Office Specialist I

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Job Hubs career section to apply for this position. The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs. Our Values: Integrity Common Sense Innovation Accountability Position Data: Office Specialist I-J23-U10-H Regular Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime) Overview: Pay Range: $20.87 - $26.47 per hour (AFSCME-87 B21 Pay Plan, Step 1-13) Hiring Range: $20.87 - $22.15 per hour (AFSCME-87 B21 Pay Plan, Step 1-4 DOQ) Job Closing Date: October 2, 2025 There is an Office Specialist I (In-Court Clerk) vacancy with Yakima County District Court. The In-Court clerk is essential to the daily operations of the court. This role ensures cases are properly calendared, proceedings are accurately recorded, and court records are maintained. Working in a fast-paced environment, the clerk manages multiple tasks at once, including monitoring FTR recordings, processing documents, responding to questions from judges, attorneys, and defendants, and entering information into DISCIS. The position requires knowledge of court procedures, sound judgment, accuracy, and strong communication skills to support the fair and efficient administration of justice. * A typing test will be administered at time of interview.* Benefits included in position: -Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD) -Retirement Benefits -Paid Vacation -Paid Holidays -Paid Sick Leave Note: This is an AFSCME 87 Master Courthouse Bargaining Unit position. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections) Responsibilities: Prepares files for a variety of court dockets, including reviewing case files and identifying any documents that must be prepared in advance. Completes docket entries in DISCIS during court sessions by entering accurate information across multiple screens under tight time constraints. Ensures court proceedings are recorded correctly via the FTR system and prepares the corresponding audio log for each case. Prepares necessary forms and paperwork in real time based on decisions made in court and updates DISCIS accordingly. Responds promptly to inquiries or requests from the Judge during proceedings while simultaneously managing routine courtroom activity. Communicates information and transmits court paperwork to county, local, and state agencies as required. Monitors courtroom events to identify security risks or special needs. Manages virtual court operations (Zoom, telephonic appearances, livestreaming) and ensures all participants have access. Troubleshoots technical issues during court (FTR malfunctions, Zoom connection problems, OnBase issues, etc.) and requests assistance if necessary. Reviews case data to identify individuals who have failed to meet sentencing obligations and schedules those cases for judicial review hearings. Files returned warrants and updates case information in the DISCUS system accordingly. Reviews records and documentation to verify whether jail sentences have been completed as ordered, and if not set those cases for a judicial review hearing. Maintains and updates the hearing tally sheet to ensure accurate tracking of court hearings. Provides supplemental support to the team by responding to incoming telephone calls and assisting with the monitoring and return of voicemail messages, particularly during periods of high call volume or staff absences. Communicate with members of the public, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel to provide information regarding court dates, case statuses, fine amounts, payment methods, and procedural filing requirements. Handles sensitive and complex questions while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that only appropriate information is shared in accordance with public records policies. Routinely interacts with individuals who may be upset, emotional, or hostile, requiring the use of de-escalation skills and sound judgment. Accurately logs voicemail messages and ensures timely follow-up to support consistent and responsive communication. Other duties as assigned. Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED AND three (3) years of administrative, clerical, and customer service experience (preferably court-related or legal-related administrative experience or paralegal support); OR an equivalent combination of experience or training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job Required: Valid WA State Drivers license and proof of insurance, if requested. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background investigation and general employment verification. Preferred: Knowledge of the legal system, particularly the role and function of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. Experience working with legal database programs such as DISCIS and use of electronic recording equipment (FTR). Able to type accurately and efficiently to complete documentation and data entry within established timeframes. Equipment Used: Computers and Workstations, Printers and Copiers, Fax Machines, Telephones, Office Scanners, Document/Case Management Systems, Conference Equipment, Office Furniture, and Administrative Supplies Working Conditions: This position is rated as Sedentary Work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Environment: Duties are carried out in an office and/or courtroom environment, where there may be exposure to potentially violent or hostile individuals. Maintaining confidentiality is essential. Security issues, handling of exhibits, domestic violence issues, and jury integrity are daily events. May be required to travel / work at alternate work locations Physical Demands: bending, carrying, handling, lifting, pushing, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, fingering, balancing, climbing, crouching, kneeling, hearing, smelling, talking, and visual acuity. Intellectual Demands: ability to multitask, confidentiality, ability to work under pressure, ability to articulate and communicate information in conversations, ability to follow written instruction, and ability to follow verbal instruction. Knowledge: Understanding of court processes, legal terminology, and the judicial systems structure. Ability to effectively communicate with judges, attorneys, jurors, and the public, both verbally and in writing. Familiarity with court management systems (e.g., DISCIS) and other relevant software for case management, scheduling, and record-keeping. Competence in using office equipment, such as computers, printers, and audio recording systems. Knowledge of ethical guidelines and professional conduct standards for court staff. Understanding of the importance of impartiality, confidentiality, and integrity in court proceedings. Understanding of how to provide excellent customer service to the public and address their inquiries or concerns effectively. Skills and Abilities: Ability to critically analyze and summarize court rulings, written opinions, and legal documents, ensuring accurate interpretation and application. Proficiency in writing business correspondence, drafting legal documents, and recording accurate minutes of court proceedings. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to handle a variety of responsibilities. Skill in communicating complex or sensitive information clearly and effectively to a diverse audience, including the public and legal professionals. Ability to make responsible decisions that align with office policies and state statutes, ensuring compliance and accuracy. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and the general public. Capability to work efficiently despite constant interruptions, maintaining focus and productivity. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply. Yakima County ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of a persons age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute. PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish the information. Disabled applicants may request accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment. Please contact Human Resources for further information. Yakima County is a qualified Public Service entity for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service or contact your federal loan servicer. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Yakima County will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Yakima County is an E-Verify Employer. Yakima County is one of the largest employers with over 1,000 employees providing services in all areas of law and justice, corrections, administration, public services and social services. Work locations are throughout the Valley and vary based on department. Check out the Countys website at www.yakimacounty.us for more information. Eligibility for benefits are dependent upon Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and if your position type is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Medical, Dental, Prescription and Vision Coverage Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Health Reimbursement Account (HRA- VEBA) Health Savings Account (HSA) Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Voluntary Benefits vision, term life, critical illness, disability and other insurance plans Washington State Retirement Plan (DRS) 457 Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays and Sick Leave Click here for a full list of Yakima County Benefits Located in Central Washington, Yakima County is large (4,200 square miles) and diverse. Residents enjoy 300 days of sunshine each year and four distinct seasons. Yakima County is ranked first in the state in agricultural production, and is one of the top five areas in the nation in production of specialty crops. Irrigated farmlands and rolling foothills provide a backdrop to the nearby Cascade Mountains. Around 70 percent of the Countys 226,000 residents live in its 14 cities, towns and urban growth areas. The unique blend of rural and urban lifestyle choices offers a quality of living unsurpassed in the Northwest. Learn more at www.visityakima.com Looking for an exciting career with the Yakima County Sheriff's Department? To apply as a Lateral Deputy Sheriff, Click here To apply as an Entry Level Deputy Sheriff or a Law Enforcement Dispatcher, you must go through Public Safety Testing.