Senior Bailiff

JOB SUMMARY

Bailiffs assist in the orderly assembly of parties and/or jurors who have been called before a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; inform the Judge of the readiness of parties to begin, provide general courtroom security, escort grand and petit jurors to their assigned location; maintain order in the courtroom and areas within the immediate vicinity; distribute correspondence among Court and Court related departments, assist in various clerical functions and perform such duties as the Judge or Bailiff Supervisor directs. In addition, this bailiff assumes the duties of the Bailiff Supervisor when he/she is absent from work due to vacation, illness, etc. These duties include ensuring that all bailiffs are present and stationed in designated courtrooms, completing the payroll report, updating the bailiff work schedules, dealing with any unexpected problems that arise with the bailiff staff and assisting with training of new bailiffs.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Bailiff Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The senior bailiff obtains a schedule of daily hearings, greets attorneys, witnesses, plaintiffs and defendants for each case; escorts these parties to their assigned courtrooms; notifies the Judge when parties have assembled; assists in juror organization and processes; prepares and secures the courtroom environment before the parties have entered and after they leave; provides information to the Bailiff Supervisor regarding the status of the courtroom and commences courtroom proceedings.

The senior bailiff is responsible for implementing the training program as developed by the Bailiff Supervisor and providing feedback to the Bailiff Supervisor regarding trainees' progress. This includes spending time in the courtroom during proceedings, as well as time outside the courtroom, reviewing the bailiff manual and individual notes.

When jurors are summoned for a Criminal or Civil trial term, the senior bailiff registers and enrolls jurors; assists jurors throughout the orientation process and in the completion of their questionnaires; coordinates jury panels at the direction of the Judge.

The senior bailiff substitutes for the Bailiff Supervisor when he/she is absent from work. These duties include ensuring that all bailiffs are present and stationed in their designated courtrooms, prepared for the day's Court hearings; dealing with any unexpected problems that arise during the course of the day, such as bailiffs not arriving for work or last minute additions to the Court schedule; completing payroll, which involves tallying the individual bailiff time sheets, compiling the totals and submitting the results to the payroll clerk.

The senior bailiff is also responsible for delivering files and correspondence to the Court and Court related offices; providing information to the Assistant Court Administrator regarding case dispositions; requesting interpreters as directed by the Court; relieving the receptionists in Court Administration and Bail Administration on an as needed basis.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

The Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas receives approximately 1200 visitors annually. This includes elementary and high schools, home schooled children, university students and teachers who are continuing their education. Normally, the Bailiff Supervisor would greet these visitors, escort them to a courtroom to view Court, then provide them with a tour of areas of interest throughout the Courthouse. However, in the Bailiff Supervisor's absence, the senior bailiff would perform these duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Basic knowledge of computer applications is preferred.

Prior experience as a bailiff is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

* Basic knowledge of the proceedings commonly employed in legal, judicial, or administrative hearings.
* Basic knowledge of the functions and roles of different parties to legal, judicial, or administrative proceedings.
* Ability to conduct all actions in a professional manner, observing all rules, regulations, laws and protocols when working with judges, jurors, staff and public.
* Ability to identify and escort individuals involved in hearings.
* Ability to take direction.
* Ability to perform duties unassisted.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

This position requires a pre-employment background check as required by policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

* Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
* Must be able to push or pull a mail cart throughout the Courthouse.
* Must be able to lift 10 lbs.
* Must be able to move between courtrooms and offices.
* Must be able to communicate effectively with coworkers and the public.