Courtroom Technology Assistant (#734)

Maine Judicial Branch•Portland, ME

24d•$24 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Maine Judicial Branch welcomes motivated team members to join us in serving the communities of Maine within the court system. The Judicial Branch plays a very important role in our communities by providing a safe, accessible, efficient, and impartial system of dispute resolution. Judicial Branch employees all support this mission, in their various roles. We have 31 courts across the state and process over 130,000 cases each year in support of Maine’s almost 1.4 million residents. This position provides and performs a variety of services associated with the use of technology in courtroom operations. These responsibilities include the recording, monitoring and logging of court proceedings on digital or analog electronic recording; and the courtroom operation of video equipment (such as television monitors, DVD or VHS player/recorder units, and interactive video conferencing systems), courtroom sound systems, the operation of assistive listening devices, and MAC or PC computer systems in courtrooms, and other courtroom technology systems and devices as necessary. This position is responsible for arranging for the testing, care, maintenance, and inventory of all such technology equipment. Extensive contact with the public and court personnel in person or by phone requires excellent customer service skills. Office responsibilities require extensive use of various courtroom equipment, computer systems, recording systems, and knowledge of basic office procedure. Travel is required.

Requirements

Graduation from high school (or GED).
Two years of clerical experience in a Clerk’s Office, or comparable work preferred.
Experience with technologies used in courtrooms preferred.
Ability to operate and maintain various courtroom technologies, such as electronic recording, courtroom sound systems, assistive listening devices, computers, television monitors, DVD and DHS, interactive video systems, and other related courtroom technology.
Ability to learn detailed computer applications, including recording software.
Ability to understand and work with networked computers, and to pull audio from a network.
Accurately keyboard or type, not less than, 45 words per minute.
Ability to interact effectively with the public, supervisors, other court staff, judicial officers, and attorneys, in a variety of situations and circumstances, while maintaining excellent customer service skills.
Ability to understand court procedures/process, legal documents, laws, and legal factors pertaining to the court system.
Ability to understand and follow administrative and clerical procedures governing Clerks’ Offices, including the Clerk’s Manual, as well as Judicial Branch policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive Judicial Branch information.
Ability to complete work with accurate attention to detail.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
Ability to work independently and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to travel to courts throughout the state
Ability to work effectively in a public courtroom setting.
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Nice To Haves

Two years of clerical experience in a Clerk’s Office, or comparable work preferred.
Experience with technologies used in courtrooms preferred.

Responsibilities

Operates various equipment used in the courtroom including: For The Record®(FTR) digital software system, analog electronic recording systems; courtroom sound systems; assistive listening devices; video monitors; DVD and VHS player/recorder units; interactive video conferencing systems; MAC and PC systems; and other courtroom related technology.
Troubleshoots basic hardware and software issues, and makes referrals for resolution of problems and/or repairs. Works with service contractor to resolve issues.
Ensures that equipment is operating properly and arranges for maintenance, as necessary. Additionally, arranges for ongoing, basic, preventative maintenance on recording equipment.
When assigned to a courtroom, checks microphones, cabling, recording heads, monitors recording of court testimony, determines and directs changes in microphone positions, adjusts volume and other controls for all equipment.
When so assigned, controls microphone levels to ensure proper recording during different situations that occur during the proceedings, such as bench conferences, and conferences in the judge's chambers.
In the courtroom, determines and directs changes in microphone and speaker position for optimum recording quality.
In the courtroom, creates detailed log notes, plays back recorded court proceedings, may mark exhibits/swear in witnesses, as needed, and prepares material requested by the Court.
Produces and assesses original/duplicate recordings of court proceedings.
Carefully reviews recordings for optimum recording quality and maintains relevant lists for quality control.
Prepares and reviews audio assessments of original/duplicate recordings to identify problems and develop solutions for optimum recording quality.
Assists in the development of quality control procedures for recording court proceedings.
Conducts equipment inventories as assigned.
Provides staff training and develops training materials/checklists.
Forwards transcript orders and relevant materials to OTO to assist with transcription.
May provide transcript cost estimates.
Prepares reports, memoranda, and other court related documents as instructed.
Travels to courts as assigned.
Provides administrative support, when assigned.
Performs related duties, as assigned.
Provides excellent customer service.
Communicates and interacts effectively in person, over the telephone, and in writing with the public, judicial officers, court staff, attorneys, and other state, local, county, and federal agencies concerning matters before the Court.
Performs courtroom duties as required by the judge/justice, including the jury selection process.
Upon the approval of the Manager of the Office of Transcript Operations, may perform work typically assigned to court clerks.
Performs other duties as required.