Court Officer (Court Administration - Law Courts)

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 21-Apr-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:5+ PM Atlantic Time)

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/

About Our Opportunity

As the Court Officer (Administration), you may schedule court hearings held in all levels of Court, manage a caseload of files, and act as the liaison between the Court, and members of law enforcement agencies, the legal profession, and the public. You may also scrutinize documents and determine corrective measures where necessary. The incumbent will also perform quasi-judicial duties as assigned as a Staff Justice of the Peace 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 Court Administration responsibilities include:

Schedule Court cases and respond to inquiries and information requests from the public.
Prepare and distribute court orders and dockets.
Document management, Exhibit control, statistical data collection, and general accounting.
Scrutinize documents, apply relevant Acts, statutes, policies, procedures, and determine corrective measures where necessary.
Review documents with self-represented parties, and provide legal information and referrals as required.
Manage a caseload of files to ensure effective and efficient client service.
Train and mentor new staff in day-to-day operational activities.
Liaise with the Judiciary and legal profession and communicate with legal professionals and self-represented parties on behalf of the court.
You may be required to attend Court and perform Court-related functions.
Qualifications and Experience

As the successful Court Officer (Administration), you will have two years of post-secondary education in a related discipline plus five years of related experience in a legal environment; an equivalent combination of training and experience with exposure to the justice system will be acceptable.

For this position, your experience and competency in keyboarding, data entry and other standard computer applications including MS Office products are required.

You will also possess excellent proofreading, spelling and grammar skills. Your superior organizational abilities and strong prioritization skills, with a combination of speed and accuracy, assist with your attention to detail for a variety of tasks while meeting tight deadlines.

You may also be required to have general accounting skills, scheduling skills and/or interviewing and assessing skills. You can work independently and as part of a team.

You must be fair and impartial to all clients using a high degree of confidentiality while exercising your excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly listening skills, when dealing with difficult people in complex, sensitive and stressful situations. Tact and discretion are essential.

You must demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the Rules and Statutes that govern the courts as well as a sound working knowledge of legal documents, forms, court procedures and legal terminology. You will demonstrate a high level of initiative and problem-solving abilities and readily accept responsibilities. Errors can result in significant impacts for justice system participants.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, typing test, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Training and/or experience in mediation and non-conflict resolution and bilingualism, with oral and written skills in English and French, would be considered assets.