Job Description

All application materials must be emailed by the close of business on August 12, 2024.

SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT MISSION STATEMENT:

To promote the rule of law and foster public trust by leading an independent judiciary that assures every person equal access to the fair, timely, and impartial resolution of disputes in courts managed with efficiency and professionalism.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Chief Court Officer assists and works at the direction of the Chief Court Officer of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) in the management, assignment, supervision, and performance of court officers and other security personnel working at the SJC, and assists with the development and implementation of plans to ensure the safety and security of court users and the Justices and staff of the SJC. The Assistant Chief Court Officer also performs court officer duties and works as part of a security team dedicated to the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the SJC and John Adams Courthouse.

• Protect and safeguard the John Adams Courthouse, grounds, court users, and the Justices and staff of the SJC
• Perform the duties of the Chief Court Officer in the Chief Court Officer's absence
• Assist and work at the direction of the Chief Court Officer on:
  • Supervising and managing court officers and other security personnel
  • Developing and implementing policies and procedures for scheduling and assigning court officers and other security personnel to ensure appropriate coverage of court sessions, the reception area, and other court locations
  • Implementing security training programs for court officers and other security personnel
  • Developing, implementing, updating, and refining safety and security plans for the court, including evacuation and other plans for responding to active shooters, bomb threats, fires, and other emergencies
  • Identifying and working to address and resolve security concerns
  • Driving, accompanying, and providing security for the Chief Justice and other Justices as required in connection with their official duties
  • Communicating with the Justices, Executive Director, Clerks, and other SJC managers relative to court officer and other security related matters
  • Assisting management with personnel matters pertaining to court officers and other security personnel, including recruitment and screening of court officer candidates, disciplinary proceedings, and other personnel actions
  • Communicating and coordinating security for the John Adams Courthouse with the Chief Court Officer of the Appeals Court, the Director of Security for the Trial Court, and law enforcement entities (e.g., State Police, Boston Police)
  • Maintaining communication with other occupants of the John Adams Courthouse (e.g., Social Law Library, Board of Bar Examiners) relative to court officer and other security-related matters
  • Maintaining security equipment and monitored alarms, including reporting malfunctions or repairs that require action
  • Transporting exhibits to and from various courthouses throughout the Commonwealth
• Provide a visible security presence in courtrooms, public and employee areas, and on the exterior premises of the John Adams Courthouse
• Monitor CCTV cameras to ensure safety of the John Adams Courthouse, grounds, court users, and the Justices and staff
• Assist in building evacuations, re-entry procedures and crowd control
• Take appropriate action in disruptive situations in courtrooms, public areas, and other designated areas, and exercise arrest powers if warranted
• Respond to medical emergencies and render aid when necessary
• Care for, control, and escort prisoners who occasionally appear before the court
• Take individuals, including attorneys, into custody when ordered by a Justice of the SJC
• Provide security and other related assistance at off-site SJC sittings, conferences, and events
• Provide court-approved information regarding court procedures to the public
• Participate in management training programs required by the SJC
• Produce incident reports, maintain security logs, and perform equipment checks
• Facilitate the opening, sorting, delivery, and scanning of mail, when necessary, to the various offices and departments of the Supreme Judicial Court and other court departments
• Some heavy lifting is required including moving furniture, office equipment and supplies as needed by the Justices and court personnel
• Provide assistance, as needed, for set up and break down of court and courthouse events, which may include moving furniture and equipment
• Perform other duties as required by the Chief Justice, Chief Court Officer, or Executive Director

• A Bachelor's Degree and five (5) years of experience as a court officer or in a comparable security-related position; or an Associate Degree and eight (8) years of experience as a court officer or in a comparable security-related position; or a High School Degree and eleven (11) years of experience as a court officer or in a comparable security-related position
• Supervisory experience or training preferred
• Ability to demonstrate respect, courtesy, sensitivity, and discretion in dealing with court personnel, attorneys, litigants, public, and the media
• Ability to manage and supervise court officers and other security personnel in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
• Ability to evaluate the performance of court officers and other security personnel and address disciplinary issues as necessary in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
• Ability to handle highly confidential information in a reliable and professional manner
• Ability to interact calmly with individuals who are under physical and emotional stress
• Demonstrated ability to meet and maintain physical fitness to perform court officer duties, including but not limited to, standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs. and responding to disturbances
• Some formal training in self-defense is preferred
• Ability to understand and execute applicable policies and procedures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and to maintain security logs
• Ability to multi-task in fast paced and stressful situations
• Availability for work beyond normal business hours and for travel as required

• A Bachelor's Degree and five (5) years of experience as a court officer or in a comparable security-related position; or an Associate Degree and eight (8) years of experience as a court officer or in a comparable security-related position; or a High School Degree and eleven (11) years of experience as a court officer or in a comparable security-related position
• Supervisory experience or training preferred
• Ability to demonstrate respect, courtesy, sensitivity, and discretion in dealing with court personnel, attorneys, litigants, public, and the media
• Ability to manage and supervise court officers and other security personnel in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
• Ability to evaluate the performance of court officers and other security personnel and address disciplinary issues as necessary in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
• Ability to handle highly confidential information in a reliable and professional manner
• Ability to interact calmly with individuals who are under physical and emotional stress
• Demonstrated ability to meet and maintain physical fitness to perform court officer duties, including but not limited to, standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs. and responding to disturbances
• Some formal training in self-defense is preferred
• Ability to understand and execute applicable policies and procedures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and to maintain security logs
• Ability to multi-task in fast paced and stressful situations
• Availability for work beyond normal business hours and for travel as required