Court Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COURT ATTENDANT

General Summary:

This is a responsible position that involves providing oversight of the Courthouse Control Rooms as well as serve when applicable as a Jury Attendant. This requires the person hired for this position to be a participant in providing the safety and security of judges and justices, court staff, jurors, witnesses, other court participants and the general public through the security process. The control room requires constant monitoring of all camera surveillance units as well as being able to monitor movement about the exterior and interior of the courthouses. This position also requires the individual to answer and make phone calls which are sometimes an emergency in nature, activate door releases, maintain the activity log and participate in the evacuation process when applicable. The assigned sergeant to the region provides daily on-site direction and supervision. You must be able to travel and work in different locations within the state with sometimes minimum notice.

Essential Job Functions:

• Monitors all of the surveillance systems or other surveillance systems and observe all persons entering the courthouse, courtroom, their movements and activities.

• Respond to duress alarms and directs marshal personnel accordingly.

• Checks and tests alarm systems, monitors electronic consoles in the control room.

• Assists the sergeant and marshals in response to emergencies, evacuations and disaster planning.

• Provides guidance for people as it pertains to building locations and maintains court schedule logs as authorized.

• Controls remotely the gates, doors or other access points as applicable.

• Retrieves recorded images as requested and approved.

• Respond and use within the control room equipment to any security risk as appropriate.

• Assists all marshals with security issues as needed and when applicable.

• As Jury Attendant, ensure all jury assembly area(s) and jury rooms are clean and properly organized.

• Ensure jurors are signed in as expeditiously as possible.

• Give each juror an identification tag and ensure they are worn at all times.

• Prevent individuals who are not jurors from entering the jury area, be amongst jurors in the courtroom or mingle with the jurors.

• Maintain the jury attendance report.

• Address and be attentive to any needs of the jurors.

• Be prepared to distribute exhibits or paperwork at the request of the judge.

• Secure all personal electronic devices of the jurors and exhibits.

• Secure and return all exhibits to the clerk for safekeeping.

• Assists with any jury related issues as needed and when applicable.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as required.

The above list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification. A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned.

Minimum Education/Skills/Experience/Training Required to be Considered for Employment:

• Graduation from High School (or GED).

• Ability to communicate orally, clearly and concisely.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written communications.

• Ability to interact effectively with all judicial branch staff.

• Ability to make decisions, appropriate to the situation and working within provided guidelines.

• Ability to conform to all rules, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to position.

• Ability to receive, interpret and act on instructions quickly and effectively.

• Demonstrate skills in observation and ability to appraise situations quickly and effectively and report in a timely manner.

• Ability to demonstrate a good working knowledge of equipment and possess IT skills.

• Willingness and ability to maintain a smart appearance, wearing the uniform and equipment supplied.

• Approachable, professional, courteous and efficient in presence.

• Ability to walk, site and/or stand for extended periods throughout the day; ability to concentrate and apply other cognitive, intellectual and mental functions so as to address a variety of issues that might arise.

• Successfully complete the required application process. The application process includes submission verification of education, experience, criminal and motor vehicle record checks and a polygraph.

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Maine driver’s license.

• Prior experience as a dispatcher and/or control room operator.
• Have and maintain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR/AED).

Additional Skills/Experience/Training Required to Adequately Perform Job Duties:

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information discretely and within legal guidelines.

• Knowledge and ability to operate security devices, alarm systems and communication equipment where applicable.

• Basic knowledge of Courthouse Emergency Plans in all assigned court locations, including the plans for detention area security, where applicable.

Tools and Equipment Used:

 Personal computer, including word processing and specialized software, law enforcement radio, telephone, calculator, fax machine, copy machine, awareness of screening equipment functionality and first aid equipment.

Physical and Mental Demands: (included but not limited to)

Physical and mental ability to perform tasks in an office or courthouse environment requiring frequent and/or sustained periods of standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching above or below desk level. Vision, dexterity, coordination and cognitive ability sufficient to use the telephone, keyboard, computer and other office systems and equipment efficiently. Cognitive, intellectual and mental ability to concentrate on details and/or perform more than one complex task at a time and to handle diverse pressures related to requests and needs of those requiring assistance. Cognitive and mental ability to work and communicate effectively with co-workers and all levels of court personnel as presented.

 Salary Information:

• Grade 8; $18.82 per hour. A 3% cost of living increase is scheduled for July 2024 
  

80 hours bi-weekly/plus generous fringe benefits. These include: a defined benefit pension plan; paid life insurance; health, dental and vision plans; flexible spending arrangements; paid holidays, vacation and sick leave; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement; child and elder care reimbursement; gym reimbursement program; and 457(b) deferred compensation plan.

This posting will remain open until filled. Cover letter, resume, and on-line application required.  Please note only on-line applications will be accepted:  https://www.courts.maine.gov/about/jobs.html

The Judicial Branch is an EEO/AA employer.