State Marshal

Introduction

Do you want a position where you have autonomy, make your own schedule and have high earning potential?

If so, we encourage you to consider becoming a CT State Marshal!

The State Marshal Commission is currently accepting applications for State Marshals. The Commission seeks qualified and motivated individuals to apply for these positions which perform an important function in the legal and court system. State Marshals are appointed officials obligated and required by law to receive legal process and execute it promptly. State Marshals are public officials, but they are not state employees. State Marshals do not receive a salary but are compensated on a fee-for-service basis, from fees set by state law. The primary duty of State Marshals is to serve and execute civil process directed to them from litigants, landlords, individual attorneys, courts and various state and federal agencies.

Appointments are targeted in the following areas: Fairfield, Middlesex, New London, Tolland and Windham counties, however, all counties are encouraged to apply!

THE ROLE

Connecticut State Marshals are NOT employed by the State of Connecticut. They do NOT receive a salary or benefits. State marshals are officers who hold an appointment vested with a government function for the overall benefit of the public and the court system. 

State Marshals are compensated for each service when completed, by fees set in state law and they may only charge statutorily set fees. State Marshals are, however, eligible to participate in the state employee health insurance plan at the full group rate, at their own expense. State Marshals are not employees but are independent (self-employed) contractors. This is a unique position with significant responsibility and record keeping that requires diligence and self-management. This position involves a significant amount of driving and typing documents..

State Marshals must pay the state an annual administrative fee of $750.00. Persons appointed as a State Marshal are required to obtain and maintain personal liability insurance (providing $100,000 for damage to the person or property of one person and $300,000 for damage to the person or property of more than one person), in accordance with Sec. 6-30a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Our ideal candidates will possess the following:

• Have the ability to function as a CT State Marshal on a full-time basis.
• Have the temperament and organization for successful long-term work as a CT State Marshal.
• Are of good moral character.
• Have excellent time management, interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Have a demonstrated credit score and good financial record keeping ability.
• Have a background and experience with the civil courts.
• Have experience working and communicating with members of the public.
• Applicants who are fluent in Spanish would be beneficial and are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must email the documents below in one PDF file to Jasmyn.Raymond@ct.gov for consideration. Please make sure to type "State Marshal Documents" in the subject line of the email. Please ensure your documents can be clearly read before uploading them. Failure to accurately submit the required documents will eliminate you from the recruitment process, therefore it is important that you submit ALL the required documents.

• A Resume
• A copy of Driver's license
• A copy of applicants CT Motor vehicle driving record covering the past 3 years
• Voter registration record, card or other proof of elector status
• Proof of high school diploma or G.E.D, or college transcript
• A recent credit bureau report (must provide a full credit report with FICO score)
• A completed waiver for access to applicant’s personnel files
• Three (3) letters of character reference signed by the persons providing the reference. Letters must include the addresses and telephone numbers of the authors. Letters sent by the applicant's immediate family (parents, wife, etc.), and form letters are not acceptable
• If applicant has been in the military, a copy of a DD-214 or other documentation to indicate type of discharge with re-enlistment codes

WHO WE ARE

The State Marshal Commission is an Executive Branch commission operating within the Department of Administrative Services with independent decision making authority.

The Commission conducts several core functions, including setting training requirements, professional standards, audit policies, disciplinary protocol, restraining order rotations and administrative procedures for the efficient and fair operation of the state marshal system. By statutes, regulations and policies, the Commission also is involved in many functions, including but not limited to setting training requirements, professional standards, audit policies, disciplinary protocol, restraining order rotations and administrative procedures for the efficient and fair operation of the state marshal system.

Selection Plan

The following elements may be part of the State Marshal selection process depending upon how far you advance through the process. 

Candidates will be required to successfully complete each step before being scheduled for steps that follow. More details about these elements will be made available if you are scheduled for them. Vacancies will be filled from the pool of candidates that successfully pass all phases of the selection process. Final appointments will be made at the discretion of the State Marshal Commission.

