Court Reporter

Starting Compensation:

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.

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If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

This is a full-performance-level reporting position that requires the taking, transcribing and processing of verbatim court and other judicial proceedings stenographically.  Work is performed by use of state-of-the-art computerized equipment to report, transcribe and edit proceedings prior to proofreading, certifying and distribution of transcripts to applicable parties. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ability to operate a court reporting steno machine, a PC, and/or any other general office equipment.   

• Ability to write verbatim notes of testimony of court and other judicial proceedings; utilizes state-of-the-art computer-aided transcription and/or other equipment to produce transcripts; interrupts proceedings as necessary to ensure accuracy and completeness of the record; determines correct spelling of  names, terminology and other specifics of testimony.

• Transcribes notes of verbatim testimony; completes a separate sheet of names, addresses, terms used and other factual data from the testimony to ensure accuracy of spellings, language, etc; proofreads rough drafts and /or utilizes a proofreader at individual reporter's expense; makes corrections needed to produce timely and final transcripts to comply with Rule 4000. 

• Processes data from computer-aided transcription devices; utilizes court-reporter-specific software program to translate phonetic symbols into English; utilizes currently available computer hardware and techniques to produce a diskette and/or hard copy transcript directly from computer system. Be able to fill out billing forms within time limits and keep accurate and detailed records to comply with Rule 4000.   

• Be subject to a very flexible schedule with occasional reassignment at the last minute. Perform a variety of clerical and administrative tasks including answering of phones and basic scheduling requirements.  Be willing to work as part of a team of reporters in order to fulfill the needs of all judicial officers of the court and possess excellent communication skills.  Must have knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.  This includes customer needs, assessment, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.  Must possess tact, good judgment, poise, initiative and maintain a professional appearance at all times.

• Possess excellent organizational skills to permit the production of transcripts within strict time limitations.  Work well under pressure.  Ensures accuracy of transcripts; maintains records on status of workload; provides necessary information to detail staff personnel for binding, lodging, filing, noticing and forwarding of transcripts to judges, attorneys and other authorized personnel, as outlined in current "How To Do It" manual; when questions arise, compare final transcript to original notes of testimony and, if necessary, make additions, deletions, or supplementations to the record; catalogues and maintains records of notes, computer disks, backup files and exhibits in assigned cases; performs related tasks as required.

• Work remotely as required and function within the guidelines of the telecommuting policy.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Ability to communicate professionally with court, non-court personnel, and visitors. 

• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

• Timely answer questions from various court offices when asking for clarification or assistance.

• Must be able to implement Rule 4000 guidelines and abide by all conditions therein.

• Be willing and able to work remotely within the requirements of the telecommuting guidelines when needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education requirement is an RPR (Registered Professional Reporter) certificate and/or

• Court Reporting Associate's degree diploma and/or

• the meeting of minimum qualifications and skills for standard court reporting certification:  225 Q&A, 200 jury charge, 180 literary - all at 95% accuracy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of terminology and practices employed in the judicial system. 

• Knowledge of principles, procedures and practices of civil and criminal trials, hearings and related court activities. 

• Skill in taking verbatim testimony stenographically of judicial proceedings involving multiple speakers, specialized testimony, emotional circumstances and similar factors. 

• Ability to safeguard stenographic notes and proper backing up of proceedings as required by PA Rule 4000.

• Must be able to furnish adequate equipment for the efficient performance of duties and be proficient in utilizing such equipment.  Such equipment would be a steno machine, computer with court reporting software and a printer.

• This position requires a pre-employment background check as required by policy to perform the duties.

• The National Court Reporters' Association confirms the entry-level designation Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) upon those who pass a four-part examination and participate in mandatory continuing education programs.  Although voluntary, the designation is recognized as a mark of distinction in the field.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, sometimes for long periods of time. 

• The employee is frequently required to go from one location to another, i.e. courtroom, chambers and/or non-court offices. 

• Ability to regularly lift and/or move equipment and/or office supplies and exhibits weighing up to ten pounds.  Occasionally there may be some lifting involving boxes of records, exhibits and/or office supplies.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.