Judicial Services Specialist

Summary

The Clerks Office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is seeking candidates for a full-time Judicial Services Specialist. Through innovative and results-oriented practices the Clerks Office delivers quality service to the court judges and our public stakeholders in its dual mission to facilitate the progression of cases before the court and to maintain the courts records.

Duties

The Judicial Services Specialist provides a wide range of clerical administrative and operational duties. This position supports the day-to-day operational functions of the court including records management courtroom support and case-related administrative services and reports to the Judicial and Public Services Supervisor.

Responsibilities of the Judicial Services Specialist include but are not limited to:

• Filing and Document Processing: Receive date-stamp sort and scan paper documents received through the mail into the scanning program for routing to the Case Management Section. Quality-check all scanned documents to ensure each has been correctly uploaded. Provide regular feedback regarding scanning status and direct any questions or concerns to the supervisor. Receive date-stamp log all incoming paper briefs. Review paper briefs for compliance with court formatting rules and requirements. Process and track paper appendices exhibits and sealed materials. Track and monitor paper filing deadlines and extensions. Maintain tracking inventory system of paper briefs and appendices. Follow special handling procedures for sealed and confidential documents.
• Court Hearing Support: Attend court sessions and perform courtroom deputy functions including setting up the courtroom communicating and coordinating with arguing counsel before the start of the hearing operating courtroom equipment creating electronic recordings of hearings and assisting with the orderly flow of proceedings. Provide support to the judges scheduled for the hearing as needed before and after the court session including coordinating with chambers staff ensuring judges have necessary court documents and distributing hearing materials.
• Attorney Services Support: Prepare admission certificates. Process certificates of good standing requests. Provide technical assistance with electronic filing procedures. Coordinate with the Case Management Services section on attorney-related matters.
• Records Management: Primarily responsible for all file room operations. Compile briefs and court records according to the court calendar and prepare and deliver briefs to the appropriate chambers. Perform tracking inventory shelving and re-shelving of case documents and records. Process records retrieval requests from judges attorneys and the public. Maintain records tracking systems. Assist with maintenance of case files and records. Retrieve case files and documents as requested. Follow proper procedures for handling confidential and sealed documents. Process the return or destruction of paper documents according to court policy.
• Administrative Support: Primarily responsible for maintaining office supplies needed for paper brief processing. Maintain office supplies and materials for the intake counter and Clerks Office mail counter. Assist with managing the reception area and public counter. Provide backup support to other office staff during peak periods. Document procedural issues and suggest improvements. Maintain public services reference materials and resources.
• Deputy Clerk Responsibilities: Communicate and respond to judges chambers staff and management requests regarding court operations. Answer procedural questions for judges staff and the public. Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to explain complex operational matters and concepts to individuals and groups with varying experience and backgrounds. Interact effectively with the public and staff providing good customer and quality service and resolving difficulties efficiently while complying with regulations rules and procedures. Develop implement and maintain written procedures for assigned functions. Support office financial processes and court sessions as needed. Comply with the Guide to Judiciary Policy applicable Administrative Office policies and procedures internal controls guidelines and all local policies and procedures. Abide by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment at all times. Display a careful and deliberate approach in handling confidential information in a variety of contexts.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For in-person interviews candidates must travel at their own expense. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement commence interviews immediately withdraw the announcement or fill the position at any time any of which actions may occur without notice.

The position will report to downtown Washington DC; limited telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy. Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service at-will appointees. Federal civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered but will receive employment offers only if they qualify under an exception in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under that provision a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply until having held permanent resident status for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as the spouse of a U.S. citizen); once eligible the individual must apply for citizenship within six months and complete the process within two years of applying (absent delays caused by application processors). Non-citizens who have not held permanent resident status for five years must execute an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for citizenship once eligible.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• CL 23 ($46164 - $57736): Candidates must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent) and at least two (2) years of clerical administrative or other office work that provided the knowledge and skills need to perform the duties of this position. Alternatively candidates may qualify by completing a bachelors degree from an accredited university with superior academic achievement as listed below.

Superior Academic Achievement

• An overall B grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0;
• Standing in the upper third of the class;
• 3.5 average or better in a major field of study that would prepare a candidate well to perform in this position; or
• Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa Sigma XI or one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies other than Freshman Honor Societies.
• Completion of one academic year (18 semester or 27 quarter hours) of graduate study at an accredited college or university.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior work or intern experience in a court legal or government work environment.
• Prior work or intern experience involving the federal judiciarys CM/ECF system.
• Prior work experience (including internships or volunteer work) in a public customer service-related role (e.g. public reception public interaction telephone answering client interaction).
• Prior work or academic experience using the Microsoft 365 Office Suite including Word Excel PowerPoint SharePoint and Teams.

Education

At a minimum candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Additional information

For full posting please visit: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Required Experience:

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