Judicial Support Specialist

The U. S. District and Bankruptcy Courts for the Southern District of Texas make up one of the largest and busiest districts among the country's 94 federal judicial districts. The district and bankruptcy courts, combined with the appellate courts and the Supreme Court, make up the judicial branch of the federal government. The Southern District of Texas consists of the following seven divisional offices:
Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas is seeking qualified applicants for its Judicial Support Specialist Program, which is a developmental program designed for individuals interested in a career with the federal judiciary. A fully certified Judicial Support Specialist (JSS) performs a variety of critical duties for the Court, including opening of cases; summarizing case events on the automated docket;

assisting with the selection of juries; recording court proceedings electronically; certifying court records; ensuring data quality; and closing cases.

The starting salary range for this position is $40,346 to $50,460 annually for exceptionally qualified individuals (starting grade is CL 23). Promotional opportunities exist for those successfully trained in the program (typically from $55,882 - $61,722) within 2-3 years. With tenure and successful performance, salary can go as high $80,265.

In addition to the opportunity to serve your country in a rewarding public service position, the federal judiciary, the third branch of the federal government, provides a generous benefits package which, in addition to salary, is an important component of total compensation:

• Time off: 13 days of paid vacation for the first three years, increasing with service thereafter, 13 sick days accrued per year, 11 paid holidays.
• Federal pension plan.
• One percent automatic contribution and up to 4% employer-matching to the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K).
• Choice of a variety of employer-subsidized federal health and life insurance plans. Optional dental, vision, and long-term care coverage.
• Flexible spending account to pay out-of-pocket health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses with tax-free dollars.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

More information on benefits and working for the Judiciary may be found here.

Employees will be expected to assist customers with the use of publicly designated computer terminals and provide basic non-legal information to the public, bar and the Court. Limited cashiering and reconciliation duties associated with the collection of fines and fees and mail processing are also required. Additional responsibilities include procuring supplies, equipment services, and furnishings through the Citibank Purchase Card Program from both government and non-government sources.

• Electronic Court Recording Operator (ERO):
  Attending court hearings and producing a clear electronic recording and logs of the proceedings. Monitor and process requests for transcripts and CDs of recorded hearings.
• Docketing:
  Makes summary entries of all documents and proceedings on the docket and closes cases upon receipt of terminating documents, such as judgments and closing orders.
• Intake:
  Receives, reviews and files incoming documents; collects appropriate fees; verifies attorneys' authority to practice before the Court; and furnishes information to a wide variety of people within and outside of the Court.
• Jury:
  Assists in Jury Administration under direct supervision of Supervisor and/or Deputy-in-Charge on an as needed basis.
• Appeals:
  Receives documents pertaining to a variety of case types and refers them to appropriate personnel with minimum delay.

JSS personnel will also be trained to serve as back-up to case managers, who act as liaison between the judicial officers and the bar; prepare statistical summaries on the status of cases; serve as a primary source of information on scheduling and case processes; attend proceedings as needed; administer oaths; assist with the orderly flow of court proceedings including, setting up courtrooms, assuring presence of all necessary participants and managing exhibits;

and ensure that the record reflects any actions taken by the judge.

Qualified candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, two years general clerical experience, and at least one year of specialized experience requiring the application of clerical procedures, the routine use of…