State of Maryland

A Hearing Digital Reporter is the intermediate level of work using sophisticated multi-channel audio recording equipment (with redundant backup systems) to capture and annotate the audio from depositions, formal or quasi-judicial hearings, conferences, and other meetings for the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive moderate supervision from a Hearing Reporter Supervisor. Employees in this classification are regularly required to travel to designated areas within the State and may be required to work overtime.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology. The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Hearing Digital Reporter and the Hearing Reporter I and II are differentiated on the basis of the degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees. The Hearing Digital Reporter and Hearing Reporter I perform duties under close supervision at times and under moderate supervision at other times depending on the complexity of the specific duty being performed. The Hearing Reporter II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision. The distinction between a Hearing Digital Reporter and a Hearing Reporter I and II is the use of audio recordings and simultaneous note-taking.

Records audio accounts of the proceedings of Workers' Compensation Commission hearings, special conferences and meetings using recognized audio recording equipment and properly identifying multiple participants and accurately recording technical information including medical terminology;

Plays back testimony accurately and promptly upon request during a proceeding;

Transcribes notes and produces complete transcripts of evidence and testimony of proceedings within a specified time period for use in court as needed;

Assembles transcripts, reports and exhibits for appealed cases;

May travel throughout the State to record verbatim accounts;

Performs other related duties.

Advanced knowledge of spelling, punctuation, grammar, proofreading, and legal and medical terminology sufficient for the production of accurate transcripts;

Skill in capturing a verbatim audio record of testimony with the use of high-quality audio equipment and simultaneous note-taking.

Ability to produce accurate, complete, and timely transcripts in the format required for appeals or other demands for the record;

Ability to learn reporting requirements for formal, legal, and quasi-judicial proceedings;

Ability to play/read back testimony accurately and promptly upon request;

Ability to understand and follow directions;

Ability to maintain file records and audio notes in an organized and orderly fashion;

Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and the general public;

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with staff, supervisors, attorneys, and the general public.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Six months previous experience in courtroom setting; six months previous experience preparing transcripts, AAERT certified or pass onsite testing.

Notes:

1. Applicants may substitute certification as a Certified Court Reporter by the Maryland Court Reporters Association or other recognized state court reporting association for six months of the required experience.

2. Applicants may substitute possession of a Certificate of Proficiency, a Certified Court Reporter Certificate, a Certificate of Merit, or certification as a Registered Professional Reporter from the National Court Reporters Association for all the required experience.

3. Applicants may substitute experience in taking verbatim notes using recognized stenographic recording equipment in formal or informal hearings and meetings on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Closed Microphone Reporting classification series or Closed Microphone Reporting specialty codes on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System. All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions. Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit as indicated by the designation of S (supervisor), M (manager), T (agency head), U (Board or Commission member), W (student), X (excluded by executive order), or Z (confidential). As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and therefore, all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.