Court Officer (Judicial Support - Law Courts) (EOI Close Date: 05/20/2025)

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

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking a Court Officer (Judicial Support) to manage court hearings, support the Judiciary, and liaise with legal professionals. This permanent position in Halifax offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for career development and ongoing training. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle high-stress situations while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Vacation

Employee Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Two years post-secondary education plus five years related experience in a legal environment.
• Knowledge of rules and statutes governing the courts is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage court hearings at all levels of court.
• Provide confidential administrative support to the Judiciary.
• Act as the liaison between the Court and law enforcement.

Skills

Keyboarding

Data Entry

Transcribing

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Education

Post-secondary education in a related discipline

Tools

MS Office

MS Teams

Job description

Competition # : 46086

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 27-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 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

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, and 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

The Judicial Support responsibilities include:

• 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 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, swearing or affirming witnesses or interpreters and translators, while supporting virtual or hybrid court models.
• 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

As the successful Court Officer (Judicial Support), you will have two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline plus five years 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 are required. Experience with virtual platforms such as MS Teams and video conferencing is also necessary.

You will possess excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills, along with superior organizational and prioritization skills, enabling you to meet tight deadlines with speed and accuracy. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential.

You must demonstrate fairness, impartiality, and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially listening skills, are crucial when dealing with complex, sensitive, and stressful situations. Tact and discretion are essential.

Knowledge of Rules and Statutes governing the courts, legal documents, forms, procedures, and terminology is required. A high level of initiative, problem-solving skills, and willingness to accept responsibilities are expected. Errors can significantly impact justice system participants.

Assessment tools may include written exams, typing tests, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks. Bilingualism in English and French, with oral and written skills, is an asset.

Equivalency

Candidates may demonstrate equivalency through various combinations of education and experience, such as:

• 2-year certificate/diploma + 5 years related experience
• 1-year certificate/diploma + 6 years related experience
• 4-year Bachelor’s degree + 3 years related experience
• 3-year Bachelor’s degree + 4 years related experience
• 7 years related experience with exposure to the justice system

Applicants must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Benefits

The Government of Nova Scotia offers benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Disability, Vacation, and Employee Assistance Programs. For details, visit: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours, typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, but may vary.
• Position involves handling high-stress situations and difficult individuals.
• Some exhibits may be mentally or physically disconcerting.
• Long hours sitting in a courtroom environment and extensive keyboarding are common.

Additional Information

This is a permanent position in Halifax, NS. Training in firearms safety and Nova Scotia Certified Transcribers qualification may be required. Enhanced security screening is necessary. Travel and overtime may be required.

What We Offer

• Career development opportunities and ongoing training.
• Engaging and respectful workplace environment.
• Multiple career paths and flexible schedules.

Pay Grade: TE 22

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

Employment Equity

We encourage applications from diverse groups and those who self-identify as belonging to underrepresented communities. Applications must be complete and demonstrate education and experience equivalencies. Employment is conditional upon background checks and credential verification. Only selected candidates will be contacted. Questions: [e-mail].