Superior Court Receptionist

This position performs a variety of general reception and office duties to support the Superior Court Judges and administration, to ensure the efficient operations and services. This position offers customer service to County employees, outside agencies and the general public.

This position requires applicants to pass a test – NCRC Work Keys – no later than 09/7/2023 .

*Clerical Exam:   

Applicant must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) or higher of each of the three (3) ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Test (NCRC) or current employees of Cowlitz County must have passed the Cowlitz County Clerical Exam.

Cowlitz County has partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA, to facilitate the testing process. 

Test scores are good for 5 years.

Test Cost is $78.50.   

LCC Testing is available 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and closed on LCC observed holidays. 

Testing is available by appointment only.

Applicants must take the NCRC tests no later than 3 business days after the job announcement closes.

 To schedule testing, individuals can register at :  www.registerblast.com/lowercolumbia     or call the Testing Center directly at 360-442-2353

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision  (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance 
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work.  Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts.  The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas. 

1. Full reception/front desk duties including: courteously greet visitors, receive incoming calls, screen and forward calls to the appropriate staff member, answer questions/inquiries and provide information, direct or refer visitors to the appropriate staff or department, and take messages.  Receive and process bench copies.
2. Maintain office files, including records that require sorting, compilation and classification.
3. Maintain appointment logs, check-in the public for appointments with judges or staff.
4. Receive, open, sort and distribute incoming mail and ex parte box.  Process emergency protection orders for hearing
5. Prepare and process correspondence for Judges, court commissioners, and management.  Any other typing responsibilities as assigned.
6. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Present recommendations to improve department clerical efficiency.
7. Maintain accurate records.
8. Maintain an adequate inventory of commonly used office supplies. Order supplies, furnishings and office equipment and process maintenance and IT requests.
9. Perform a wide range of office duties to assist the operation and administration of Superior Court Administration such as: filing and records maintenance, copying, faxing, data entry, preparing reports, and general assistance to the office staff.
10. Opening and closing courtrooms as assigned.  General courtroom maintenance.
11. Collaborate with the other office staff on special projects and position coverage.
12. Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) of each of the 3 ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Tests (NCRC) through Lower Columbia College (LCC) or provide a passing NCRC Certificate or current employees of Cowlitz County must have passed the Cowlitz County Clerical Exam.
2. Possess valid driver’s license.
3. One (1) year clerical experience.
4. High School diploma or equivalent.
5. Experience and operational knowledge of a personal computer, with experience with Word, Access, and Excel software.
6. Possess good typing and note taking skills with an excellent working knowledge of English grammar, punctuation and document preparation.
7. Successfully pass a criminal background investigation to include reference checks and finger-printing/background check.

Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Good customer service skills to deal courteously with the general public and county employees requiring services. Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially during difficult or stressful situations.
2. Work in a cooperative and multi-task work environment. Perform tasks efficiently and accurately even with distractions common to the reception area. Detail oriented and ability to organize and file accurately. Analyze and set priorities.
3. Maintain good and efficient lines of work related communication with co-workers and supervisors.
4. Initiative to take action and be self-motivated. Work well independently.
5. Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing. Portray a professional image and attitude.
6. Strong math skills and organizational skills.
7. Maintain confidentiality of restricted or private information, and effectively handle sensitive matters.
8. Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.
9. Conduct self in accordance with Judicial Ethics requirements.

Salary : $39,492 - $46,452