Court, Municipal, and License Clerks

Also called: Administrative Specialist, Agent Licensing Clerk, Animal Control Licensing Worker, Appeals Clerk, Appellate Court Clerk

Varies

estimated salary

Court, municipal, and license clerks perform clerical duties for courts of law, municipalities, or governmental licensing agencies and bureaus. May prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges and court; prepare draft agendas or bylaws for town or city council; answer official correspondence; keep fiscal records and accounts; issue licenses or permits; and record data, administer tests, or collect fees.

  • Evaluate information on applications to verify completeness and accuracy and to determine whether applicants are qualified to obtain desired licenses.
  • Verify the authenticity of documents, such as foreign identification or immigration documents.
  • Record and edit the minutes of meetings and distribute to appropriate officials or staff members.
  • Question applicants to obtain required information, such as name, address, or age, and record data on prescribed forms.
  • Issue public notification of all official activities or meetings.
  • Record and maintain all vital and fiscal records and accounts.
  • Answer questions or provide advice to the public regarding licensing policies, procedures, or regulations.
  • Prepare meeting agendas or packets of related information.
  • Prepare and issue orders of the court, such as probation orders, release documentation, sentencing information, or summonses.
  • Prepare ordinances, resolutions, or proclamations so that they can be executed, recorded, archived, or distributed.
  • Code information on license applications for entry into computers.
  • Record case dispositions, court orders, or arrangements made for payment of court fees.
  • Perform budgeting duties, such as assisting in budget preparation, expenditure review, or budget administration.
  • Perform record checks on past or current licensees, as required by investigations.
  • Prepare documents recording the outcomes of court proceedings.
  • Examine legal documents submitted to courts for adherence to laws or court procedures.
  • Perform general office duties, such as taking or transcribing dictation, typing or proofreading correspondence, distributing or filing official forms, or scheduling appointments.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as answering telephone calls, filing court documents, or maintaining office supplies or equipment.
  • Respond to requests for information from the public, other municipalities, state officials, or state and federal legislative offices.
  • Search files and contact witnesses, attorneys, or litigants to obtain information for the court.
  • Coordinate or maintain office tracking systems for correspondence or follow-up actions.
  • Answer inquiries from the general public regarding judicial procedures, court appearances, trial dates, adjournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpoenas, witness fees, or payment of fines.
  • Train other workers or coordinate their work, as necessary.
  • Instruct parties about timing of court appearances.
  • Research information in the municipal archives upon request of public officials or private citizens.
  • Perform contract administration duties, assisting with bid openings or the awarding of contracts.
  • Participate in the administration of municipal elections, such as preparation or distribution of ballots, appointment or training of election officers, or tabulation or certification of results.
  • Issue various permits and licenses, such as marriage, fishing, hunting, and dog licenses, and collect appropriate fees.
  • Plan or direct the maintenance, filing, safekeeping, or computerization of all municipal documents.
  • Prepare dockets or calendars of cases to be called.
Work Context
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Contact With Others
  • Telephone
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Electronic Mail
  • Deal With External Customers
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  • Read More
Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
  • Examine documents to verify adherence to requirements.
  • Record information from meetings or other formal proceedings.
  • Distribute materials to employees or customers.
  • Interview employees, customers, or others to collect information.
  • Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Clerical
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Read More

Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Read More

Abilities

Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
  • Abilis CORIS Offender Management System
  • IBM Judicial Enforcement Management System JEMS
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
  • Spreadsheet applications
Electronic mail software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology
  • IBM Notes Hot Technology
  • Email software
Read More