Court Officer - Administration (Term)

Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 2,000 - 3,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia seeks a Court Officer (Administration) to manage court schedules and liaise with legal professionals. This term position requires strong organizational skills and legal experience. Benefits include a pension plan and health coverage.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health and dental coverage

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Vacation

Employee assistance programs

Qualifications

• Two years post-secondary education plus five years legal environment experience.
• Proficiency in keyboarding, data entry, and MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Schedule court cases and respond to inquiries from the public.
• Manage documents, control exhibits, and collect statistical data.
• Liaise with judiciary and legal professionals.

Skills

Proficiency in keyboarding

Data entry

MS Office applications

Excellent proofreading

Strong organizational skills

Education

2-year diploma

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Competition # : 46096

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 29-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 providing excellent service and ensuring the fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security.

The division supports 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. These courts operate independently from the government to handle individual cases.

For more information, visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services/

About Our Opportunity

As a Court Officer (Administration), your responsibilities include scheduling court hearings across all court levels, managing caseloads, and liaising between the Court, law enforcement, legal professionals, and the public. You will scrutinize documents, determine corrective measures, and perform quasi-judicial duties as a Staff Justice of the Peace under the Justice of the Peace Act, in accordance with the Court Officials Act.

Primary Accountabilities

• Schedule court cases and respond to inquiries from the public.
• Prepare and distribute court orders and dockets.
• Manage documents, control exhibits, collect statistical data, and handle general accounting.
• Review documents, apply relevant laws and policies, and determine corrective actions.
• Assist self-represented parties with document review and provide legal information and referrals.
• Manage caseloads to ensure effective service.
• Train and mentor new staff.
• Liaise with judiciary and legal professionals, and communicate with parties on behalf of the court.
• Attend court and perform related functions as required.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline plus five years of legal environment experience, or equivalent training and experience with justice system exposure.
• Proficiency in keyboarding, data entry, and MS Office applications.
• Excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and attention to detail skills.
• Optional assets include mediation, non-conflict resolution training, bilingualism in English and French.

Equivalency

Examples include:

• 2-year diploma + 5 years experience
• 1-year diploma + 6 years experience
• Bachelor’s degree + 3-4 years experience depending on the field

Applicants must demonstrate their equivalencies if relying on education and experience substitutions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Benefits

Employees enjoy benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, health and dental coverage, life insurance, disability benefits, vacation, and employee assistance programs. More details are available on the department’s benefits page.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours, typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility based on operational needs.
• Position involves high-stress situations and interactions with distressed individuals.
• Handling exhibits may be physically or mentally challenging.

Additional Information

This is a term position ending approximately on April 14, 2027. Security screening, firearms safety training, and Nova Scotia Certified Transcribers qualification may be required. Some travel and overtime may be necessary.

What We Offer

• Career development opportunities with ongoing training and resources.
• Engaging, respectful, and inclusive workplace policies.
• Various career paths and flexible scheduling options.

Pay Grade: TE 22

Salary Range: $2,189.32 - $2,574.66 bi-weekly

Employment Equity

The department values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, and women. Self-identification on the application is encouraged.

This position is within the bargaining unit and initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by NSGEU. External applicants and casual employees will be considered only if no qualified civil service candidates are available. Applications must be complete; incomplete applications will not be considered. Employment is contingent upon background checks and credential verification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Questions can be directed to [e-mail].