Justice Officer (The Law Courts)

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 a Justice Officer, you will provide a broad range of administrative support, as well as being the first point of contact for the public and clients of the Court system. You will also record and process documentation, adhere to policies and processes and maintain filing systems—all while working as a team player.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

• Create new files daily as required; collect, pre-sort and file all Supreme Court and Court of Appeal documentation daily.
• Classify, code, index and cross-reference all materials.
• Direct originators in the receipt, classification, indexing and coding techniques.
• Perform charge-out operations for files and follow-up checking operations for outstanding files. This includes searching old index cards and books for proper file numbers as well as computer searches. It also includes searches for off-site retention numbers and retrieving files from the Records Centre daily.
• Research complex requests for material.
• Assist staff members to comply with Records Management policies and procedures relative to the receipt, creation, classification, coding, indexing, maintenance verification techniques and final disposal of records.
• Record and maintain all exhibits filed with the Supreme Court, supervising transfer to courtroom and ensuring that exhibits are returned upon completion of the trial. Returning exhibits to the parties, counsel or police.
• Respond to requests for file searches via telephone, fax or mail.
• Order files from other Court Administration offices across the province and return files to those offices. Consistent data entry, updating file locations within the Justice database with a high degree of accuracy.
• Receive and respond to requests relating to all court matters dealt with by various levels of court by telephone, fax and email.
• Receive and receipt all monies paid to the court, balance monies received on a daily basis, prepare daily cash reports and bank deposits in accordance with departmental account procedures.
• Maintain court filing systems.
• Schedule court cases and monitor the court calendar of pending cases.
• Provide a broad range of administrative support services.
• Provide legal information to the public regarding navigating the court system, court forms and procedures
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful Justice Officer, you will have four years related experience.  A relevant combination of education and experience will be considered.  Exposure to a legal environment is considered an asset . 

You demonstrate accuracy and knowledge in understanding a Records Management system and up to date knowledge of the guidelines and schedules. This position requires great attention to detail and time management skills. Completeness and integrity of data is crucial to inform program actions and support decision making processes.

You have proficient keyboarding skills and a sound knowledge of general office procedures and computer programs, including MS Office, MS Word, Excel and Outlook. You also have a working knowledge of specialized records management systems (such as FileNet and STAR/STOR).

You will have experience adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and procedures.

You will possess strong communication and customer service skills and have experience handling cash and debit/credit card payment transactions.      

Your ability to deal effectively with the public in a multifaceted and stressful environment, often in confrontational and sensitive situations will be important to your success in this role.  The strong organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills you have developed will be important.  Your key skills include attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to work under pressure and deadlines. 

Sound knowledge of the justice system and government services for referral are assets in this position.  Bilingualism with oral and written skills in English and French will also be considered an asset.  

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

Equivalency

Include, but not limited to:
 

• Three years of undergraduate study in addition to one year of related experience
• A two-year certificate/diploma plus two years of related experience
• A one-year certificate/diploma plus three years of related experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
 

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
 

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (typically the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs).
• You will be exposed to emotional and sensitive issues. Dealing with difficult or distraught individuals creates a stressful environment.
• There is a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high volume and complex service area. Errors can result in significant impacts for justice system participants. 
• Regardless of the situation you must be able to display a completely impartial attitude at all times. 
   

Additional Information

This is a Permanent employment opportunity, located at The Law Courts in Halifax, NS.

Some travel and overtime may be required.

This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.
 

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths for Nova Scotians. 
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.