Court Reporter-Judicial Secretary

About the Role

Under the direction of the Magistrate, the Court Reporter-Small Claims Division is responsible for preparing orders and maintaining records of the proceedings for Judicial Officer in the court, including transcribing dictation on general civil orders and preparing emergency and final protection orders. This position is covered under the Superior Court Employee Handbook and is an employee-at-will position.

Responsibilities

• Records courtroom proceedings with electronic recording equipment and shorthand and updates chronological case summaries
• Notifies appropriate parties of court entries, rulings, and additional hearings
• Ensures accurate and timely preparation of transcripts
• Marks, logs, identifies, and secures exhibits admitted into evidence
• Returns or disposes of evidence as prescribed by the Indiana Supreme Court
• Assists the Judicial Officer with maintaining court operations
• Updates and coordinates the Judicial Officer's schedule, compiles and reports statistics, prepares and processes jury instructions, and maintains and files tapes, notes, and reports
• Assists the public, answers the telephone, returns calls, greets visitors, responds to questions, receives pleadings and correspondence, and accesses court case files
• Transcribes dictation from the Judicial Officer and types orders, findings, notices, reports, letters, and other correspondence
• Completes special duties according to specialization or assigned areas of responsibility including bailiff functions, training co-workers on new computer systems, and preparing standard forms and/or case research
• Works extended and irregular hours for trials
• Prepares transcripts and related court requirements including jury deliberations, jury instructions, and protective orders
• Serves as backup and assists with client overflow for the Judicial Assistant and Receptionist
• Completes duties as requested by Judicial Officer including creating statistical analysis and reports in the Indiana State court software program
• Familiarity with electronic document production and filing techniques
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with more than a year experience in paralegal, legal secretary, clerk, courts, or related field
• Ability to type 55 words per minute with speed and accuracy (keyboarding test may be required)
• Ability to learn a variety of federal and state statutes, policies and rules regarding Protective Orders, Children in Need of Services (CHINS) and Superior Court Domestic Relations (DDR)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to work with court personnel and officials, law enforcement agencies, other government/social departments, and members of the general public
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and accurately complete duties amidst frequent interruptions, distractions, and pressure from formal deadlines
• Knowledge of Allen County legal and court systems, including legal terminology and official court policies, practices, and standard procedures
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Strong computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job related software
• Ability to use standard office equipment including, but not limited to, printer, scanner, copier, fax, courtroom audio/visual presentation equipment and telephone

Working Conditions

The Court Reporter-Small Claims Division works in a standard courtroom setting requiring frequent sitting with the ability to move around freely with some standing and walking also involving some lifting up to twenty pounds, bending, and reaching over head. Very frequent typing including proofreading, attention to detail, and monitoring equipment exist. Some detailed inspection and exposure to infectious disease are to be expected.

Schedule

37.5 hours/week; overtime as required