Relief Court Officer

The Methodist Church in Britain; Wollaton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage expenses paid

Work-life balance support

Wellbeing support

Financial security benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking a relief post within the coroner's court service to support bereaved families during inquests. The role involves preparing courtrooms, responding to the coroner's requests and guiding jurors through hearings.

The position is mobile, requiring travel between Greater Lincolnshire court locations. A driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, with mileage paid.

Qualifications

• Criminal record check may apply.
• Driving licence with access to a vehicle.
• Ability to travel across Lincolnshire courts.

Responsibilities

• Support inquests by fulfilling the coroner's specific requests, such as preparing documents or facilitating proceedings
• Prepare the courtroom and complete administrative tasks before attendees are admitted
• Read statements and provide copies of evidence so materials are ready for court sessions
• Manage attendees' emotional responses, including comforting distressed family members, liaising with legal representatives and de-escalating tense situations
• Oversee the jury, guiding jurors through the hearing and their responsibilities and obligations
• Travel to court locations across Greater Lincolnshire

Skills

Excellent communication

Empathy

Organisational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Compassion under pressure

Fluent English

Job description

This relief post with Lincolnshire County Council supports the coroner's court service, helping bereaved families through inquests. The core work is preparing courtrooms and evidence, meeting the coroner's requests, handling distressed attendees and guiding jurors through hearings. The role is mobile, with officers travelling between court locations across Greater Lincolnshire, hours set by court demand and mileage paid. Fit depends on driving with access to a vehicle and speaking accurate, easy English with customers.

What the job involves

• Support inquests by fulfilling the coroner's specific requests, such as preparing documents or facilitating proceedings
• Prepare the courtroom and complete administrative tasks before attendees are admitted
• Read statements and provide copies of evidence so materials are ready for court sessions
• Manage attendees' emotional responses, including comforting distressed family members, liaising with legal representatives and de-escalating tense situations
• Oversee the jury, guiding jurors through the hearing and their responsibilities and obligations
• Travel to court locations across Greater Lincolnshire

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy in emotionally charged and sensitive situations
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Attention to detail and proactive problem-solving
• Compassion, resilience and composure under pressure
• Fluent spoken English to converse at ease and give accurate advice (Fluency Duty)

Checks & eligibility

• Criminal record check, which may apply
• Driving licence with access to a vehicle

Other

• Mobility to travel across Lincolnshire courts
• Commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults
• Alignment with council values of collaboration, adaptability, eco-consciousness, support and responsibility

What’s offered

• Mileage expenses paid
• Support for work-life balance
• Health and wellbeing support
• Financial security benefits
• Career growth opportunities