For more information on the Unified Judicial System, please visit http://ujs.sd.gov.
The Mission of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System is to provide Justice for All.
Our employees are our most valuable resource and crucial to accomplishing our mission. We seek talented and motivated individuals to be the face of the court system and help ensure that the Court and all the people that come before it receives the highest level of service. Our dedicated staff work to enhance community safety and ensure victim’s rights while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
The Unified Judicial System offers a comprehensive benefits package consisting of 10-12 paid holidays every year, extensive sick and vacation leave, paid family leave, military training leave, health and flexible benefits, regular working hours, continuing education opportunities, retirement benefits, a great working environment, and more.
Position Purpose:
Uses computer-assisted digital audio recording systems to record judicial proceedings in a magistrate or circuit court by setting up both portable and fixed equipment and testing it before each hearing where it is used, operating the equipment during proceedings including marking testimony and retrieving it for playback when requested, and maintaining an inventory, in cooperation with UJS IT, of recorded cases that may be retrieved and copied to other mediums; and prepares transcripts of testimony when requested to provide administrative support for Judges. Duties may include:
- Operating, monitoring, and maintaining computer-assisted recording equipment to provide an official record of arraignments, trials, hearings, dockets, and any other court proceedings that may require an official record.
- Recording appropriate entries of proceedings and other pertinent information such as jury voir dire, seating of new witnesses, objections, verdicts, etc., on the computer log throughout the trial process.
- Operating computer-based word processing equipment and other intelligent microcomputers or terminals using a keyboard, CRT visual display screen, and electronic printers to produce legal documents such as letters, memos, reports, decisions, entries, jury charges, dismissals, pretrials, interrogatories, verdict forms, and other legal entries.
- Making appropriate series of commands to create, edit, retrieve, format, print, and accumulate material electronically; and maintains an electronic file of all documents stored within the system; and retrieves, refers to, and reads case files as assigned.
- Scheduling the Judges court calendar to ensure hearings and trials are held in a timely manner and does not conflict with other court schedules/events.
- Preparing correspondence, answering the telephone and taking messages, and responding to attorney or party inquiries on behalf of the Judge to ensure timely responses.
- Providing administrative support for Judges by performing general clerical duties as needed.
- Performing other work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate. Three years of experience in an office setting or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Experience in a court environment is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- courtroom procedures, standards, and ethics;
- court procedures and legal systems;
- word processing in a network environment;
- computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Schedule Plus, and Excel;
- general office procedures and practices;
- legal terminology;
- medical terminology;
- drug terminology;
- English language, including meaning, spelling, rules, and grammar.
Skill in:
- typing and/or keyboarding proficiently and quickly;
- operation of computer-based word processing equipment and other intelligent micro-computers or terminals;
- use of transcription equipment.
Ability to:
- use analytical skills in working with equipment and computers;
- provide consistently accurate work products;
- work in a confidential environment;
- prioritize assignments and make decisions independently;
- understand and proofread technical and legal materials;
- understand and use medical and prescription dictionaries;
- perform administrative and clerical tasks relevant to the court;
- stay up to date with changes in terminology, slang, and reporting procedures;
- troubleshoot all UJS equipment that may be used in the courtroom and office;
- listen to emotional testimony without reacting or forming opinions;
- maintain confidential information and proceedings;
- meet timelines and deadlines;
- schedule proceedings with multiple parties;
- communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally;
- maintain a professional demeanor when proceedings become emotional or volatile.
The State of South Dakota, Unified Judicial System does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The Unified Judicial System as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"