Courtroom Clerk and Registrar (Irregular On-Call)

Consider this challenging opportunity working for the Ministry of the Attorney General in the Superior and/or Ontario Court of Justice as a Court Clerk and Registrar where you will provide technical guidance, information and support for the provision of an accessible, fair, timely and effective justice service to the public and justice participants.

Please note you will work zero to 36.25 hours per week, depending on operational requirements, with no guaranteed hours.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Provide professional and respectful services to clients at all times in all aspects of this role.

You will:
• Complete pre-court, in-court, and post-court work for virtual and courtroom proceedings, including preparing the courtroom, recording endorsements and exhibits, monitoring video conferencing equipment and ensuring that courtroom protocol is followed at all times and the courtroom is secured and safeguarded.
• Ensure all court work is completed to support virtual and courtroom hearings (example: preparation, presentation and logging of exhibits, distributing/providing paper or electronic court dockets; files; documents to presiding judge, accurate data entry into manual or computerized system.
• Prepare, present and check all court documents, including post court sentencing papers, and ensuring accuracy and completion in accordance with judicial order, legislated requirements and Rules of Procedure. (i.e. warrants of committal, remand and release documents, restraining orders) and sign under delegated statutory powers and duties of court officers. (i.e. court clerk, registrar).
• Ensure all virtual and courtroom technology, including remote appearance, court audio and video recording equipment, electronic display evidence equipment, is in working order at all times and sets-up and tests all equipment prior to court, during court and after each recess.
• Maintain order and decorum in the courtroom for both in-person and virtual hearings (example: administering oaths and cautions, relaying orders of the court, provides information regarding courtroom etiquette for virtual hearings).
• Coordinate and manage the jury panel and all jury related duties (challenges for cause, swearing in and receiving verdict form jurors).
• Receive and process bail monies or property and secure according to establish protocols.
• Prepare dockets and court documents for Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) Court from information received; documentation received from enforcement agencies is in proper order, and if not, contacting enforcement agency to correct situation; assisting office staff with distribution by electronic means remand or release documents to enforcement agencies; returning all required documents to local courts as required.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• Security screening check under the OPS Employment Screening Check Policy which includes a criminal record check (Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check)
• Valid Driver's License within the Province of Ontario, where required
• Availability to work on weekend and statutory holidays, where required
• Ability to work from home, where required
• Travel to other court locations and in small aircraft (as required), or when scheduled at other locations, where required

Communication and Client Service Skills:

• You have demonstrated knowledge of quality service standards (customer service) to consistently provide professional, responsive and accessible client service.
• You have demonstrated collaboration and team building skills and can provide technical leadership to peers and other staff.
• You have demonstrated professional and respectful behaviour (example: through verbal and written skills) to ensure a workplace free from bias, harassment and discrimination and when professionally liaising with judiciary, counsel, parties, police other justice participants and colleagues.
• You have demonstrated oral and written communication skills to record court related information, liaise with internal and external stakeholders and clients. (example: elections, pleases remand papers).
• You have demonstrated public speaking skills to address small to large groups of individuals during courtroom proceedings both in-person and in a virtual setting.
• You have demonstrated a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail to prepare and review a variety of forms and legal documents including remand and release papers.

Technical Proficiency:

• You have the ability to operate and troubleshoot specialized videoconferencing and virtual/remote hearing technology (i.e. ZOOM, Microsoft Teams etc.,) , and other courtroom and office technology and multi-functional devices (example: remote video conferencing technology and software, electronic evidence display equipment, assistive listening devices).
• You are proficient with computer software such as Microsoft 365 (Microsoft Teams, One Drive Word etc.,) operational and case management systems (example: ICON and FRANK), and the internet to access and retrieve information.
• You have keyboarding skills to accurately prepare and complete documentation within tight deadlines.

Planning and Organizational Skills:

• You have flexibility and adaptability to accommodate constant shifts in focus and changing priorities (example parties not appearing, last minute settlements changes to court schedules).
• You have demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills to manage workload and respond to unforeseen demands in a high-volume, fast-paced environment (first appearance courts).
• You can work independently and in a team environment.

Problem-Solving and Judgement Skills:

• You have demonstrated problem-solving skills to identify, research, address and resolve most routine problems and concerns.
• You have demonstrated ability to interpret and assess situations or circumstances and make sound judgements to diffuse and de-escalate situations (example: unhappy clients online/virtually, or in the courtroom).

Specialized Knowledge:

• You have the ability to acquire and apply knowledge of courtroom procedures, practices and protocols.
• You have the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislative requirements, guidelines and directives (example: Criminal Code, Child and Family Services Act, Rules of Civil Procedure, lawyer's referral service).

Administrative Skills:

• You have demonstrated experience performing administrative and clerical functions in order to manage active and archived files.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Friday, August 6, 2021 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.