Position: Court Reporter

 Department: Superior Court

Location:  Courthouse 3, 129 South Main

Status: Full-time                                                                     

Job Category:  COMOT (Computer, Office Machine Operation, Technician)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Description Responsible for recording, reporting, and preparing records of court proceedings.

This position is full-time, non-exempt and is covered under the Saint Joseph County Employee Policy Manual and the specific policies of the St. Joseph Superior Court.

Hours:  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.                                                   Shift Times: Monday through Friday

Salary: $57,834

Essential Functions:

Operates under the supervision of the Superior Court Judge to carry out statutory duties of Office.  Reports directly to Superior Court judge with oversight by the Superior Court Administrator.

In accordance with applicable state and local rules and statutes, ensures the accurate recording of all court proceedings as directed by presiding Judge, including jury selection, sidebar conferences, and in-camera hearings.

Reproduces the record as requested or ordered in accordance with applicable rules.

Maintains the integrity of all exhibits offered into evidence at trial, collecting exhibits and recording status of each exhibit in a detailed exhibit log.

Types chronological case summaries into court case management system for each case hearing and composes forms of order from stenotype notes as requested by presiding Judge.

Maintains stenotype notes, court hearing attendance records, exhibits and exhibit logs for future review as requested and pursuant to statutory requirements.

Prepares typewritten transcripts of court proceedings according to state format requirements and/or appellate court deadlines as requested.

Maintains accurate and organized records and files and prepares related reports as required.

Manages and maintains inventory of records sent to archival storage.

Prepares invoices for transcripts and compiles an annual report of transcript income for state authorities as required.

Prepares body attachment documents and court orders as needed.

Assists with screening public inquiries by telephone and in person, determining the nature of the inquiry, providing appropriate information and assistance, and/or routing caller to appropriate individual, department, or agency.

Serves as liaison between the Superior Court and various government and public agencies and departments, offering assistance and/or explaining court procedures and practices as needed.

Occasionally performs duties of other members of Court staff in their absence or as needed.

Performs related duties as assigned by presiding Judge or Superior Court Administrator.

Qualifications: 

Associate Degree with concentration in court reporting or captioning. Undergraduate degree and/or legal education certification is highly preferred.

Experience as an Official Court Reporter is highly preferred.

Thorough knowledge of standard practices and procedures of the Court, legal terminology, and standard legal documents and petitions, with ability to properly record proceedings, update Court docket sheets, and prepare written orders.

Working knowledge of appellate law, with ability to prepare trial transcripts accordingly.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to accurately transcribe voice recordings and prepare correspondence and legal documents as required.

Ability to take Court notes, type with speed and accuracy, and properly operate standard office equipment, including computer and transcription software, keyboard, transcriber, copier, telephone, steno machine, and fax machine.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, Clerk’s Office, Court personnel, Prosecutor’s Office, Adult Probation, County Jail, attorneys, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, often under pressure from formal deadlines and schedules, and on several tasks at the same time.

Ability to occasionally work extended or evening hours as required by court schedule or trial docket.

Must be at least 18 years of age.