POSITION:  Bailiff

DEPARTMENT:  Probate Court

WORK SCHEDULE: As assigned

JOB CATEGORY: POLE (Protective Occupations, Law Enforcement)

SALARY: $34,944

STATUS:  Part-time

FLSA STATUS:  Non-exempt

DATES: Until filled

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Bailiff for the St. Joseph Probate Court, responsible for providing court security and assisting and protecting judges, jurors, other court officials/personnel, and members of the general public.

Benefits

Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

Paid Time Off (PTO) with generous accruals

Employer Paid Life Insurance coverage

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care

Gym Membership Discounts to encourage wellness

Employer-Funded PERF (Public Employees' Retirement Fund)

Access to additional voluntary benefits and resources

Responsibilities

• Responsible for opening Court every day and preparing the room for each day’s cases.
• Secure copy of the Court docket for the Judge, Magistrate, Public Defender and Reporter.
• Oversee and coordinate the flow of persons into and out of the Court room as needed.
• Remain in open Court to assist Judge, attorneys and litigants
• Assist in maintaining order in the Courtroom and anticipate need for or secure Deputy Sheriff when necessary
• Responsible for jurors including coordination of, preparation for, and escorting as needed

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Courtroom operation is necessary. 
• Must be able to interact positively with the public, litigants, attorneys, probation and clerks. 
• Organizational skills for calling cases as directed and coordinating the Court’s docket is essential.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma required and training in law enforcement or security preferred.  Paralegal education would also be helpful.
• Minimum of two years experience in a related field.

Physical Requirements

The Juvenile Justice Center is in part a locked facility.  Work is performed in the following places:  Courtroom, lobby, secure corridor, judicial chambers, secure detention, and probation offices.  The floors are a combination of carpet, tile, brick pavers and concrete.  Some degree of walking and standing are a part of this position.

Incumbent performs a majority of duties in a courtroom, involving sitting/walking at will, standing/walking for long periods, close/far vision, hearing sounds/communication, speaking clearly, handling/grasping/fingering objects, depth/color perception, pushing/pulling objects, bending, crouching/kneeling, and lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.  Incumbent is regularly exposed to distraught and/or potentially violent/hostile individuals.  Safety precautions must be followed at all times to prevent injury to self or others.  Incumbent may occasionally be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, for which universal health precautions must be followed to prevent infection. 

Persons coming to Court arrive in various states of emotional balance, some are upset, angry or hostile and others may be happy.  Safety of the Court as well as other staff and the community depends on the ability of the bailiff to react quickly, fairly, consistently and with control.  Inaccurate assessments could significantly impact the safety and health of the staff and community.