Court Officer

**Competition #**: 44766
**Department**: Justice
**Location**: AMHERST
**Type of Employment**: Term
**Union Status**: NSGEU - NSPG
**Closing Date**: 20-Dec-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
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. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.
For more information on the Department of Justice Court Services please visit our website:
About Our Opportunity
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.
Primary Accountabilities
**The Judicial Support responsibilities include**:
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.
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.
You may be required to perform duties in Court Administration.
Qualifications and Experience
As the successful Court Officer (Judicial Support), you will have two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline plus five years related experience in a legal environment; an equivalent combination of training and experience with exposure to the justice system will be acceptable.
You will also possess excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills. Your superior organizational abilities and strong prioritization skills, with a combination of speed and accuracy, assist with your attention to detail for a variety of tasks while meeting tight deadlines. And can work independently and as part of a team.
You must be fair and impartial to all clients using a high degree of confidentiality while exercising your excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly listening skills, when dealing with difficult people in complex, sensitive and stressful situations. Tact and discretion are essential.
You must 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. You will demonstrate a high level of initiative and problem-solving abilities and readily accept responsibilities. Errors can result in significant impacts for justice system participants.
We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, typing test, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
Legal research skills and bilingualism, with oral and written skills in English and French, would be considered assets.
Equivalency
**Include, but not limited to**:
A 2 year certificate/diploma in a related discipline plus 5 years of related experience
A 1 year certificate/diploma in a related discipline plus 6 years of related experience
A 4 year Bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus 3 years of related experience
A 3 year Bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus 4 years of related experience
Seven years of related experience with exposure to the justice system

**Benefits**:
Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings,