Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$37,660.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$49,690.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$70,680.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
7,870
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
8,900
+103 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
933
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
School Programs information is not available for this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
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.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Audio recording equipment
- Ballot marking systems
- Cash drawers
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer inkjet printers
- Computer laser printers
- Computer touch screens
- Copy machines
- Credit card processing machines
- Desktop calculators
- Dictating equipment
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital data input scanners
- Digital still cameras
- Document mailing equipment
- Document shredders
- Electric typewriters
- Laser facsimile machines
- License photo printers
- Mechanical lever voting machines
- Microfilm viewing equipment
- Mobile radios
- Multiline telephone systems
- Notary public seal presses
- Notary public stamps
- Optical scan equipment
- Personal computers
- Printing calculators
- Punch card voting systems
- Steno writers
Technology
- Abilis CORIS Offender Management System
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Data Technologies Summit
- Email software
- IBM Judicial Enforcement Management System JEMS
- IBM Notes
- LexisNexis
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Spreadsheet applications
- Syscon Court Clerk
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain job descriptions
- operate duplicating equipment
- collect fees
- collect fees
- prepare meeting agenda
- explain government rules or policies
- ensure correct grammar, punctuation, or spelling
- evaluate applicant qualifications for licensure
- issue licenses or permits
- maintain records, reports, or files
- maintain records, reports, or files
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- fill out business or government forms
- fill out business or government forms
- fill out business or government forms
- maintain appointment calendar
- maintain appointment calendar
- maintain inventory of office forms
- maintain inventory of office forms
- prepare financial reports
- administer tests to determine qualifications
- interview customers
- write business correspondence
- write business correspondence
- relay information to proper officials
- use interviewing procedures
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use shorthand writing procedures
- transcribe spoken or written information
- transcribe spoken or written information
- take dictation
- take messages
- take messages
- maintain telephone logs
- maintain telephone logs
- maintain telephone logs
- use computer to transcribe testimony
- compile information for court cases
- compile itinerary of planned meetings or activities
- provide customer service
- provide customer service
- obtain information from individuals
- obtain information from individuals
- obtain information from witnesses, attorneys, or litigants
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Evaluate information on applications to verify completeness and accuracy and to determine whether applicants are qualified to obtain desired licenses.
- Perform administrative tasks, such as answering telephone calls, filing court documents, or maintaining office supplies or equipment.
- 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.
- Record case dispositions, court orders, or arrangements made for payment of court fees.
- Answer questions or provide advice to the public regarding licensing policies, procedures, or regulations.
- Prepare meeting agendas or packets of related information.
- Examine legal documents submitted to courts for adherence to laws or court procedures.
- 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.
- Prepare ordinances, resolutions, or proclamations so that they can be executed, recorded, archived, or distributed.
- Answer inquiries from the general public regarding judicial procedures, court appearances, trial dates, adjournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpoenas, witness fees, or payment of fines.
- Code information on license applications for entry into computers.
- Prepare documents recording the outcomes of court proceedings.
- Prepare and issue orders of the court, such as probation orders, release documentation, sentencing information, or summonses.
- 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.
- Search files and contact witnesses, attorneys, or litigants to obtain information for the court.
- Perform general office duties, such as taking or transcribing dictation, typing or proofreading correspondence, distributing or filing official forms, or scheduling appointments.
- Instruct parties about timing of court appearances.
- Respond to requests for information from the public, other municipalities, state officials, or state and federal legislative offices.
- Coordinate or maintain office tracking systems for correspondence or follow-up actions.
- Train other workers or coordinate their work, as necessary.
- 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.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Information and record clerks (Intro)
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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