Court Officer - Judicial Support (Law Courts) (TERM)

Court Officer - Judicial Support (Law Courts) (TERM)

Competition # : 45874

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 01-May-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security. The Division provides administrative support to various courts, including the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court, and Bankruptcy Court.

As the Court Officer (Judicial Support), you may coordinate and manage court hearings held in all levels of Court, provide support to the Judiciary, and act as the liaison between the Court, law enforcement agencies, the legal profession, and the public. You will also act in the role of the clerk of the Court in all courts, including jury sittings, and perform quasi-judicial duties assigned as a Staff Justice of the Peace.

Primary Accountabilities

• Communicate with legal professionals and self-represented individuals to coordinate and manage court hearings held at all levels of court.
• Provide confidential administrative and organizational support to the Judiciary.
• Act in the role of the clerk in all courts, including jury sittings, and perform quasi-judicial duties as a Staff Justice of the Peace.
• Train and mentor new staff in day-to-day operational activities.
• Under the Judge’s direction, draft and prepare complex orders and decisions arising from court hearings.
• Record and transcribe court proceedings by means of electronic recording equipment.
• Facilitate all aspects of court hearings from opening court, calling cases, swearing or affirming witnesses, while operating all required technology for virtual court or hybrid models.
• Exercise care and control of exhibits until transferred to the Exhibit Custodian.
• You may be required to perform duties in Court Administration.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful Court Officer (Judicial Support), you will have two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline plus five years of related experience in a legal environment; an equivalent combination of training and experience with exposure to the justice system will be acceptable. Experience and competency in keyboarding, data entry, transcribing, and standard computer applications including MS Office products are required. Experience with virtual platforms such as MS Teams and video conferencing is also essential.

You must possess excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills, along with superior organizational abilities and strong prioritization skills. You must demonstrate an understanding of the Rules and Statutes that govern the courts and have a sound working knowledge of legal documents, forms, court procedures, and legal terminology.

Legal research skills and bilingualism, with oral and written skills in English and French, would be considered assets.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (typically the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs).
• Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the emotional demands of this position.
• Handling of some exhibits may be mentally or physically disconcerting.
• May involve extensive keyboarding as well as long hours sitting in a formal courtroom environment.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2026. Candidates may be required to obtain training in Firearms Safety in relation to handling evidence and may be required to successfully complete the Nova Scotia Certified Transcribers qualification. This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for an external application.

What We Offer

• Career Development with access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training.
• Engaging workplace where employees feel valued and respected.
• Countless career paths.

Pay Grade: TE 22

Salary Range: $2,189.32- $2,574.66 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that represents the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia welcomes applications from under-represented groups.