Job Description

Supreme Judicial Court
Job Opportunity
Court Officer

All application materials must be emailed by the close of business on October 21, 2024.
Please apply to position as directed under "Application Requirements" and not through MassCareer Portal.

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:

Working as part of the Supreme Judicial Court's (SJC) security team led by the Chief Court Officer and Assistant Chief Court Officer, Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in and around the John Adams Courthouse and for protecting and safeguarding courtrooms, grounds, buildings, justices, staff, court users, and visitors on the courthouse premises.

• Protect and safeguard the John Adams Courthouse, grounds, court users, and the justices and staff of the SJC
• Provide a visible security presence in courtrooms, public and employee areas, and on the exterior premises of the John Adams Courthouse
• Screen persons who wish to enter court buildings for weapons and other items of contraband; operate metal detectors and x-ray machines to perform the screening functions
• Patrol assigned areas, making periodic rounds and security checks of the courthouse and grounds
• 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 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
• 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 SJC and other court departments
• Transport exhibits to and from various courthouses at the direction of the Chief Court Officer
• 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

• High school diploma or an equivalent; Associate degree preferred
• At least five (5) years of experience as a court officer or in a comparable security-related position
• Ability to work dependably and professionally and to demonstrate respect, courtesy, sensitivity, and discretion in dealing with court personnel, attorneys, litigants, the public, and the media
• 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
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• 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