Service coordinators, who are also known as process servers and coordinators, are responsible for coordinating the delivery of court documents to individuals. Attorneys and legal support teams typically hire process servers and process service coordinators to manage this vital component of the legal process.
Becoming a service coordinator in the legal field can begin with specialized education in a related discipline. For instance, aspiring professionals can gain the expertise and qualification they need with the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Psychology – Forensic Psychology program from Florida Institute of Technology.
What Does a Service Coordinator Do? Process Server Job Description and Duties
Service of process is the method by which legal documents, such as summonses, complaints, subpoenas, writs and other court documents are delivered to the individual to whom the document is directed. Because service of process must be performed by a person who is not a party to the case, legal teams hire process servers and coordinators to handle this important part of the process.
Service coordinators are typically responsible for delivering (serving), or coordinating the delivery of legal documents in accordance with applicable laws. This may mean physically handing the documents to the defendant, or delivering them to a person in the same household or business. Because some defendants may not cooperate, the service coordinator must possess knowledge of the legal means available to deliver notifications properly.
Once the documents are delivered, the service coordinator must provide proof that the documents were served. An Affidavit of Service, or proof of service, is the most common method used. The affidavit is delivered to the party requesting the service.
Additional duties taken on by service coordinators may include filing papers with the courts, retrieving documents, and conducting some forms of investigations, such as locating missing persons, skip-tracing or surveillance. Process servers may collaborate with other professionals in law enforcement and criminology as well as the legal team.
Service coordinators, or process server coordinators, may work from home offices or a central location. They frequently travel to perform their duties, which may occur at various times of the day, including evenings or weekends. Schedules are usually flexible, and many service coordinators set their own hours.
Potential Salary for Process Servers
As of June, 2025, ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary of process servers to be $42,416. The typical salary range is $35,000 to $48,500. Of note, process servers often set their own hours and may work part time, doing other work as well and increasing overall earnings. Further, process service coordinators may work in a more managerial capacity, often commanding higher wages.
Salary potential for service coordinators and process servers may vary depending on location, education and experience. Prospective students should conduct independent research to determine actual earning potential.
Process Server and Service Coordinator Education and Training
While there are no standard paths of entry to becoming a process server or service coordinator, most employers hiring for this position require a high school diploma at minimum and potentially law enforcement or legal work experience. Some employers may prefer specialized education in sociology, psychology or forensics.
Depending on the state, process service may require licensure. This can involve being fingerprinted and bonded, taking a written exam and passing a background check. Some states require service coordinators and process server coordinators to be registered with the state. Because regulations vary, prospective students should conduct independent research regarding registration and licensing procedures in the state in which they reside.
Preparing for a service coordinator career may begin with earning a BA in applied psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology. While a bachelor’s degree is not always a requirement for this line of work, it offers the candidate a competitive edge in the job market, especially when applying for coordinator and manager positions.
Coursework in this type of degree program typically covers the essentials of psychology, social psychology, multicultural issues, integrated theories of crime, law and psychology, victim studies and advocacy, and professional and ethical issues. Employers can be confident that individuals with a BA in Applied Psychology – Forensic Psychology from Florida Tech are able to:
- Understand the foundation of proper investigative techniques, courtroom procedures and rules of evidence
- Approach human behavior from a sociological and psychological perspective
- Use proven methodologies to provide effective solutions to real-world business problems
- Value the complexity of sociocultural diversity
- Leverage advanced skills and knowledge to succeed as a service coordinator or process server
Some employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It may be possible to gain an entry-level position and use a tuition assistance program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, with a bachelor’s degree, professionals can leverage their process server experience and qualifications to pursue other positions at the intersection of psychology and forensics, such as criminologist or criminal profiler.
An Exciting Legal Career as a Service Coordinator
The work of a service coordinator, or process service coordinator, can be exciting, with every day bringing changing responsibilities and environments. To be successful in this field, professionals need an array of abilities and knowledge, from excellent communication and time management skills to attention to detail and legal expertise. Process service coordinators must possess the ability to handle stressful situations, think on their feet and approach problems with creative solutions.
Through building on personal attributes and developing essential skills and knowledge, earning a BA in Applied Psychology – Forensic Psychology from Florida Tech can give professionals in process service a competitive advantage. The specialized expertise and respected qualification this degree provides can open doors and help aspiring process servers and coordinators break into the exciting legal field — a field with a great deal of room for advancement and professional rewards.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Applied Psychology – Forensic Psychology program.
