Court Officer 1-2 - Judicial Support (The Law Courts)

Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government in Halifax is seeking a Court Officer to coordinate court hearings and support the judiciary in providing fair administration of justice. Applicants should have two years of post-secondary education in a related field and experience in a legal environment. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for this position. The role involves providing confidential support and managing various court functions in a high-pressure environment, with a robust salary and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health and Dental Insurance

Vacation and Employee Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline and one year of related experience.
• Competency in keyboarding, data entry, and computer applications.
• Experience with virtual platforms and excellent proofreading skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage court hearings at all levels of court.
• Provide administrative support to the judiciary.
• Draft and prepare court orders under the Judge’s direction.

Skills

Keyboarding (speed and accuracy)

Data entry

Transcribing

Organizational abilities

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Tact and discretion

Education

Two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline

One year related experience in a legal environment

Tools

MS Office products

MS Teams

Video conferencing tools

Job description

Competition #: 47555

Department: Justice

Location: Halifax, NS

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 14-Dec-25 (Applications 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 the courts listed: 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. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.

For more information on the Department of Justice Court Services please visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services/

About Our Opportunity

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, members of 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 as appointed under the Justice of the Peace Act. You will perform your duties in accordance with, and as assigned under, the Court Officials Act.

Primary Accountabilities

• Communicate with legal professionals and self-represented individuals to coordinate and manage court hearings 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 sitting and performing 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, review and apply relevant acts, statutes, policies, and procedures to all court documentation.
• Record and transcribe court proceedings by means of electronic recording equipment.
• Facilitate all aspects of court hearings from opening court, calling cases, swear or affirm witnesses or interpreters and translators, while simultaneously operating all required technology that may be required to support virtual court or hybrid models of court or appearances.
• Exercise care and control of exhibits, including transportation, until transferred to the Exhibit Custodian.
• You may be required to perform duties in Court Administration.

Qualifications And Experience

The successful candidate must have two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline plus one-year related experience, ideally in a legal environment, or an acceptable equivalent.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience and competency in keyboarding (speed and accuracy), data entry, transcribing, and other standard computer applications including MS Office products.
• Experience with virtual platforms such as MS Teams and video conferencing.
• Excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills.
• Superior organizational abilities and strong prioritization skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Have tact and discretion.
• Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the Rules and Statutes that govern the courts, as well as a sound working knowledge of legal documents, forms, court procedures, and legal terminology.
• Demonstrate a high level of initiative and problem-solving abilities, readily accepting responsibilities; errors can result in significant impacts for justice system participants.
• Fair and impartial to all clients with high confidentiality, exercising excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly listening skills when dealing with difficult people in complex, sensitive, and stressful situations.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, typing test, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

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

Equivalency

• 1-year certificate/diploma in a related discipline plus 2 years of related experience.
• 3 years of related experience with exposure to the justice system.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. See Benefits for government employees for more details.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, may vary).
• May involve high-stress situations and encounters with distraught and difficult individuals.
• Handling of some exhibits may be mentally or physically disconcerting.
• May involve extensive keyboarding and long hours in a formal courtroom environment.

Additional Information

This is a permanent employment opportunity located at the Law Courts in Halifax, NS.

Applicants 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. The position requires enhanced security screening for an external applicant.

Some travel and overtime may be required.

What We Offer

• Career Development opportunities.
• Engaging workplace with forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade

TE 18 - TE 22

Salary Range

$1,864.28 - $2,574.66 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce representative of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia welcomes applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in under-represented occupations.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations under the Human Rights Act. Contact [e-mail].

Bulking Notices

This is a Bargaining Unit Position initially restricted to current Civil Service Employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Offer of employment is conditional upon completion of background checks and credential confirmation.

Contact [e-mail] for questions.