary.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Familiarity with court procedures.
• Ability to command respect of the public through tactful, respectful, and courteous demeanor and good verbal communication skills.
• Alertness, reliability, neatness.
• Ability to use good judgement in assessing and responding to difficult or potentially difficult situations.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, judges, court staff, agency personnel and the public.

Persons with Disabilities: The above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: Semi-sedentary work in a normal climate controlled office with adequate lighting and a moderate noise level or in a court room. May occasionally lift 15-20 pounds. Involves regular contact with the public, other staff and other agencies. May also deal with individuals who may be emotionally charged.

Disclaimer: This description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Access to Not Public Data: A county employee in this position may encounter Not Public Data as defined by Minnesota or federal law in the course of the job duties. Any access to Not Public Data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that is necessary to fulfill the defined job duties. While data is being accessed, the employee should take reasonable measures to ensure the Not Public Data is not accessed by unauthorized individuals. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished, the employee must properly store the Not Public Data according to the applicable provisions of Mower County employee policies and Minnesota or federal law. All employees are expected to become familiar with and comply with the requirements of the County’s Data Practices and Data Security Policies and a breach of these policies may lead to disciplinary action against the employee.