Process Server I - Civil Process

Department: Civil Process

County or State Funded: County

Exempt or Non-exempt: Non-exempt

Paygrade: C-108

Salary pay range: $19.80 - $24.74

Basic Function and Responsibility:

To provide timely, efficient, and professional service, posting, and execution of a variety of legal papers to individuals, businesses, and governmental agencies located in Jackson County. Complete accurate and legible documentation regarding service, attempted service, revisions, etc. Contact plaintiff, defendant, respondents, and attorneys in regard to obtaining additional information regarding time of service, addresses, appropriate person to serve, etcetera, prior to returning document(s). Exercise precautions for personal safety during all activities and may utilize self-defense training and equipment which may include oleoresin capsicum (QC/pepper spray) and a court-issued firearm, in accordance with department policies and statutes.

Appointing Authority and Supervision Received:

• The deputy court administrator of circuit court and jury supervisor is the appointing authority. The court officer I receives direct supervision by the court officer I's supervisor and/or the manager of the department.

Supervision Exercised:

• None.

Characteristic and Assigned Duties: (The following duties are representative of the position and do not include all duties which may be performed.)

• Receive service documents, organize, and utilize routing software to provide timely service and the most efficient route to maximize the time to serve documents and minimize expenses to the court.

• May post or serve summonses, writs, garnishments, and other legal documents on individuals, corporate officers, business owners and others by traveling in personal or court issued vehicle within county.

• If approved, may assist court officer II with building checks/searches to carry out court orders to seize property and/or evict individuals.

• Ensure statutory requirements of service of process are adhered to, and all service returns are accurate and detailed in accordance with department rules and return documents by their serve by dates.

• Question individuals to determine best accessibility to individuals to be served.

• Complete entries into StreetSmart app to record in/out, start/stop, breaks, mileage, and other reports, such as, serious incident report, and work comp, as required.

• Contact plaintiffs and attorneys prior to non-esting documents to determine accurate address, appropriate individual to serve, and problems with service and return telephone/voicemails on a daily basis.

• Contact law enforcement personnel to be present at time of service, if necessary, and/or notify management of any potential dangers, per policy.

• Answer respondents' and defendants' inquiries regarding service or court procedures within established guidelines.

• Attend training and meetings, as directed.

• Participate in self-defense and other work-related training and meet minimum requirements.

• If use of force is required, to only utilize that force necessary and in accordance with department policies and statutes.

• Serve as a witness and provide testimony in court regarding measures taken to serve process.

• Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of court procedures, legal documents, laws and legal factors pertaining to civil law.

• Working knowledge of local county geography, and/or GIS/routing software to ensure effective navigation and response.

• Ability to exhibit safe and appropriate use of firearms - including loading, firing, unloading, following range instructor commands and employing appropriate safety measures at all times.

• Ability to use firearms safely and accurately for training purposes and when use of force is necessary for self-defense.

• Ability to fully participate (i.e. no physical restrictions) in department approved training such as firearms, oleoresin capsicum, building search, personal defense, handgun retention, handcuffing, ground control and/or other training as needed.

• Strong situational awareness and critical thinking skills to assess potential threats and determine appropriate responses, including de-escalation, tactical withdrawal, use of force consistent with policy and statutes.

• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings and weekends as required.

• Demonstrate ability to utilize excellent time management skills, commitment to punctuality, reliability, and consistent attendance.

• Ability to access a variety of locations, including climbing stairs, prolonged standing, and walking.

• Ability to lawfully operate a vehicle and in a safe and prudent manner in all weather and traffic conditions.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Ability to speak, read and write in English at a level necessary for successful job performance.

• Must be able to communicate effectively using verbal and auditory skills in order to communicate and understand information transmitted by telecommunication, police radio, or in person, such as, respond to verbal commands at the firing range, identify potential threats at work sites and communicate with co-workers to resolve threat, and/or information transmitted by cellphone devices.

• Ability to remain calm, make sound decisions and relate in a professional fashion with emotionally distraught individuals from a variety of cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds and/or potentially hazardous situations.

• Ability to make sound decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and departmental policies and procedures.

• Basic proficiency in using technology, including smartphones, computers, for communication and data entry tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of work experience in law enforcement, security, military, service of process, or other directly related fields.

Necessary Special Requirement:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license from state of residence and provide proof of such.

• Must possess and maintain state mandated auto liability insurance and a properly licensed, reliable vehicle, and provide proof of such.

• Must successfully obtain firearm authorization and complete court approved firearm qualification program.

• Must wear a uniform, which includes a firearm, police radio, body armor, oleoresin capsicum and/or similar equipment as determined by the department.

• Must be able to perform the full, unrestricted duties of your position, at all times in all types of weather conditions.

Physical Requirement:

• Regular reaching with the hands and arms.

• Frequent use of hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls.

• Occasionally sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

• Occasionally respond quickly with physical force utilizing firearm and/or defensive tactics training, and or equipment to defend oneself or others against a violent individual and/or animal.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Visual acuity must be sufficient to safely operate a motor vehicle and pass and maintain required firearms safety qualifications.

• Must have sufficient hearing to respond to a variety of auditory stimulus from telephonic, police radio, inter-personal communication, commands, etcetera.

• Must have the cognitive ability to remain calm and make decisions under stress that are within the legal standards and department policies when dealing with individuals from different cultures, who may be emotionally distraught, or situations that quickly become violent.

Approved Forms: N/A

Equal Opportunity Employer