General Sessions Deputy Clerk I

The General Sessions Deputy Clerk I is responsible for administrative and legal support work for Sevier County General Sessions Court. This position assists with the coordination of both civil and criminal court proceedings by preparing court dockets, notifying involved parties, entering data, maintaining case files, and collecting fees and fines. The role also requires interaction with judges, law enforcement, attorneys, inmates, bonding companies, and the public to ensure effective and accurate court operations. Job performance will be evaluated by the General Sessions Court Clerk based on the accuracy of court records, ability to maintain confidentiality, organizational effectiveness, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of court procedures.

• Prepares and maintains court dockets for General Sessions Court; schedules appearances for law enforcement officers, attorneys, and prosecutors.
• Resets court dates as needed and ensures all parties are properly notified.
• Enters case information into the court database, including court dates, arraignments, warrants, traffic citations, and fines/fees.
• Collects, records, and processes court-imposed fines and fees; prepares and balances daily deposits.
• Assists judges with jail arraignments and sets bonds for individuals charged with criminal offenses when necessary.
• Prepares and distributes weekly Public Defender reports and monthly cost compliance dockets.
• Coordinates trial dates among defendants, officers, and prosecutors by consulting availability.
• Monitors bonding company compliance and tracks obligations to the County.
• Serves as a point of contact between the court, law enforcement agencies, incarcerated individuals, attorneys, and the public.
• Responds to public inquiries by phone and in person; explains court procedures and provides general information.
• Issues and enters civil warrants; calculates and redistributes service costs to law enforcement agencies.
• Assists judges with civil court matters; records judgments and updates civil case files accordingly.
• Prepares, files, and stamps court documents such as orders, petitions, and motions.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Required:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered through a licensed physician.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.

Preferred:

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
• Coursework or training in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.

Supervisory Requirements

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.  

Competencies

• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, systems, and equipment, including proficiency in computer software used for case management, financial records, and correspondence.
• Understanding of legal terminology, court procedures, and applicable rules and regulations governing General Sessions Court operations.
• Ability to consistently apply standard operating procedures and legal guidelines in an impartial and professional manner.
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills to ensure timely and accurate processing of court documents, dockets, and financial transactions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and the public.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret court orders, warrants, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Proficiency in drafting and preparing clear and accurate court documents, reports, correspondence, and legal notices.
• Skilled in delivering information and responding to inquiries from government officials, emergency personnel, attorneys, and the general public with clarity and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to solve practical problems and manage a variety of tasks where established procedures may not fully apply.
• Ability to interpret and implement written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions in a court setting.
• Capability to maintain composure under pressure, demonstrate courtesy and professionalism in challenging interactions, and uphold the integrity of the court.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information related to court cases and proceedings.
• Accuracy and attention to detail when processing legal documents, accepting payments, preparing dockets, and updating case files.
• Demonstration of a strong work ethic and positive attitude, with an ongoing commitment to ethical conduct, accountability, and public service.
• Effectiveness in working both independently and as part of a team to promote the efficiency and integrity of court operations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This is a light work position requiring the exertion of up to 25 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and a negligible amount constantly.
• Work requires walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and periods of sitting; also requires manual dexterity, finger mobility, grasping, and handling of office equipment and files.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas and conveying instructions and court-related information by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive and interpret information at normal spoken word levels and in environments with background noise, such as courtrooms.
• Visual acuity at a level to include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus, is required for reading legal documents, viewing computer screens, managing case files, and ensuring accuracy of records, with or without correction.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed indoors in a courtroom or office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Operates standard office equipment including computers, printers, and phones.
• Exposure to emotionally charged situations involving defendants, victims, and the public may occur.
• May occasionally interact with incarcerated individuals or those in law enforcement custody.
• General work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM, with occasional additional hours depending on court schedules.