The Application-to-Hire process is separated into the following stages:

• Application Period:You must submit by email, all of the above referenced documents to Jasmyn.Raymond@ct.gov no later than the closing of the application filing period for this recruitment. Please make sure to type "State Marshal Documents" in the subject line of the email.
• Written Test: Applicants will be required to complete a multiple-choice questions covering: ability to read and understand complex written materials regarding service of process and execution; ability to prioritize and manage the serving of processes; oral communication and interpersonal skills; ability to solve mathematical problems related to monetary transactions; written communication skills. Applicants must receive a score of 80% or higher on the written test in order to be eligible to be considered further in the selection process. Applicants are responsible for the application fee.
• Background Investigation: Fingerprinting and review of an applicant's education, employment and criminal history, which will include contacting references and employers, and checking state and federal records.  
• Character Requirements: In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation to include fingerprint examination of each candidate will be made before persons are certified for appointment.
• Credit check: This role requires being bonded, this requires a credit score above 650.
• Selection Interview: An interview of selected candidates conducted by members of the State Marshal Commission.
• Physical/Mental Examination: Applicants may be required to undergo a physical/mental examination.
• Training Program: Candidates must successfully complete a formal training program covering the legal execution and service of civil processes. The training process will include additional testing.

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Director of Operations Anthony Valenti at (860)713-5373.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

State Marshals are appointed officials obligated and required by law to receive legal process and execute it promptly. State Marshals are public officials, but they are not state employees. State Marshals do not receive a salary but are compensated on a fee-for-service basis, from fees set by state law. The primary duty of State Marshals is to serve and execute civil process directed to them from litigants, landlords, individual attorneys, courts and various state and federal agencies.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

A State Marshal provides legal execution and service of civil process within one of the eight counties in Connecticut. There are a limited number of marshals appointed in each county who are responsible for the service of process and execution within their county. This work includes:

• Serving legal papers-- for example: subpoenas; writs, summons & complaints; eviction paperwork; family motions and divorces. Such services may require service to be conducted early or after hours, on short deadlines, and in any town within the county of appointment.
• Serving process for indigent persons— on fee waivers paid by the State.
• Serving restraining orders and civil protection orders— expeditiously serve restraining orders, some with immediate orders of protection. State Marshals must also regularly appear in court and receive such orders, based on a rotating schedule of marshals assigned to a particular courthouse.
• Conducting evictions— physically remove persons and property from residential or commercial property under court orders, and inventory, transport and ensure safety and lawful execution under state law.
• Enforcing court orders— such as wage garnishments, bank executions, and property executions and ensure proper accounting. State Marshals are only paid for collections work when they collect money from the defendant.
• Attach and seize property—under writs of attachment, replevin, or court orders.
• Conduct arrests—execute community arrests and transport individuals under civil capias warrants, typically for failure to appear in child support or collection cases.
• State marshals are responsible for running their own offices— marshals serve the legal process needs within their county of appointment. The obligations of state marshals relating to their statutory functions require them to be responsive to the public and results in them receiving numerous phone calls, mail and emails concerning service of process from litigants around the state.
• Create accurate returns of service— produce and document accurate written statements which are filed in court for every service completed.
• Keep detailed client and financial records— concerning legal execution of court orders which are reported to the Commission.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Background:

• Time management skills, ability to multi-task and organize competing work tasks.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Secure financial status and demonstrated credit score of 720.
• College degree, preferably in business, law enforcement, pre-law, or other related field.
• Knowledge of Connecticut civil law; use of Judicial Branch databases; restraining and/or protective order procedures; and returns of service.
• Experience working with members of the public; evaluating settings to ensure safety and security; encouraging positive behavior.
• Possession of a paralegal certificate or worked as a civil litigation paralegal for two years.
• Experience reviewing financial documents; knowledge of wage garnishments, financial institution or property executions.
• Experience working as an independent contractor; maintaining minimum liability insurance; completing and submitting accurate invoices for payment.
• Demonstrated consistent history of elector status in the projected county of appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this position may be exposed to unpleasant and/or dangerous situations which could cause injury or loss of life, to uncomfortable weather conditions and/or to confinement within a vehicle for prolonged periods. 

Conclusion

JOB STATUS AS APPOINTEE, NOT EMPLOYEE

This position is a state appointment, not state employment.