District Court Support Staff

Job Description

Job Description

District Court Secretary

A District Court Secretary works under the supervision of the Clerical Supervisor to provide general support functions to the staff of the District Attorney’s Office.  A District Court Secretary is assigned to the District Attorney’s Office in a particular division of the District Court Department.  The District Court Secretary is an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney.

The District Court Secretary principal responsibilities of the position include:

• Receive police reports, court documents and other material from various sources on pending cases;
• Create and maintain paper files on those cases;
• Track the progress of cases and related files, recording information in the automated case management system;
• Receive telephone calls and emails regarding office business and forward or act upon those messages, as is appropriate;
• Type pleadings, as needed by the legal staff;
• Prepare and send all case notification letters and correspondence;
• Maintain administrative records;
• Serve as receptionist; greet the public; assist in the provision of information, and provide updates on case status for witnesses via telephone or mail;
• Maintain office equipment and order office supplies;
• Perform other administrative or support functions, as assigned.

The District Court Secretary performs whatever other duties may from time to time be assigned to her/him by the District Attorney, or the Clerical Supervisor or other designee of the District Attorney. Secretaries are typically assigned to one court location but may occasionally be asked to provide coverage in another location within Essex County.

In addition to these above responsibilities, the District Court Secretary is required:

• To be familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Essex District Attorney’s Office Personnel Policies, and the Sexual Harassment Protocol,
• To participate in trainings relevant to Office functions,
• To communicate with or provide timely notification to Office staff, police, and other interested parties, as permitted and/or required by law;
• To interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel and Office staff,
• To complete work assignments in a timely manner.

The essential functions of the position require the effective ability to receive and distribute information in written, oral, and electronic form, in the English language.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• HS Diploma or above.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organization skills.
• Ability to assist other units in the office.
• Ability to update the case management system accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong computer skills; Must be proficient with the Microsoft Suite.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Preferred:

• Customer service experience.
• Experience working in a professional office setting.
• Conversational abilities in other languages.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Prior experience in a legal office

Annual Salary:  $41,500

All full-time positions offer a State benefit package that includes health, life, disability, and dental/vision insurances, retirement plans, vacation, personal and sick leave and more. Payroll is paid bi-weekly and based on a 37.5-hour work week (normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).  All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check.  All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. Essex District Attorney’s Office is an EEO Employer.

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of the Essex District Attorney's Office to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, handicap/disability, gender, gender identity, ancestry, genetic information, or any other class protected by federal or state anti-discrimination law. The Essex District Attorney's Office is committed to and promotes equal opportunity and diversity.