Tribal Court Clerk at Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake – Upper Lake, California

Under the direct supervision of the Tribal Court Chief Judge, the Tribal Court Clerk performs a wide variety of support work requiring understanding of court process and functions. This is a 30 hour per week hybrid hourly position - minimum one day per week on-site. This position is benefits eligible.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Process petitions, complaints and supplemental pleadings on cases filed with the court. Type subpoenas, summons, commitments, court decrees, judgments, and program reports.
• Take notes while attending court hearings and prepare written records of all proceedings as minutes on docket forms.
• Resolve and respond to difficult customer service questions and problems.
• Provide information to attorneys, litigants, and the public, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure.
• Maintain the filing system assuring all records are secure and retrievable. Maintain the record of the Tribal Court and Tribal Court of Appeals.
• Courtroom duties such as administering oaths, preparing documents, updating case file action sheets, and ensuring custody of exhibits.
• Provide a central source of information on court activities. Search and compile information and data as requested. Prepare and type monthly court reports reflecting statistics on cases and judgments rendered.
• Receive, screen, and make distribution of incoming mail and phone calls to Chief Judge for instructions on the type of action to be taken.
• Interact with staff from other Tribal Departments and Tribal Court Programs.
• Set up and maintains account receivable file for filing fees, as well as defendants ordered to pay fines that indicate payment fee schedule.
• Prepare cases on appeal with complete Clerk's Transcript for Appeal purposes.
• Maintain confidential legal documents or information.
• Must be available for travel to other areas of the reservation and service area.
• Prepare, photocopy, verify and certify the validity of court documents when requested.
• Deliver Restraining Orders to other agencies or departments as necessary.
• Schedule cases on the court calendar in accordance with the identified process and time frames and maintains annual court calendar.
• Responsible for evidence received by the court and properly marks as evidence when presented and prepares release of evidence after court disposition of case.
• Disperse public information and court rules. Answer the telephone, convey messages, and assist persons in the drafting and execution of complaints, petitions, answers, motions, and other pleadings and documents for Tribal Court and Tribal Court of Appeals proceedings.
• Type correspondence and submit to Chief Judge, Supervisor(s) for review and signature.
• Other duties as necessary to meet the program and/or Tribal organizational needs.
• Represent the Tribe with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to type accurately and at a rate sufficient to produce documents and enter information into the computer system.
• Experience with Zoom and Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Outlook, Word, Publisher).
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of cases, customers, and proceedings.
• Office management practices and procedures in a court setting.
• Fiscal management, including budget development and administration.
• Legal records management.
• Applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• The use of specified computer applications involving the design and management of various databases, spreadsheet, and word processing files and the development of special report formats.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of Judicial system, legal practices, and terminology.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Compiling and summarizing information and preparing periodic or special reports.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Analyzing and resolving varied office administrative problems.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating work activities, coordinating multiple activities, and meeting critical deadlines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Dealing successfully with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Education and Experience

Required:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. verified
• One year of administrative work experience and public contact in a legal environment; OR two years of any combination in education, training and work experience that provides the required basic knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment skill assessment to evaluate the following areas:
  • Reading and comprehension skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Basic math
  • Intermediate computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Typing accuracy and speed
• All offers are contingent upon signing a confidentiality agreement and satisfactory completion of drug screening and background checks. Employer observes federal standards for controlled substances.
• Required to possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Tribe’s insurance carrier.

Preferred: College degree or coursework in criminal justice, legal studies, or a related field.

Physical Requirements

• Typical work hours are within a Monday-Friday from 8-5 schedule, however, this position may require occasional travel and flexibility to be available some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Prolonged periods in a stationary seated position, such as working on a computer.
• Frequently move, transport, and manipulate computer equipment up to 15 pounds.
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination, use of hands and fingers to handle work-related items; hearing ability sufficient to perceive and respond to oral communications and ambient sounds both in and out of doors.

Compensation: The hiring range for this position is from $22.00 to $30.00 on an hourly basis. The compensation offered within this range will be based on the candidate’s experience, education and demonstrated ability to meet the responsibilities of this position.

Join Us in Making a Difference As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a work environment that values community, culture, and personal growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with over 80% of premiums covered by the Tribe
• Employer-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match
• 17 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year (pro-rated for less than 40 hours/week)
• Weekly pay schedule
• Education reimbursement program to support your learning and development
• Employee referral program
• Casual dress code that reflects our welcoming and inclusive culture

Who We are as a Tribe

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is a federally recognized Native sovereign nation. Our primary purposes relate to the overall well-being of our Tribal Members and our families. We have active programs and relationships with our Pomo tribal neighbors in Lake County, California that will help us preserve our Pomo culture. Many of these activities help us rediscover lost traditions and spiritual beliefs and help revive our dying languages. Because we know that the world is different from when our ancestors were here, our Tribe works very hard to learn other ways of achieving economic self-sufficiency. We engage in a variety of economic development strategies which would not only benefit our families but also our neighbors. We strive to make sure that wherever we do business, it is done in a manner that respects our neighbors and the larger community’s needs. In this vein, our Tribe looks forward to working with you.

Indian Preference Native American Indian preference shall apply to the position in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(i)), regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (41 C.F.R. § 60-1.5(a)(7)), and/or other relevant laws. Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility with their application.