Court and Client Representative (temporary and permanent full-time employment)

Are you interested in launching your career in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and gaining practical experience in the Ontario justice system where you will deliver accessible, fair, timely and effective services for Ontarians? Working in Ontario Courts offers a unique and dynamic professional environment that combines the pursuit of justice with the intricacies of legal proceedings. As a court employee, you become an integral part of a vital institution that upholds the principles of fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law.

The Ministry of the Attorney General, Court Services Division has a great opportunity where we offer an extensive training program to teach and prepare you with everything you need to know to be successful in the Court and Client Representative role.

As one of the largest employers in the province, we offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities. We believe in the core values of trust, fairness, diversity, excellence, creativity, collaboration, efficiency and responsiveness. We are committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment. We invite you to join our team!

We offer:
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• Comprehensive health plan
• Life and Disability insurance
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• We provide on-the-job training to support your success in the role

Want to learn more about this role? httpss://www.ontario.ca/courtjobs/

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In a fast-paced team environment, you will perform a wide range of duties both in and out of the courtroom to support in-person and virtual hearings. From interacting with judges, attorneys, and jurors to managing case files and facilitating courtroom proceedings, you will:

• Support the modernization of courts by participating in pilot projects and actively engaging in improvements to the delivery of court services
• Carry file cases from intake, bail hearing, all court appearances, to final disposition
• Prepare and review legal materials e.g., books of documents, court forms, previous decisions, submissions made by parties' counsel
• Preparing, signing and issuing court orders and default judgements
• Prepare and maintain both physical courtrooms and virtual hearing rooms for proceedings e.g., ensure court decorum; set-up open/close court; facilitate communication between parties; speak publicly during court proceedings, support case flow; handle, mark and record all court-related documents; maintain logs and court exhibits
• Attend to juries and witnesses e.g., coordinate and assist jury panels; attend to witness' needs
• Assist public, court personnel and justice participants by responding to questions and providing information on protocols and procedures
• Complete and reconcile financial transactions
• Operate specialized courtroom technology to support in-person, virtual and hybrid court proceedings, court audio and video recording equipment, electronic display evidence equipment, ensuring equipment is in working order at all times and is tested prior to court, during court and after each recess
• Ensure all proceedings are recorded and annotated in accordance with legislative requirements, ministry guidelines and standards

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• Typing skills to 30 words per minute (wpm)

You will also be required to:
• Undergo a security screening check under the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employment Screening Check Policy, which includes a criminal record check (Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check)
• Become a Commissioner of Oaths

You may be required to:
• Work variable and staggered hours
• Work on weekends and statutory holidays
• Report to work at other court locations (potentially in small aircraft or driving a motor vehicle as required) when scheduled or as required according to geographic location
• Have a valid Driver's License within the Province of Ontario, where required

Communication and Client Service Skills:

You have:
• Communication and interpersonal skills to work and liaise with senior officials and judiciary regarding court orders and judgements and court proceedings, ensuring clear and concise responses are provided, including explanations and clarifications, as required
• Ability to write detailed, accurate and clear written reports and documentation

Technical Proficiency:

You have:
• The ability to interpret/apply and explain legislation, regulations, policies, and practices
• Technical skills and can learn to troubleshoot court equipment and various in-court and office technologies (e.g., digital recording, video conferencing technology for virtual hearings, equipment, and display devices)
• Ability to ensure all courtroom technology, including remote appearance, court audio and video recording equipment, display evidence equipment, is in working order at all times
• Ability to operate specialized digital recording equipment to ensure the accurate recording and annotation of court proceedings, and to provide playback of proceedings upon request of the court
• Proficiency with computer software and case management systems (data base programs) to access and retrieve information

Planning and Organizational Skills:

You have:
• Organizational skills, the ability to prioritize workload, multi-task in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
• The ability to work independently - within a court setting or from home - and in a team environment, proposing solutions for the optimal use of time and resources to ensure operational requirements are met

Problem-Solving and Judgement Skills:

You can:
• Identify, address, and resolve problems
• Interpret and assess situations, make sound judgements, and diffuse difficult situations

Administrative and Mathematical Skills:

You have:
• Math skills to receive payments, calculate fees, collect and balance monies/accounts
• The ability to operate a cash register/financial management system, including handling card transactions and cash
• The ability to manage active and archived files