Digital Court Reporter II

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

Retirement Plan

15 days vacation leave

15 days sick leave

13 paid state holidays

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Job summary

The State of South Carolina's Judicial Branch seeks a Digital Court Reporter II to accurately capture court proceedings and prepare certified transcripts by deadlines set by statute and court rules. You will operate electronic recording equipment, verify functionality, and produce time-linked transcripts for Circuit and Family Courts.

Qualified candidates hold a High school diploma, AAERT certification, and transcription certification, with 60 wpm typing and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• AAERT Certified Electronic/Digital Court Reporter.
• Certified in Transcription by a national organization.
• Minimum typing speed of 60 wpm with high accuracy.
• Ability to operate digital recording equipment.
• Must sit in courtroom for extended periods and maintain concentration.
• Dependable transportation for occasional travel to courthouses.

Responsibilities

• Attends court proceedings and creates verbatim recordings by operating electronic audio recording equipment.
• Verifies proper operation of the equipment and troubleshoots issues with IT support to avoid delays.
• Creates accurate time-linked annotations to aid transcript preparation and plays back testimony on request.
• Receives, inventories and maintains exhibits; files case exhibits with the Clerk of Court.
• Prepares certified transcripts, proofs, indexes, and distributes copies by deadlines.
• Responds to transcript requests and maintains confidentiality of official records.
• Maintains professionalism, punctuality and dress code; works independently with discretion.
• Assists judges and court personnel; attends meetings or training as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

60 wpm typing

Transcription accuracy

Computer skills

Courtroom concentration

Time management

Education

High school diploma

AAERT Certification

Transcription certification

Tools

Electronic recording equipment

Job description

• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

Job Responsibilities

Under direct management of a Court Reporter Supervisor, the Digital Court Reporter II serves both the Circuit and Family Courts by accurately capturing the record and providing certified transcripts by deadlines proscribed in relevant statutes and court rules.

Responsibilities Include

• Attends court proceedings and creates verbatim recordings by operating electronic audio recording equipment provided by SCJB to create a clear and complete quality audio recording of legal proceedings.
• Verifies proper operation of the equipment prior to court proceedings and troubleshoots issues with designated IT support team so as to avoid delays and disruptions to court.
• Creates accurate and detailed electronic time-linked annotations of case events and terminology to serve as a guide to assist the creation of an accurate transcript. Plays back testimony during proceedings at the direction of the presiding judge.
• Receives, inventories, records, and maintains exhibits entered as evidence in court. Files case exhibits with Clerk of Court in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Retains a receipt of delivery to the Clerk's office.
• Prepares certified verbatim transcripts: proofreads, edits, prints, and binds transcript; prepares trial index; certifies accuracy and completeness of transcripts; produces and distributes copies of transcripts as appropriate within proscribed deadlines; and maintains confidentiality of official records.
• Timely responds to inmate and other lay individuals regarding transcript requests. Maintains all notes and records of proceedings as stipulated by the SC Court Reporter Manual and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Adheres to common principles of professionalism to include being punctual and prepared; dressed in accordance with SCJB's dress code; and being courteous and civil when interacting with the judge, counsel, parties, clerk's staff, and the public.
• Remains as a neutral observer during court proceedings; refrains from causing disruptions to proceedings; and exercises the highest levels of professional integrity in the disposition of job responsibilities. Must be able to work independently, exercising good judgement and discretion.
• Assists judges and court personnel with reasonable requests while working in and outside of the courtroom.
• Attends meetings or training sessions as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Verified current credentials as a Certified Electronic/Digital Court Reporter by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). Successful completion of an AAERT approved Electronic/Digital Court Reporting Program from an institution of higher education may be substituted for the required credentials as a Certified Electronic/Digital Court Reporter.
• Certified in Transcription by a nationally recognized organization.
• Minimum typing speed of 60 wpm with a high rate of accuracy.
• Computer and word processing experience and ability to operate digital recording equipment.
• Must be able to maintain concentration and sit in a courtroom for extended periods of time.
• Must have dependable transportation as this position will require occasional travel to courthouses throughout the circuit.
• Punctuality and avoidance of excessive absences required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• General knowledge of nationally recognized court reporter practices and procedures.
• Specific knowledge of court reporter policies, procedures, and practices as outlined in the SC Court Reporters Manual.
• Knowledge and use of modern court reporting technology and equipment.
• Proficient in the use of computers and computer equipment.
• Must possess excellent transcription, time management and listening skills.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to work independently.
• Must be able to deal with others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in interpreting and applying policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Judges, attorneys, coworkers and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of the court proceedings.

Preferred Qualifications

Two (2) or more years of experience in court reporting and production of transcripts.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll).
• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days paid sick leave per year.
• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave.
• 13 paid state holidays.
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.