Court Officer 1-2 - Judicial Support

The Government of Nova Scotia•Yarmouth, NS

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security. The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court, and Bankruptcy Court. As the Court Officer (Judicial Support), you may coordinate and manage court hearings held in all levels of Court, provide support to the Judiciary, and act as the liaison between the Court, and members of law enforcement agencies, the legal profession, and the public. You will also act in the role of the clerk of the Court in all courts, including jury sittings and perform quasi-judicial duties assigned as a Staff Justice of the Peace as appointed under the Justice of the Peace Act. You will perform your duties in accordance with, and as assigned under, the Court Officials Act.

Requirements

Two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline plus one-year related experience, ideally in a legal environment, or an acceptable equivalent.
Experience and competency in keyboarding (combination of speed and accuracy), data entry, transcribing, and other standard computer applications including MS Office products.
Experience with virtual platforms such as MS Teams and video conferencing.
Excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills.
Superior organizational abilities and strong prioritization skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to meet tight deadlines.
Work independently and as part of a team.
Tact and discretion.
Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the Rules and Statutes that govern the courts as well as a sound working knowledge of legal documents, forms, court procedures and legal terminology.
Demonstrate a high level of initiative and problem-solving abilities and readily accept responsibilities.
Be fair and impartial to all clients using a high degree of confidentiality while exercising excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly listening skills, when dealing with difficult people in complex, sensitive and stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

Legal research skills
Bilingualism, with oral and written skills in English and French

Responsibilities

Communicate with legal professionals and self-represented individuals to co-ordinate and manage court hearings held at all levels of court.
Provide confidential administrative and organizational support to the Judiciary.
Act in the role of the clerk in all courts, including jury sitting and performing quasi- judicial duties as a Staff Justice of the Peace.
Train and mentor new staff in day-to-day operational activities.
Under the Judge’s direction, draft and prepare complex orders and decisions arising from court hearings, review and apply relevant acts, statutes, policies, and procedures to all court documentation.
Record and transcribe court proceedings by means of electronic recording equipment.
Facilitate all aspects of court hearings from opening court, calling cases, swear or affirm witnesses or interpreters and translators, while simultaneously operating all required technology that may be required to support virtual court or hybrid models of court or appearances.
Exercise care and control of exhibits, including transportation, until transferred to the Exhibit Custodian.
May be required to perform duties in Court Administration.