COURT REPORTER

McLennan County (TX); Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

McLennan County seeks a Machine Certified Shorthand Reporter to record verbatim court proceedings, transcribe records on appeal, and file appellate documents with the courts. The role requires compliance with ethics and state statutes, and strong precision in documenting hearings.

You'll maintain transcripts, prepare jury charges, schedule coverage, and assist judges, counsels, and the public while upholding professional standards in a court environment.

Qualifications

• Texas SHRP certification required by appointment and renewal every two years.
• High school diploma or GED is mandatory.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with court staff, judges, attorneys and the public.
• Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office environments.

Responsibilities

• Record verbatim court proceedings using stenography equipment.
• Transcribe appellate records in accordance with guidelines.
• E-file appellate records with the courts of appeals.
• Prepare jury charges as required.
• Provide transcripts of proceedings upon request.
• Maintain an accurate court proceedings log.
• Schedule a Certified Shorthand Reporter to cover absences.
• Assist the public and court staff respectfully and efficiently.

Skills

Texas Shorthand Reporter

Driver License

Effective communication

Court staff relations

Work under pressure

Computer literacy

Windows

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Machine Certified Shorthand Reporting Program

Tools

Windows OS

Microsoft Office

Job description

A Machine Certified Shorthand Reporter, under general supervision, makes a verbatim record of court proceedings, produces transcripts, maintains and retrieves files, assists the public and performs general secretarial duties.

• Must comply with the Code of Ethics and Chapter 52 of the Government Code
• Machine Shorthand verbatim record of all court proceedings
• Transcribe all court records on appeal in accordance with Uniform Format Manual and appellate guidelines
• E-file all appellate records with the courts of appeals
• Prepare jury charges
• Provide written transcripts of all proceedings upon request
• Planning and scheduling related to court reporting transcript deadlines
• Maintain accurate court proceedings log
• Capture spoken dialogue with specialized equipment, including stenography machines, video and audio recording devices, and covered microphones
• Report speakers’ identification
• Read or play back all or a portion of the proceedings upon request from the judge
• Ask speakers to clarify inaudible or unclear statements or testimony
• Provides copies of transcripts and recordings to the courts, counsels, and parties involved
• Preserve shorthand notes for future reference, per statutory guidelines
• Mark and retain all exhibits introduced in court proceedings and later file with the district clerk and/or Sheriff’s Department
• Schedule a Certified Shorthand Reporter to serve in your absence
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

EDUCATION

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Successful completion of Machine Certified Shorthand Reporting Program

SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Valid Texas Driver License (Class C)
• Must be a State of Texas Certified Shorthand Reporter (certification must be renewed every two years)
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court staff, judges, County employees, attorneys and the general public
• Ability to work expeditiously and accurately under pressure (stressful situations) while maintaining a professional manner
• Knowledge of computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products
• Must have good public communication skills and patience for telephone calls and in-person inquiries

Preferred:

• Two or more years’ experience in court reporting operations
• Real-time reporting capabilities
• Registered Professional Reporter
• Member of TCRA and/or NCRA

DISCLAIMER

McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

ALL EMPLOYEES

oMust be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community

oMust have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large

oMust be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Works primarily indoors in well-lighted, air-conditioned environment. Frequent contact with the public and other County employees

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS

Continuous sitting while making court records, answering telephone, computer work, and transcribing. Fine dexterity needed to operate shorthand machine, and computer

HOURS / SPECIAL CONDITIONS

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., dependent on the needs of the office