Job Description

GENERAL DEFINITION:

This is a specialized clerical work functioning as a personal staff secretary assigned to a member of the judiciary for the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. An important aspect of the work involves either taking dictation and transcribing from notes or transcribing from voice recordings onto a personal computer. Work assignments may vary based on an individual’s divisional assignment. An employee in this class is responsible to and serves at the discretion of the assigned judge.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION:

Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Strong computer skills and ability to learn applicable software.
• Knowledge of the form and content of legal forms and documents.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and spelling.
• Ability to effectively communicate the English language both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make arithmetic computations, knowledge of punctuation and grammar.
• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of legal bibliography and methods of citing.
• Ability to type from rough draft or clear copy at the rate of 50 words per minute.
• Ability to secure and copy docket entries.
• Ability to independently compose replies to routine correspondence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of judiciary, attorneys, various court officials and the public.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY MARCH 16, 2023.   

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Three years of legal secretarial experience   OR
3. Equivalent combinations of acceptable training and experience providing the characteristics required to perform the essential functions of the class may substitute, with a minimum of three years of administrative secretarial experience.
4. Strong organization and communication skills are a requirement.
5. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
6. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
7. City residency required within (6) months of satisfactory completion of an employment orientation period.
8. Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE NORMAL FOR THIS POSITION.  THESE ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL- INCLUSIVE.  OTHER DUTIES MAY BE REQUIRED AND ASSIGNED.

• Takes and transcribes legal dictation
• Types and arranges legal documents such as opinions, memoranda of law in prescribed format; copies and verifies citations and quotations
• Maintains docket of legal cases in process
• Sets up and maintains legal case files.
• Notifies interested parties of record of time and place of pretrial conferences, negotiations, or discussions.
• Interviews callers, schedules/cancels appointments for judge, maintains calendar
• Answers routine telephone inquiries; receives, opens, reviews, and distributes mail; composes routine replies to correspondence.
• Performs related work as required.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY MARCH 16, 2023.   

Additional Information

SALARY:      $41,847 - $45,860 (G14)

FILING DEADLINE:  MARCH 16, 2023

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY MARCH 16, 2023.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options are available.

THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.