County of Berks (Pennsylvania) is hiring: Court Reporter II - (Court Reporters)

Job Posting

The starting rate for this position is $35.70.

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the verbatim recordation by stenotype machine of all types of court proceedings and the preparation of a complete and accurate transcription from stenotype notes and accompanying computer SD card of such proceedings in accordance with established court-mandated procedures and time constraints. Responsible for the marking and the initial, temporary custody of exhibits offered during any court proceeding.

Position Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Stenographically record court proceedings by use of a stenotype machine.
• When directed by the Court, read back portions of the record during proceedings.
• Prepare orders dictated from the bench by judges.
• Prepare, by court order or authorization, transcripts by means of Computer Aided Transcription (CAT) software, as requested, within specified time constraints.
• Mark all exhibits offered during court proceedings and maintain record and description of each.
• Maintain log and storage of both paper notes and accompanying computer SD cards of all proceedings for an indefinite period of time.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Assume the duties of Chief Court Reporter when requested.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or possession of a G.E.D. Certificate from a recognized issuing agency.
• Successful completion and graduation from an NCRA accredited school of court reporting, requiring a minimum of 225 wpm sustained dictation with 97% accuracy, or an associate degree in Specialized Business (Court Reporting).
• Four (4) years of experience in general court reporting.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of NCRA RPR designation or successfully complete in-house examination.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of English usage, punctuation, spelling, and varied technical terminology.
• Working knowledge of the conduct of legal proceedings.
• Skill in taking and transcribing verbatim testimony for sustained periods of time received at rapid and changing speeds and inflections from several persons.
• Must be familiar with and have the ability to use Computer Aided Transcription software in the preparation of transcripts.
• Excellent typing skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to operate office equipment, i.e. printers, copy machines, and binders.
• Ability to effectively deal with judges, attorneys, government officials, and parties involved in litigation.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time (hours) without a break.
• Must be able to carry stenotype machine, along with associated accessories, from office to courtroom.
• Must possess excellent hearing.

Working Environment:

• This position works at the pleasure of an assigned judge and must be available to work both before and after normal working hours in court.
• This position has time constraints on transcript production (14 days) which may require working before and past normal working hours and on weekends.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.