Job Description

GENERAL DEFINITION:

An official court reporter in the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania records proceedings in court trials, hearings, and conferences using a stenotype machine.  The official court reporter is responsible for accurately transcribing all court proceedings stenographical recorded in a high-volume, fast-paced, technical environment.  Work requires precise accuracy because the transcripts represent the official record of court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE NORMAL FOR THIS POSITION.  THESE ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE.  OTHER DUTIES MAY BE REQUIRED OR ASSIGNED.

• Records testimony in various types of courtroom proceedings verbatim using a stenotype machine or computer-aided transcription machine.
•  Reads back portions of transcript during trial as requested.
• Edits, proofreads, and produces certified written and electronic verbatim transcripts.
• Responds to inquiries and correspondence from judiciary, attorneys, coworkers and the general public.
• Performs administrative duties as required, such as billing for transcripts, completing record-keeping forms, documenting information contained in reports and maintaining records according to statutory requirements.
• Purchase and maintain all equipment and software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•    Considerable knowledge of English language, proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax and sentence structure. •    Considerable knowledge of office management, record-keeping procedures, legal terminology and medical terminology •    Ability to focus attention for prolonged periods of time. •    Ability to work well under pressure and produce transcripts with strict time limitations with minimal supervision. •    Ability to learn within a short period of time courtroom procedures, practices and policies as applicable to the court reporter’s assigned function. •    Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the judiciary, fellow employees, attorneys and the general public.

The First Judicial District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

1.    High school diploma or equivalent, and successful completion of a training course in verbatim recording and transcribing acceptable to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. 2.    Ability to take verbatim dictation at prescribed rates of speed within specific limits of accuracy in accordance with standards established by the First Judicial District 3.    A minimum of four years of courtroom experience. 4.  Successful completion of a criminal background investigation. 5.  Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is required. 6.    

Additional Information

SALARY $58,836-$65,215

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.