Court Reporter I

The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for Court Reporter I in Court Services, Court Reporting and Interpreting. The Court Reporter I serves the family courts throughout the state by accurately capturing the record using the following methods: steno and voice writing, and providing certified transcripts by deadlines prescribed in relevant statutes and court rules.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION 
Note: This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. 
 

• Under direct management of a Court Reporter Supervisor, attends court proceedings and creates verbatim recordings of court proceedings by stenographic and/or voice writing methods with a digital backup device to create a clear and complete quality audio recording of legal proceedings. Uploads all audio and physical court records to OneDrive weekly, in the format required by SCJB.
• Acquires and maintains equipment and supplies necessary to capture the record. Verifies proper operation of his/her equipment prior to court proceedings and troubleshoots issues.
• Reads or plays back testimony during proceedings at the direction of the presiding judge.
• Receives, inventories, records, and maintains exhibits entered as evidence in court. Files case exhibits with Clerk of Court in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Retains a receipt of delivery to the Clerk's office.
• Prepares certified verbatim transcripts: proofreads, edits, prints, and binds transcript; prepares trial index; certifies accuracy and completeness of transcripts; produces and distributes copies of transcripts as appropriate within proscribed deadlines; and maintains confidentiality of official records. Timely responds to inmate and other lay individuals regarding transcript requests. Maintains all notes and records of proceedings as stipulated by the SC Court Reporter Manual and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Adheres to common principles of professionalism to include being punctual and prepared; dressed in accordance with SCJB's dress code; being courteous and civil when interacting with the judge, counsel, parties, clerk's staff, and the public; remaining a neutral observer; refraining from causing disruptions to the proceedings; and exercising the highest levels of professional integrity in the disposition of the job responsibilities. Must be able to work independently, exercising good judgement and discretion.
• Assists judges and court personnel with reasonable requests while working in and outside of the courtroom. Completes required weekly timesheets, and monthly and quarterly reports.
• Attends meetings or training sessions as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)
 

• A high school diploma AND a degree in court reporting from an accredited school or court reporting institution; OR
• Verified credentials as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) by the National Court Reporters Association; OR
• Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) by the National Verbatim Reporters Association.
• Two (2) years of relevant legal, criminal justice, or advocacy experience with a thorough knowledge of hearing procedures and preparation of transcripts is required.
• Must have dependable transportation as this position requires occasional travel to other courthouses statewide.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS 

Knowledge:

• General knowledge of nationally recognized court reporter practices and procedures.
• Proficient in the use of computers and computer equipment.
• Knowledge and use of modern court reporting technology and equipment.

Skills:

• Must possess excellent transcription, time management and listening skills.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to work independently.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in interpreting and applying policies and procedures.
• Sit still for long periods of times without disruption.
• Maintain concentration in a time-pressured environment.
• Deal with others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Communicate effectively with Judges, attorneys, coworkers and the general public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain the confidentiality of the court proceedings.
• Punctuality is a requirement.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
 
The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
• 15 days paid sick leave per year;
• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
• Paid parental leave;
• 13 paid state holidays; and
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The South Carolina Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, or disability.

Salary : $59,049