Tipstaff 1

Job Description

Position Summary

This is work performed in a Court of Law to ensure courtroom decorum, compliance with courtroom procedures, and the facilitation of overall court functioning during legal proceedings. An employee in this class announces the opening of Court and performs various duties which facilitate courtroom operations. Work may be performed in a hectic work/fast-paced environment before and during the proceeding of criminal cases. Work includes direct interaction with the Judiciary, management, criminal justice system representatives, attorneys, and the general public. 

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

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.

• Prepares the courtroom prior to the commencement of proceedings and at the conclusion in advance of the next day’s proceedings.
• Opens Court by reciting standard announcements.
• Swears in witnesses.
• Performs real-time data entry for all calendaring and scheduling in the court’s case management computer application.
• Marks and records exhibits.
• Provides for limited security of the courtroom.
• Performs routine clerical functions and prepares daily statistical reports.
• Ensures the integrity of the proceedings and proper decorum is maintained.
• Assures that all parties required for the proper conduct of the trial or preliminary hearing are present.
• Maintains all necessary records as indicated by current courtroom procedures.
• Maintains and operates computer and various equipment in the courtrooms including adjacent court areas as needed.
• Carries out the orders of the Judge.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members of the judiciary, court and departmental administrators, and members of the public.
• Applies Municipal Court criminal case flow management principles regarding scheduling of cases in CPCMS.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Answers the telephone or may meet or greet callers.

Provides general information pertaining to assigned function.

Replenishes computer printer, copier, or fax machine paper supplies.

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Standard courtroom conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to learn and apply, within a reasonable period of time, courtroom needs and techniques in criminal proceedings.
• Ability to learn and apply criminal procedures, rules and regulations relating to court proceedings and operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow written and oral directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the members of the judiciary, department managers, staff, attorneys, associates, and the general public.
• Ability to prepare and compile various reports and records.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

OR

1. Equivalent combinations of training and experience which provide the characteristics required to perform the essential functions of the class may substitute for those listed.
2. Computer skills and an ability to perform real-time data entry in a courtroom setting.
3. Ability to perform the essential functions and work in the environment for the position.
4. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
5. Covid-19 vaccination recommended.
6. Must work on site (not remote).