Official Court Reporter II

This is highly responsible technical and clerical work.  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 a judge, court reporter supervisor or assigned designee.(Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed.)

• Makes and preserves a verbatim record of court proceedings using a stenograph machine, which includes use of computer-aided transcription software.
• Sets up and dismantles stenographic machine and other related equipment in the courtroom; maintains complete verbatim record of all verbal and nonverbal incidents 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.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Graduation from an approved high school supplemented by graduation from a post-secondary court reporting program approved or accredited by the National Court Reporter's Association (or another nationally recognized regulatory body) with an Associate's degree, diploma, or certificate; plus a minimum of ten years of practical court-specific reporting experience or seven years as an Official Court Reporter I.

Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification required, which is maintained by obtaining required continuing education units, in accordance with certification guidelines established by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).  If such certification is not maintained and kept current, incumbent will be reallocated to the Official Court Reporter I class.
 

• Knowledge of trial and appellate court procedures, established precedent, rulings and decisions relating to court reporter obligations and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation and spelling, legal, medical and technical terminology and legal concepts.
• 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.
• 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 180 wpm for literary material, 200 wpm for jury charge and 225 wpm for testimony.
• 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.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with agencies and individuals in the court system and with attorneys, litigants and the public.
• 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.