Court Recording Monitor - Suffolk Superior Court - Criminal

Massachusetts Trial Court•Boston, MA

3d•$55,974 - $82,497•Onsite

About The Position

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. This position works under the direction of a Department Head or their designee. The Court Recording Monitor records courtroom proceedings, monitors FTR recording equipment, and troubleshoots issues. They ensure that all microphones are operational for optimal recording and keep detailed log notes specific to each case reflecting what transpires in hearings and regarding court procedures to ensure the session is digitally recorded and audio can be retrieved and reviewed post hearings. This role also creates and maintains witness lists, exhibit lists, and identification lists for each matter, and ensures confidential or privileged information is removed from recordings in compliance with court rules. The position staffs court proceedings including jury trials, empanelment, bench trials, and motion sessions, and prepares type-written materials requested by the court from recordings. They announce, mark, and retrieve exhibits and items for identification, recording each contemporaneously in log notes, and assist in chain of custody concerning evidence in session. The role also keeps and maintains the daily criminal list for session, including all written notes, dates, and related information provided by the court. Additionally, the Court Recording Monitor reviews all audio requests for the Recording Vault submitted by judges, attorneys, or court users to confirm accuracy, and administers court approvals or denials of requests based on established court procedures. They process transcript order requests on behalf of Judges or clerks, and process transcript requests for pending appeals and submit to the Office of Transcription Services. The position also processes orders of older audio files of JAVs recordings for attorneys requesting audio or transcripts of proceedings. General office duties are performed, including answering phones and maintaining file systems. The role assists court session proceedings by recording events in Mass Courts, scheduling next dates as needed, and generating necessary forms. Clerical work is performed, including docketing and processing pleadings, orders, and findings, and assisting in issuing notices to parties, grand jury returns, issuing habeas corpus, warrants, mittimus, and the sealing of records. Daily checks of software and systems are performed to ensure proper functionality, and issues are troubleshooted and resolved. The position is responsible for the Williams AV “Whisper” system and educates judges and attorneys on its use. The Court Recording Monitor acts as a liaison between the assigned Court Department and For The Record, the Trial Court’s recording vendor, working with the vendor to resolve complex equipment and software issues affecting recording. Other duties as required are also performed.

Requirements

High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency
Four (4) years of related work experience
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting minimum qualifications
Knowledge of modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software
Knowledge of Departmental and court policies and procedures
Knowledge of FTR digital recorder
Knowledge of Courtroom procedures and protocols
Knowledge of Court Rules and Impoundment Procedures
Skill in organization and time management
Skill in entering data accurately
Ability to establish effective working relationships with others
Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports
Ability to maintain appropriate records
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information
Ability to maintain composure and handle issues during high profile cases
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to work independently and follow oral and written instructions
Ability to create and maintain accurate log notes
Ability to locate and retrieve audio

Responsibilities

Records courtroom proceedings, monitors FTR recording equipment, and troubleshoots issues.
Ensures that all microphones are operational to provide for optimal recording.
Keeps detailed log notes specific to each case reflecting what transpires in hearing and regarding court procedures to ensure the session is digitally recorded and audio can be retrieved and reviewed post hearings.
Creates and maintains witness list, exhibit list, and identification list for each matter.
Ensures confidential or privileged information is removed from recordings in compliance with court rules.
Staffs court proceedings to include jury trials, empanelment, bench trials, and motion sessions.
Prepares type written materials requested by the court from recordings.
Announce, marks, and retrieves exhibits and items for identification, recording each contemporaneously in log notes. Assists in chain of custody concerning evidence in session.
Keep and maintain daily criminal list for session, to include all written notes, dates, and related information provided by court.
Reviews all audio requests for the Recording Vault submitted by judges, attorneys, or court users to confirm accuracy. Administers court approvals or denials of requests based on established court procedures.
Processes transcript order requests on behalf of Judges or clerks, and processes transcript requests for pending appeals and submit to Office of Transcription Services.
Processes orders of older audio files of JAVs recordings for attorneys requesting audio or transcripts of proceedings.
Performs general office duties, including answering phones and maintaining file systems.
Assists court session proceedings by recording events in Mass Courts, scheduling next dates as needed, and generating necessary forms.
Performs clerical work, including docketing and processing pleadings, orders, and findings, and assists in issuing notices to parties, grand jury returns, issuing habeas corpus, warrants, mittimus, and the sealing of records.
Performs daily check of software and systems to ensure proper functionality. Troubleshoots and resolves issues.
Responsible for the Williams AV “Whisper” system and educates judges and attorneys on its use.
Acts as a liaison between assigned Court Department and For The Record, the Trial Court’s recording vendor. Works with the vendor to resolve complex equipment and software issues affecting recording.
Performs other duties as required.