Court Reporter

About the role

This classification is full-time, represented and non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Responsibilities

• Records verbatim testimony and court proceedings using an accepted method of machine shorthand or using voice writing technology.
• Requests clarification of instructions, orders, or other actions to properly note the official record.
• Prepares and reads back all or portions of the official court proceedings upon instruction from the Judicial Officer.
• Certifies printed transcripts of court proceedings.
• Explains terminology, procedures and regulations related to transcription, billing and collection.
• Obtains supplies and maintenance for own equipment.
• Contacts law enforcement agencies, laboratories and others regarding spelling of names of personnel, slang, testing procedures, curriculum vitae, etc.
• Uses reference materials for accurate spelling of medical, technical and other specialized vocabulary.
• Maintains current knowledge of State regulations related to court reporting.
• Works effectively with a diverse clientele.
• Maintains confidentiality of records.
• Collects statistical information and prepares reports, as necessary.
• Performs other related work as required by business needs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of techniques and procedures for using machine shorthand equipment, including real-time computer aided approaches.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures and protocol.
• Knowledge of laws, codes and regulations related to court reporting services.
• Knowledge of technical terminology, documents and procedures, as required by court proceedings.
• Knowledge of English, grammar, spelling and punctuation; and standard office methods and equipment.
• Ability to take machine shorthand at the speed and accuracy specified for licensing by the State of California.
• Ability to attend to and distinguish multiple voices.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other staff, supervisors, managers, bench officers and other justice partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to exercise attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize own work, working under deadlines and meeting legal deadlines.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in dealing with the public and with sensitive information.

Required Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a certificate as a Certified Shorthand Reporter issued by the State of California or evidence of successful testing in accordance with Government Code 69942 for either shorthand reporting skills or voice writing reporting skills.
• Must provide and maintain own reporting and transcription equipment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Five percent (5%) additional pay differential, if deemed real time capable.
• Ten percent (10%) additional pay differential, if real time certified by NCRA.

Special Requirements

• A valid California driver’s license may be required or the ability to provide alternate transportation if prohibited by a medically documented disability from obtaining a driver’s license.
• Willingness to work outside regular business hours, as needed.
• Willingness to travel, as needed.

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

• The duties assigned to this position require standing, walking, use hands to finger, handle, pinch, pull objects or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, and balance.
• Customarily, assigned work includes the need to sit for long periods of time and may include frequent lifting of up to approximately 10 pounds.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
• Some bending, stooping, and/or squatting may be necessary.
• The noise and traffic level in the work environment are similar to a busy business office.

Solano Superior Court Employees

• The court offers an excellent benefit package:
• CalPERS retirement (specific benefit determined pursuant to the Public Employee Pension Reform Act of 2013)
• Participation in Social Security, Medicare and State Disability Insurance;
• Medical insurance (plans offered by CalPERS), dental insurance (HMO & PPO plans), and vision insurance with generous employer contribution toward premium;
• Supplemental retirement plan (457 deferred compensation plan through CalPERS);
• Flexible spending account for qualifying medical, dependent care or transportation expenses;
• Basic life insurance at no cost to employee;
• employees may purchase additional life insurance for self and dependents;
• Sick leave earned at approximately 12 days per year;
• Vacation earned at approximately 10 days per year, increasing to 15 days per year after 3 years to 17.5 days after 5 years to 21 days after 10 years and 22 days after 20 years;
• Floating holiday of 2 days per year (may be prorated first year);
• Employee assistance program available at no cost to employee for self and dependents;
• Longevity pay after 10 years.