Stenographer jobs in Pennsylvania

General Position Informaiton:

This is a full-time position, 35 hours per week. The salary range is $34,481.20 to a top end of $49,319.00. (Hourly rate is $18.94 – $27.09 per hr.) Additional income is earned by processing court orders and transcripts. Starting salary is dependent upon experience. There is a comprehensive benefit package included. An RPR status is preferred, but not required. Mercer County pays for required continuing education as well as association memberships. A Steno writer, laptop, and Case CATalyst software are also provided by Mercer County.

Overall Objectives

To stenographically record verbatim all court proceedings and transcribe a variety of hearings, as required by law; to prepare and process court orders, transcripts, and other related court proceedings with a high degree of speed and accuracy. The position works with confidential and sensitive information, requiring discretion and strict confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Stenographically reports verbatim the testimony in all court proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas, including trials, hearings, and conferences; interrupts when necessary to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the record; reads back portions of proceedings upon request.

2. Transcribes, certifies, and files a variety of proceedings as required by law or statute with the appropriate filing offices.

3. Prepares court orders, sentences, Findings of Fact, and other courtroom documents as required by the Common Pleas judges.

4. Operates stenographic shorthand machine, computer, and various other standard office equipment.

5. Provides a monthly list of pending transcripts to the Lead Reporter.

6. Maintains record of transcript status; bills appropriate parties; delivers transcripts to the judges, attorneys, and other designated agencies or departments, as required.

7. Follows standard procedures.

8. Secures and maintains exhibits for storage, retrieval, and disposal, when appropriate.

9. Ensures that adequate supplies are maintained.

10. Determines correct spelling of names of parties and witnesses.

11. Is familiar with any specialized, medical, and/or legal terminology, and other specifics of testimony.

12. Must attend training, seminars, and conferences to maintain continuing education, as required.

13. Must abide by the Code of Conduct of the Unified Judicial System.

14. Must abide by the Rules Governing Court Reporting and Transcripts pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration 4001 through 4016.

15. Must abide by the Mercer County Local Rules regarding court reporters and transcripts, as applicable.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports to the President Judge, any Common Pleas Court judge to whom assigned, and to the District Court Administrator, and occasional and limited direction from the Lead Reporter. Receives limited instruction or supervision in carrying out routine day to day tasks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those the employee

encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. A Court Reporter works indoors on a regular basis, in an office with minimal environmental factors, with adequate workspace, in adequate temperatures, ventilation, and lighting; and normal exposure to noise, disruptions, and stress; and normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

PHYSICAL/ MENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Must possess ability to record, convey, assemble, and present information; explain procedures; and follow instructions.

2. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching necessary to carry out job duties.

3. Dexterity requirements range from coordinated movements of fingers/hands to simple movements of feet/legs and torso necessary to carry out job duties.

4. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of twenty pounds.

5. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on court proceedings, testimony, and other work for long periods of time.

6. At normal risk for repetitive stress injuries consistent with a job of this type.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. EDUCATION/TRAINING

High School diploma or equivalent and a Degree or Certificate in Court Reporting from a court reporting program of higher education; computer and stenographic skills required. Must meet the requirements listed in Rule 4004 – Qualifications of Court Reporters, PA Rules of Court.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE

Prior court reporting experience is a plus but is not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must have extraordinary stenographic and typing skills and the ability to transcribe with speed and accuracy.

2. Excellent knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage.

3. Ability to communicate with members of the judiciary, attorneys, associates, other departments, and the general public, as required.

4. Basic knowledge of courtroom and legal proceedings.

5. Must possess the knowledge of the form and content of legal documents.

6. Basic knowledge of legal terminology and the functions of various court officials.

7. Ability to prepare verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings involving multiple speakers, specialized testimony, and emotional circumstances.

8. Ability to learn to diagnose and correct routine malfunctions of the steno machine and computer.

9. Knowledge of modern office practices and equipment.

10. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and directions.

11. Ability to organize and maintain a record of exhibits for storage, retrieval, and/or disposal.

12. Excellent oral and written communications.

13. Ability to work independently and effectively with co-workers and others.

14. Must accurately type and file all court orders, bench warrants and bench warrant vacates, and other courtroom documents in a timely manner.

15. Must accurately transcribe proceedings within required timeframes.

16. Excellent time management skills.

17. Must possess excellent proofreading skills to ensure accuracy.

18. Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records, confidential meetings in Chambers, and/or confidential proceedings and documents.

19. Must demonstrate emotional stability.

20. Must be able to pay close attention to detail and concentrate on work.

21. Must be able to sit for long periods of time throughout the work day.

22. Must abide by and maintain a professional dress code.

23. Must conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.

24. Required to maintain strict confidentiality.

25. Must occasionally work non-traditional hours and work at home on occasion to meet transcript deadlines.

26. Must adapt to and use the equipment and software owned by the County and provided to the staff court reporters.

The above conditions reflect the general details necessary to describe the main functions of the position of court reporter and shall not be considered an exhaustive and exclusive description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

How to Apply:

Please send the standard County Application (which can be found here: https://www.mercercountypa.gov/Employment/Applications/Employment.Application.2022.pdf), a letter of interest, resume, and three references to the following:

Bo D. McCleary

District Court Administrator

Mercer County Courthouse

South Diamond Street

Mercer, PA 16137

(724) 663-3800 ext. 2516

bmccleary@mercercountypa.gov

Deadline to Apply: March 28, 2024

Applications can be made by regular mail, e-mail, or hand delivered.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.94 - $27.09 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Mercer, PA 16137: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person