Court Reporter

Official Court Reporter

Compensation Range: $57,388.50 - $86,073.00

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.

At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave. 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 via stenographically or utilizing voice writing equipment.
• 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.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Official Court Reporters report to the Director of Court Reporters.
• There are currently 13 Official Court Reporters.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ability to operate a court reporting steno machine or voice writing equipment. Ability to record 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 either steno notes or voice notes into English; utilizes currently available computer hardware and techniques to produce a electronic 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. Ability to sit for very long periods of time. 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 steno notes and/or voice notes of testimony and, if necessary, make additions, deletions, or supplementations to the record; catalogues and maintains records of notes, electronic and backup files and also maintains exhibits as required in the Exhibit Rule 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.
• Ability to cover phone and general secretarial duties when assistance is needed during breaks and absences of secretarial staff.
• A proofreader is required to check for accuracy within transcripts before final product is produced.
• 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) or NVRA (National Verbatim Reporters' Association) 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.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage.
• Skill in taking verbatim testimony stenographically or through voice writing technology of judicial proceedings involving multiple speakers, specialized testimony, emotional circumstances and similar factors.
• Skill in editing and proofreading verbatim testimony.
• Ability to safeguard stenographic and voice writing 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 or voice writing equipment, computer with court reporting software and a printer.

Required Licenses/Certifications/Clearances

• This position requires a pre-employment background check as required by policy to perform the duties.
• The National Court Reporters' Association (RPR) and the National Verbatim Reporters' Association (NVRA) confirm the entry-level designation upon those who pass an examination and participate in mandatory continuing education programs. Although voluntary, the designation is recognized as a mark of distinction in the field.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• 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 has to be able to communicate with court and non-court personnel. The employee is frequently required to go from one location to another, i.e. courtroom, chambers and/or non-court offices.
• In addition to possessing speed and accuracy, court reporters must have excellent listening skills and hearing, good English grammar and vocabulary, and punctuation skills.
• 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.
• Ability to operate a steno machine or voice writing equipment, transcribe and edit using specific software, and basic computer skills related to court reporting software.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. 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.