Justice Officer (The Law Courts)

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

Job summary

A governmental justice department in Halifax is seeking a Justice Officer to provide administrative support for various courts. Key responsibilities include maintaining court files, responding to inquiries, and ensuring compliance with records management protocols. Candidates should have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and relevant experience in a legal setting. Bilingualism is a plus. Permanent position with a salary range of $1,834.08 - $2,044.45 bi-weekly.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Engaging workplace

Diverse career paths

Benefits information and pension plan

Qualifications

• Experience in a legal environment is considered an asset.
• Strong communication skills for dealing with the public.
• Knowledge in Records Management systems.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain court files and documentation.
• Respond to requests for file searches and information.
• Maintain court filing systems and scheduling.

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service skills

Time management

Proficient keyboarding skills

Education

Four years related experience

Bilingualism (English and French)

Tools

MS Office

FileNet

STAR/STOR

Job description

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/

As a Justice Officer, you will provide a broad range of administrative support, as well as being the first point of contact for the public and clients of the Court system. You will also record and process documentation, adhere to policies and processes and maintain filing systems—all while working as a team player.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

• Create new files daily as required; collect, pre-sort and file all Supreme Court and Court of Appeal documentation daily.
• Classify, code, index and cross-reference all materials.
• Direct originators in the receipt, classification, indexing and coding techniques.
• Perform charge-out operations for files and follow-up checking operations for outstanding files. This includes searching old index cards and books for proper file numbers as well as computer searches. It also includes searches for off-site retention numbers and retrieving files from the Records Centre daily.
• Research complex requests for material.
• Assist staff members to comply with Records Management policies and procedures relative to the receipt, creation, classification, coding, indexing, maintenance verification techniques and final disposal of records.
• Record and maintain all exhibits filed with the Supreme Court, supervising transfer to courtroom and ensuring that exhibits are returned upon completion of the trial. Returning exhibits to the parties, counsel or police.
• Respond to requests for file searches via telephone, fax or mail.
• Order files from other Court Administration offices across the province and return files to those offices. Consistent data entry, updating file locations within the Justice database with a high degree of accuracy.
• Receive and respond to requests relating to all court matters dealt with by various levels of court by telephone, fax and email.
• Receive and receipt all monies paid to the court, balance monies received on a daily basis, prepare daily cash reports and bank deposits in accordance with departmental account procedures.
• Maintain court filing systems.
• Schedule court cases and monitor the court calendar of pending cases.
• Provide a broad range of administrative support services.
• Provide legal information to the public regarding navigating the court system, court forms and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful Justice Officer, you will have four years related experience. A relevant combination of education and experience will be considered. Exposure to a legal environment is considered an asset. You should demonstrate accuracy and knowledge in understanding a Records Management system and up-to-date knowledge of the guidelines and schedules. This position requires great attention to detail and time management skills. Completeness and integrity of data is crucial to inform program actions and support decision making processes.

You should have proficient keyboarding skills and a sound knowledge of general office procedures and computer programs, including MS Office, MS Word, Excel and Outlook. You also have a working knowledge of specialized records management systems (such as FileNet and STAR/STOR).

You will have experience adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and procedures. You will possess strong communication and customer service skills and have experience handling cash and debit/credit card payment transactions. Your ability to deal effectively with the public in a multifaceted and stressful environment, often in confrontational and sensitive situations will be important to your success in this role. The strong organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills you have developed will be important. Your key skills include attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to work under pressure and deadlines. Sound knowledge of the justice system and government services for referral are assets in this position. Bilingualism with oral and written skills in English and French will also be considered an asset.

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

Equivalency

Include, but not limited to:

• Three years of undergraduate study in addition to one year of related experience
• A two-year certificate/diploma plus two years of related experience
• A one-year certificate/diploma plus three years of related experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

What We Offer

• Benefits information and pension plan details available through government Resources.
• Career development opportunities, engaging workplace, and diverse career paths.

Pay and Benefits

Salary Range: $1,834.08 - $2,044.45 bi-weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Additional Information

This is a Permanent employment opportunity, located at The Law Courts in Halifax, NS. Some travel and overtime may be required. This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.

Additional Notes

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, applicants must apply via the correct channel. External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. Please note: applications must be complete to be considered for an interview. Offer of employment is conditional upon background checks and credential verification, with results satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Questions may be directed to [e-mail].