Court Reporter - Non-Real Time (Steno/Voice Writer)

Description

Tulare County Superior Court is hiring for Voice Writers and Steno Court Reporters.

Definition

Under general supervision, the court reporter records and transcribes verbatim stenographic accounts of official court proceedings.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Supervision is provided by the Courtroom Services Manager, or designee, and schedule coordination is provided by the Court Reporter Real Time Coordinator.

Essential Functions

• Take and transcribe verbatim minutes of all Court proceedings as required.
• Read back all or portions of the official court proceedings upon instruction from the judge.
• Identify speakers properly, and note the introduction of exhibits or evidence.
• Prepare transcriptions in proper legal form.
• Meet court-fixed deadlines for transcriptions.
• Report proceedings, which may include: criminal, conservatorship, mental competency hearings, civil and criminal contempt, juvenile, civil 232, family laws, civil jury trials, petitions for extraordinary relief, injunctions, and writs (i.e. of mandated, prohibition and habeas corpus).
• Attend staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities.
• Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Court community and with the public.

Marginal Functions

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Legal, medical and administrative terminology, phraseology, documents, and procedures.
• Grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation.
• Court reporting and transcription equipment.
• Courtroom procedures and protocol.

Skills and Abilities

• To take dictation at a speed of 220 words per minute.
• Type at a speed of 50 words per minute.
• Use correct English, and proofread accurately.
• Record court proceedings verbatim continuously for several hours.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Listen to and understand conversations of the court in order to prepare a verbatim record.
• Be patient, tactful and courteous when dealing with judges and officers of the court, the public and co-workers.
• Transcribe court proceedings accurately from court reporting notes.
• Adjust to changes in workloads and work under the stress of meetings deadlines.
• Verbally communicate recorded court proceedings as required by the court.
• Punctually arrive at work area to prepare for court proceedings.
• Operate a transcriber, computer and other related office equipment.
• Punctually arrive at work area to prepare for court proceedings.

Education and Experience

• The combination of education and experience listed as follows are the minimum qualifications:
• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade AND completion of an accredited court reporting school.
• Experience: One-year experience in the courtroom as a certified court reporter.

Working Conditions

• Regularly Required: Sit at a desk and/or in front of a transcriber and/or computer video display terminal for extended periods of time.
• Twist and bend neck.
• Repetitive hand movement while transcribing, performing computer data entry and writing.
• Prioritize work to meet departmental deadlines.
• Travel to various court divisions.
• Bend at waist and reach below shoulder height.
• Reach above shoulder height.
• Occasionally Required: Crouch, stoop and/or climb.
• Frequently Required: Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Occasionally Required: Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Tolerate a moderate noise level.

Additional Information

• Workstation: Computer, transcriber, and other related office equipment.
• Office Environment: Office setting with occasional travel to various court divisions.
• Physical Demands: Regularly sit at a desk and/or in front of a transcriber and/or computer video display terminal for extended periods of time.
• Twist and bend neck.
• Repetitive hand movement while transcribing, performing computer data entry and writing.
• Prioritize work to meet departmental deadlines.
• Travel to various court divisions.
• Bend at waist and reach below shoulder height.
• Reach above shoulder height.
• Occasionally: Crouch, stoop and/or climb.
• Frequently: Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Occasionally: Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Tolerate a moderate noise level.

Benefits

• Health Care.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• Retirement.
• Deferred Compensation Plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Life Insurance.
• Long-Term Disability.
• Holidays.
• Vacation.
• Sick Leave.

Required Questions

• Describe your experience transcribing court proceedings.
• What procedure or technique do you use during legal proceedings (courtroom, closed hearing or other) when you encounter a speaker that you cannot understand clearly?
• List the types of proceedings in which you have performed reporting services.
• Can you accurately take dictation at a rate of 220 wpm? Yes No
• Can you accurately type at a rate of 50 wpm? Yes No
• Indicate your dictation speed.
• Indicate your typing speed.
• List all reporting certifications and licenses you currently possess.
• I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions or privileges of employment. I understand that employment may require passing a medical examination and proof of a satisfactory driving record. Yes No