Court Reporter II (Courthouse)

County of Berks; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Berks in Reading, PA seeks a court reporter to verbatim record court proceedings using a stenotype machine and to prepare accurate transcripts from stenotype notes and SD cards.

Must have a high school diploma or GED, completion of an NCRA-accredited program with 225 wpm, four years of experience, and NCRA RPR or pass the in-house exam. Starting pay is $36.95 per hour; 35 hours per week.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from an NCRA-accredited court reporting program with 225 wpm and 97% accuracy.
• Four years of experience in general court reporting.
• NCRA RPR designation or pass in-house exam.

Responsibilities

• Stenographically record court proceedings.
• Read back portions of the record when directed by the Court.
• Prepare orders dictated from the bench.
• Prepare transcripts via CAT software within specified time constraints.
• Mark exhibits and maintain a record and description of each.
• Maintain log and storage of notes and SD cards for an indefinite period.

Skills

Stenography

Typing

Independent work

Stress management

Office equipment

Verbatim transcription

Court proceedings

Education

High school diploma or GED

NCRA-accredited court reporting program

225 wpm dictation with 97% accuracy

Associate degree in Specialized Business (Court Reporting)

NCRA RPR designation

Tools

Stenotype machine

Computer-Aided Transcription software

Job description

• The Starting Rate for this position is $36.95 per hour
• 35 hours per week

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the verbatim recordation by stenotype machine of all types of court proceedings and the preparation of a complete and accurate transcription from stenotype notes and accompanying computer SD card of such proceedings in accordance with established court-mandated procedures and time constraints. Responsible for the marking and the initial, temporary custody of exhibits offered during any court proceeding.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

1. Stenographically record court proceedings by use of a stenotype machine.
2. When directed by the Court, read back portions of the record during proceedings.
3. Prepare orders dictated from the bench by judges.
4. Prepare, by court order or authorization, transcripts by means of Computer Aided Transcription (CAT) software, as requested, within specified time constraints.
5. Mark all exhibits offered during court proceedings and maintain a record and description of each.
6. Maintain log and storage of both paper notes and accompanying computer SD cards of all proceedings for an indefinite period of time.

Non-Essential Functions

• Assume the duties of Chief Court Reporter when requested.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or possession of a G.E.D. Certificate from a recognized issuing agency.
• Successful completion and graduation from an NCRA-accredited school of court reporting, requiring a minimum of 225 wpm sustained dictation with 97% accuracy, or an associate degree in Specialized Business (Court Reporting).
• Four (4) years of experience in general court reporting.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of the NCRA RPR designation or successful completion of the in-house examination.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of English usage, punctuation, spelling, and varied technical terminology.
• Working knowledge of the conduct of legal proceedings.
• Skill in taking and transcribing verbatim testimony for sustained periods of time received at rapid and changing speeds and inflections from several persons.
• Must be familiar with and have the ability to use Computer-Aided Transcription software in the preparation of transcripts.
• Excellent typing skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to operate office equipment, i.e., printers, copy machines, and binders.
• Ability to effectively deal with judges, attorneys, government officials, and parties involved in litigation.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time (hours) without a break.
• Must be able to carry a stenotype machine, along with associated accessories, from
• office to courtroom.
• Must possess excellent hearing.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• This position works at the pleasure of an assigned judge and must be available to work both before and after normal working hours in court.
• This position has time constraints on transcript production (14 days), which may require working before and past normal working hours and on weekends.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.