Court Reporter Job at McLennan County in Town of Texas

Position Summary

A Machine Certified Shorthand Reporter, under general supervision, makes a verbatim record of court proceedings, produces transcripts, maintains and retrieves files, assists the public and performs general secretarial duties.

Essential Functions

• Must comply with the Code of Ethics and Chapter 52 of the Government Code
• Machine Shorthand verbatim record of all court proceedings
• Transcribe all court records on appeal in accordance with Uniform Format Manual and appellate guidelines
• E-file all appellate records with the courts of appeals
• Prepare jury charges
• Provide written transcripts of all proceedings upon request
• Planning and scheduling related to court reporting transcript deadlines
• Maintain accurate court proceedings log
• Capture spoken dialogue with specialized equipment, including stenography machines, video and audio recording devices, and microphones
• Report speakers’ identification
• Read or play back all or a portion of the proceedings upon request from the judge
• Ask speakers to clarify inaudible or unclear statements or testimony
• Provide copies of transcripts and recordings to the courts, counsels, and parties involved
• Preserve shorthand notes for future reference, per statutory guidelines
• Mark and retain all exhibits introduced in court proceedings and later file with the district clerk and/or Sheriff’s Department
• Schedule a Certified Shorthand Reporter to serve in your absence
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Successful completion of Machine Certified Shorthand Reporting Program

SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE:

• Valid Texas Driver License (Class C)
• Must be a State of Texas Certified Shorthand Reporter (certification must be renewed every two years)
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court staff, judges, County employees, attorneys and the general public
• Ability to work expeditiously and accurately under pressure (stressful situations) while maintaining a professional manner
• Knowledge of computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products
• Must have good public communication skills and patience for telephone calls and in-person inquiries

Preferred:

• Two or more years’ experience in court reporting operations
• Real-time reporting capabilities
• Registered Professional Reporter
• Member of TCRA and/or NCRA

DISCLAIMER: McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

All Employees

• Must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community
• Must have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large
• Must be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

Supplemental Information

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Works primarily indoors in well-lighted, air-conditioned environment. Frequent contact with the public and other County employees

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: Continuous sitting while making court records, answering telephone, computer work, and transcribing. Fine dexterity needed to operate shorthand machine, and computer

HOURS / SPECIAL CONDITIONS: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., dependent on the needs of the office