Court Officer - Judicial Support

About Us

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security. The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court, and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases. For more information on the Department of Justice Court Services please visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services/

As the Court Officer (Judicial Support), you may coordinate and manage court hearings held in all levels of Court, provide support to the Judiciary, and act as the liaison between the Court, and members of law enforcement agencies, the legal profession, and the public. You will also act in the role of the clerk of the Court in all courts, including jury sittings and perform quasi-judicial duties assigned as a Staff Justice of the Peace as appointed under the Justice of the Peace Act. You will perform your duties in accordance with, and as assigned under, the Court Officials Act.

Primary Accountabilities

The Judicial Support responsibilities include:

• Communicate with legal professionals and self-represented individuals to co-ordinate and manage court hearings held at all levels of court.
• Provide confidential administrative and organizational support to the Judiciary.
• Act in the role of the clerk in all courts, including jury sitting and performing quasi- judicial duties as a Staff Justice of the Peace.
• Train and mentor new staff in day-to-day operational activities.
• Under the Judge’s direction, draft and prepare complex orders and decisions arising from court hearings, review and apply relevant acts, statutes, policies, and procedures to all court documentation.
• Record and transcribe court proceedings by means of electronic recording equipment.
• Facilitate all aspects of court hearings from opening court, calling cases, swearing or affirming witnesses or interpreters and translators, while supporting virtual or hybrid court appearances.
• Exercise care and control of exhibits, including transportation, until transferred to the Exhibit Custodian.
• You may be required to perform duties in Court Administration.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful Court Officer (Judicial Support), you will have two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline plus five years related experience, ideally in a legal environment; an equivalent combination of training and experience with exposure to the justice system may be acceptable. For this position, experience with keyboarding, data entry, transcribing, and other standard computer applications including MS Office products is required. You will have experience with virtual platforms such as MS Teams and video conferencing. You will also possess excellent proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills. Strong organizational abilities and prioritization skills with speed and accuracy, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team, are essential. You must be fair and impartial with a high degree of confidentiality and strong interpersonal and communication skills. You must demonstrate understanding of the Rules and Statutes that govern the courts as well as knowledge of legal documents, forms, court procedures and terminology. You should show initiative and problem-solving abilities and be prepared to accept responsibilities. Errors can have significant impacts for justice system participants. Qualifications may be assessed through written examination, typing test, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks. Legal research skills and bilingualism (English and French) would be assets.

Equivalency

Include, but not limited to:

• A 2 year certificate/diploma in a related discipline plus 5 years of related experience
• A 1 year certificate/diploma in a related discipline plus 6 years of related experience
• A 4 year Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline plus 3 years of related experience
• A 3 year Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline plus 4 years of related experience
• Seven years of related experience with exposure to the justice system

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; hours may vary).
• Personal resilience is essential to meet emotional demands; you may encounter high-stress situations and difficult individuals.
• Handling of exhibits may be mentally or physically disconcerting.
• May involve extensive keyboarding and long hours in a courtroom environment.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent employment opportunity, located in Yarmouth, NS. Candidates may be required to obtain Firearms Safety training related to handling evidence and may need to complete the Nova Scotia Certified Transcribers qualification. This position requires an enhanced security screening for external applicants. Some travel and overtime may be required.

What We Offer

• Career Development with access to guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training at every career stage.
• Engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, connected, and aligned with forward-thinking policies.
• Countless career paths.

Pay Grade: TE 22

Salary Range: $2,189.32 – $2,574.66 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is a diverse workforce representative of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in under-represented occupations. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). External applicants must apply through the specified government portal. Failure to apply correctly will result in not being given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant. External applicants and current casual employees will be considered only if no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates are available. Please note: candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or missing information. Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and credential verification. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Questions may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.