Judicial Services Specialist

U.S. Courts•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clerk's Office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is hiring a full-time Judicial Services Specialist to support the court’s day-to-day operational functions. The position performs clerical, administrative, and operational duties involving records management, courtroom support, and case-related administrative services, and reports to the Judicial and Public Services Supervisor. The role is based in downtown Washington, DC; limited telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy. The specialist supports document processing and filing, court hearings, attorney services, records management, and administrative operations. The position also performs deputy clerk responsibilities, including responding to operational requests and procedural questions, developing and maintaining procedures, supporting office financial processes and court sessions as needed, and complying with judiciary policies, confidentiality requirements, and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of clerical, administrative, or other office work providing knowledge and skills needed for the position; alternatively, qualify through the specified bachelor's-degree academic achievement criteria or completion of one academic year of graduate study at an accredited college or university.
For the bachelor's-degree alternative, superior academic achievement is demonstrated by one of the following: an overall GPA of 2.90 or better on a 4.0 scale; standing in the upper third of the class; a 3.5 average or better in a relevant major field of study; or election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma XI, or a qualifying National Honorary Scholastic Society.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or otherwise eligible to work in the United States, subject to the stated restrictions for non-citizens.
Successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination is required before employment is finalized.
The position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer for payroll deposit.
Candidates must be able to comply with court policies, confidentiality requirements, and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

Nice To Haves

Prior work or internship experience in a court, legal, or government work environment.
Prior work or internship experience involving the federal judiciary's CM/ECF system.
Prior work experience, internship, or volunteer experience in a public customer-service role, such as public reception, public interaction, telephone answering, or client interaction.
Prior work or academic experience using Microsoft 365 Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.

Responsibilities

Receive, date-stamp, sort, and scan mailed paper documents for routing to the Case Management Section; quality-check scanned documents and communicate scanning status or issues to the supervisor.
Receive, date-stamp, and log incoming paper briefs; review briefs for compliance with court formatting rules and requirements.
Process and track paper appendices, exhibits, and sealed materials; monitor paper filing deadlines and extensions; and maintain an inventory system for paper briefs and appendices.
Follow special handling procedures for sealed and confidential documents.
Attend court sessions and perform courtroom deputy functions, including setting up the courtroom, coordinating with arguing counsel, operating courtroom equipment, creating electronic recordings, and assisting with the orderly flow of proceedings.
Support judges before and after court sessions by coordinating with chambers staff, ensuring judges have necessary court documents, and distributing hearing materials.
Prepare admission certificates, process certificates of good standing requests, provide technical assistance with electronic filing procedures, and coordinate with Case Management Services on attorney-related matters.
Manage file room operations; compile briefs and court records according to the court calendar and deliver briefs to the appropriate chambers.
Track, inventory, shelve, and re-shelve case documents and records; process retrieval requests; maintain records tracking systems; assist with case file maintenance; and retrieve files and documents as requested.
Process the return or destruction of paper documents according to court policy and follow procedures for confidential and sealed records.
Maintain supplies for paper brief processing, the intake counter, and the Clerk's Office mail counter; assist with the reception area and public counter; and provide backup support during peak periods.
Document procedural issues, suggest improvements, and maintain public services reference materials and resources.
Respond to judges', chambers staff's, and management's requests regarding court operations and answer procedural questions from judges, staff, and the public.
Explain operational matters clearly in writing and orally to people with varying experience and backgrounds; provide effective customer service and resolve difficulties while following regulations, rules, and procedures.
Develop, implement, and maintain written procedures for assigned functions; support office financial processes and court sessions as needed.
Comply with judiciary policies, Administrative Office policies and procedures, internal control guidelines, local policies and procedures, court confidentiality requirements, and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees; exercise sound ethics and judgment when handling confidential information.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave.
Paid parental leave.
11 paid federal holidays per year.
Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage.
Optional Federal Employees Group Life Insurance.
Flexible Benefits Program.
Public transportation subsidy.
On-site fitness center.
Employee Assistance Program.
Federal Employees Retirement System participation.
Optional Thrift Savings Plan participation with up to 5% employer-matched contributions.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, subject to its terms.