Coroners Court Assistant

Our local authority client based in North London are urgently seeking an experienced Coroners Court Assistant.

*-23 an hour Umbrella

Role Purpose

Deal with general enquiries and non-judicial matters (by phone, email and face to face). Meet, greet and signpost all visitors, as required.

Provide general administrative and support duties to the court and the court Manager. Assist Inquest Assistants with Inquest ushering/bailiff duties.

Receive and act upon judicial directions issued by HM Coroner, Area and Assistant Coroners.

Main Responsibilities

1. Provide general administrative and support duties to the Court Manager and the court.
2. Assist in court by carrying out ushering/ jury bailiff duties for inquests, mentions and other hearings. Manage the courtroom environment and the witnesses, including swearing in and signposting. Set up and check the court recording equipment to ensure it is working properly immediately prior to each inquest, operate the court recording equipment and manage the technology/equipment for remote witness participation.
3. Assist in preparation for jury inquests, including sending correspondence to call a jury, caring for an empanelled jury, liaising with jurors in general enquiries and preparing jury packs before and during the Inquest. You will also be required to set up the jury room for use by the jury, arranging tables, storing mobile court equipment, preparing refreshments and stationery. Ensure presentation of evidence to inform the Jury (witness statements, photographic evidence, CCTV etc) prepared to the satisfaction of HM Senior Coroner, Area Coroner and Assistant Coroner''s.
4. Extract recordings of hearings from the recordings database for disclosure to requesting IPs.
5. Update the CIVICA case record system where necessary to produce relevant court forms and documents, complete checks on the behalf of the finance team and update the Court hearing lists on the Court website. Assist the Court Manager with the audits of data for quality assurance purposes and the yearly returns.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Understanding of the law, policies and procedures relating to the coroner service and the coronial jurisdiction.
• Able to interact with bereaved families in a professional, but empathic and sensitive manner.
• Ability to organise own workload and to work under conflicting priorities, maintaining high quality and output.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Proficient in the use of IT systems and software, such as Microsoft Office, databases and case management systems.
• Able to work in a stressful environment and manage situations of conflict.
• Discretion when working with confidential information and experience of dealing with material of a confidential/sensitive nature.
• Security conscious and confident with visitors when enforcing security arrangements.
• To be competent in delivering a high standard of care (courteous, informed and helpful) to both internal and external customers.

Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained.

At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy will have been unsuccessful.