DCJ Appellate Secretary 1

The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all criminal matters in the State of Connecticut.  The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, which is within the DCJ and located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, houses various specialized units, including the Appellate Bureau. These DCJ Appellate Secretary 1 positions are for the Appellate Bureau.

The Appellate Bureau is recruiting for two (2) DCJ Appellate Secretary 1 positions to work full time, 37.5 hours per week. This position will have core hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. We are looking for a dynamic person possessing:

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Considerable interpersonal and communication skills;
• Knowledge of computer software, particularly Microsoft Office;
• Familiarity working with databases and the ability to interact professionally with court personnel, defense attorneys, and other DCJ employees.

The Appellate Bureau represents the State of Connecticut in the vast majority of appeals challenging criminal convictions. The Bureau employs approximately twenty-five prosecutors who draft motions and briefs and argue primarily before the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts. The Appellate Bureau’s current staff includes a paralegal specialist, a clerical supervisor, and an appellate secretary.

NOTE:  The incumbent will be required to complete a background check.

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application.  Candidates invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for these position, such as a writing sample. 

All communication with applicants will be through the JobAps system, so applicants are encouraged to check for updates to their JobAps portal account.  Please ensure that you are utilizing the correct email address for notices to be sent to you from the JobAps system.  Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. 

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: DCJ.HR@ct.gov, 860-258-5800.

NOTE:  The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

In the Division of Criminal Justice, this class is accountable for independently providing specialized legal secretarial support for professionals representing the interests of the State in appellate matters.

Extensive use of legal terminology; formats and types a full range of correspondence, reports, cases and other specialized documents such as briefs and pleadings; designs, organizes and maintains files (including confidential files); composes correspondence and reports; acts as receptionist; answers inquires requiring an understanding of the organization and the supervisor's responsibilities; arranges and coordinates meetings; schedules and maintains calendars (appointments, court dates, etc.); maintains office records; maintains an inventory of supplies and equipment; orders supplies when necessary; completes, processes and maintains paperwork for purchasing (e.g. orders, requisitions, invoices, etc.); maintains time and attendance records; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of office systems and procedures; considerable knowledge of legal terminology; considerable knowledge of proper grammar, punctuation and spelling; knowledge of business communications; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to transcribe complex legal dictation; ability to operate office equipment, including personal computers and other electronic equipment; ability to operate office suite software; ability to take notes.

Three (3) years of experience above the routine clerk level in office support or secretarial work.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in secretarial work with responsibility for legal transcription.

1. College training in the Secretarial Sciences with course work in legal typing may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience.
2. One (1) year as a DCJ Secretary 1 with responsibility for legal transcription may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

Candidates with the following are preferred:

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Considerable interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of computer software, particularly Microsoft Office
• Ability to lift moderate to heavy trial boxes
• Familiarity working with databases
• Ability to interact professionally with court personnel, defense attorneys, and other DCJ employees
• Prior experience handling appellate matters
• Experience with e-filing

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.