Court Reporter Supervisor at Supreme Court of the United States Virgin Islands

This position can be found in both of the court districts and involves highly responsible supervisory, technical, and clerical work. Supervisory duties are performed either in the St. Thomas or St. Croix court locations. Work includes attending sittings of the court, capturing a verbatim record of court proceedings using a stenograph machine and preparing and providing transcripts in accordance with the Virgin Islands code, rules of court, opinions, legal guidelines and policies. The court reporter exercises considerable independent judgment in all aspects of job performance. Work is reviewed and evaluated by any judge and the Court Services Administrator.

(Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed.)

• Schedules, assigns, oversees, and reviews the work of staff engaged in providing verbatim recordings of court proceedings and transcript services; provides staff training and assistance; conducts performance evaluations; determines priorities and plans office work; establishes and maintains office procedures; makes recommendations on the development of policies and standards; acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies, and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures; prepares reports and correspondence; performs the duties of a Court Reporter; recruits per diem staff when necessary and approves payments for their services; prepares verbatim transcripts and supervises the production of transcripts by staff; maintains office supplies and equipment; supervises the preparation and delivery of Appellate transcripts; supervises the storage and retrieval of records.
• Makes and preserves a verbatim record of court proceedings using a stenograph machine, which may include use of computer-aided transcription software.
• Sets up and dismantles stenographic machine and other related equipment in the courtroom; maintains a complete verbatim record related to the proceedings, including but not limited to identifying participants by name, marking and identifying exhibits, noting any "off the record" discussions allowed, objections, bench or side-bar conferences, motions, rulings, jury instructions and types of testimony; organizes and searches official record; obtains specific references or testimony, as requested; reminds parties to speak clearly or one at a time as needed.
• Maintains high level of concentration and attentiveness throughout all court proceedings, regardless of disruptions and other unpredictable and adverse conditions.
• Utilizes computer equipment and software for preparation of transcripts and court orders; researches and formulates and regularly edits, updates and maintains computer-aided transcription dictionaries.
• Maintains accurate and complete files and records, including stenographic notes, computer disks, exhibit lists, witness lists, court calendars and other materials for archiving.
• Transcribes, proofreads, certifies and provides official transcripts and related reports and documents upon request by translating court proceedings from stenographic notes to English.
• Participates in interviewing applicants and may make hiring recommendations.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Graduation from an approved high school supplemented by graduation from a post-secondary court reporting program accredited by the National Court Reporters Association (or another nationally recognized regulatory body) with an Associate's degree or diploma, five years supervisory experience, and thorough experience (seven years) as a court reporter.

• Thorough knowledge of trial and appellate court procedures, established precedent, rulings and decisions relating to court reporter obligations and responsibilities.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, punctuation and spelling, legal, medical and technical terminology and legal concepts.
• Thorough knowledge of current provisions affecting court reporting in the Virgin Islands Code, Rules of Court, and National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) Code of Professional Ethics, Guidelines for Professional Practice and Transcript Format Guidelines.
• Thorough knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software, which may include word processing, spreadsheet, database and computer-aided transcription software.
• Knowledge of legal research materials.
• Ability to make a verbatim record of proceedings at speeds of up to and at times exceeding 225 words per minute for extended periods of time.
• Ability to listen and concentrate for extended periods of time.
• Ability to exercise tact, patience and impartiality during all court proceedings, without regard to disruption and adverse and stressful conditions.
• Ability to accurately transcribe stenographic notes.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to prepare complex documentation and forms related to appellate transcripts.
• Ability to coordinate, prioritize and organize workload to meet transcript production guidelines, including negotiating terms of transcript production when applicable.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Skilled in working under pressure of deadlines, maintaining a professional demeanor during stressful situations, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all persons contacted during the course of work.
• Ability to understand and carry out complex or ambiguous oral and written instructions and execute tasks promptly.
• Ability to recognize and maintain the need for confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to be flexible regarding assignments, which may include travel and transporting equipment.
• Ability to type 65 wpm.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of technical staff in a manner conducive to high morale and productivity.
• Must exemplify the desired Court culture and philosophies.

The Judiciary of the U.S. Virgin Islands offers talented and motivated individuals an opportunity to work in an environment committed to upholding justice and dispensing the law, as well as a platform to make an impact on your community. We offer a challenging but rewarding workplace with excellent benefit packages, cutting edge technology, opportunities for training, networking, growth, interaction with diverse teams, and fulfilling careers for new and experienced professionals. Join a team that will unlock your full potential and direct you a long-term career path that will catapult you to excellence!!