Coroners Court Officer in Reading

The Berkshire Coroner's Service is seeking a dedicated Court Officer to play a key role in the smooth running of inquest hearings. Based at Reading Town Hall, you will help support the Coroner with court proceedings and deliver a broad range of administrative and IT functions. The Service is responsible for investigating sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths across Berkshire and operates from a purpose-built facility equipped for audio and video inquest hearings. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital public service.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Work flexibly and collaboratively with the Coroner, Coroners’ Officers and Court Volunteers to provide an effective and efficient service.
• Liaise with bereaved families and others attending court to ensure they are fully aware of the process and that inquest hearings are held to the required legal standards.
• Support the Coroner with court proceedings and deliver a broad range of administrative and IT functions.
• Provide an effective and empathetic customer service, dealing with bereaved family members in a professional and empathetic manner.

Qualifications and Skills

• Compassionate and resilient, with proven experience in delivering sensitive, face-to-face customer service, particularly in emotionally difficult or distressing situations.
• Strong IT skills, including confidence in using audio and video software or applications.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent administrative skills, organisational ability and the capacity to cope with pressure.
• Previous experience of using IT systems including audio/visual programs and databases.
• Experience of working in a court setting or a similar environment is desirable, although not essential.

Values and Behaviours

• Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
• Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
• Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance, striving to be even better, and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
• Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you will get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• Wide range of flexible working opportunities.
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years; the monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road.