Court associate

Title : Associate Court Officer

Pay Grade : Associate Court Officer I

Starting Pay : $ 44,034.48

Departmental Mission Statement : The mission of the Massachusetts Trial Court Security Department is to provide safety and security for all those who work in or come to our courthouses.

The Security Department seeks to ensure a safe and secure environment in which to conduct court business while maintaining professionalism, order, and decorum in the courts.

Using a comprehensive training regimen, coupled with the implementation of state-of-the-art security system technologies, the department strives to ensure public safety, access to justice, and the highest customer service in the courts of Commonwealth.

The Security Department is committed to employing a high quality workforce to meet the diverse needs of those who utilize the courts.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE :

https : / / www.mass.gov / orgs / trial-court-security-department

Notes :

• This position is covered by the NAGE bargaining unit.
• Associate Court Officers appointed from this posting may be assigned to a variety of court locations within a reasonable geographic area in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Preference will be given to those who have taken and passed the 2023 Court Officer exam.

ACO Priority locations :

• Region V - South Boston BMC - Suffolk Superior Court - Edward W. Brooke Courthouse- Quincy Annex

Position Summary : The Associate Court Officer (ACO) is a front line security officer who is primarily responsible for access control and perimeter security in the courts across Massachusetts.

The Associate Court Officer protects and safeguards court grounds, buildings, employees, public, and visitors that work in and utilize state courthouses.

The Associate Court Officer serves as the first line of defense for all Massachusetts Trial Court courthouses and is a member of an integrated security team.

The Associate Court Officer works with fellow ACOs, court officers, and the Security Department management team to identify and address security concerns, manage medical emergencies, and maintain logs and records to ensure the safety and security of all Massachusetts Trial Court facilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED : Receives on-site supervision from the Chief Court Officer or other Security Department designee. Reasonable judgment is required.

Duties :

• Protects and safeguards Trial Court buildings, grounds, courthouse staff, and courthouse visitors;
• Provides a visual security presence at court entrances / security screening stations and throughout the building;
• Screens persons who wish to enter court buildings for weapons and other items of contraband;
• Operates metal detectors and x-ray machines to perform the screening functions;
• Patrols assigned areas, making periodic rounds and security checks of court buildings and grounds;
• Prepares and submits reports on the occurrence of fires, disturbances and accidents;
• Takes steps to effectively control emergency situations by summoning assistance, managing traffic in the courthouse, and participating in searches of the court premises;
• Assists in building evacuations, re-entry procedures, and crowd control as appropriate;
• Maintains security logs and performs equipment checks as directed;
• Assists in medical emergencies;
• Monitors CCTV cameras to ensure safety of the public, court employees, and prisoners;
• Attends all associate court officer training programs required by the Trial Court and must successfully pass all training requirements;
• Demonstrates an understanding of the Associate Court Officer Policies and Procedures Manual and other Massachusetts Trial Court policies;
• Complies with all Trial Court policies, Security Department policies and procedures, and all state and federal laws;
• May be assigned by the Security Department to perform associate court officer duties throughout the various Departments and Divisions of the Trial Court;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Competencies : SECURITY JOB FAMILY COMPETENCIES :

All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas :

• Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Security Department and the Trial Court.
• Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Security Department missions.
• Applied Knowledge Understands basic security operations, with some understanding of the various court departments and divisions.
• Managing Conflict Acts quickly and decisively to address antagonistic situations, using interpersonal skills and training methods to diffuse a conflict.
• Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improve him or herself through professional development.
• Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Customer Service Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
• Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Minimum Requirements : These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Associate Court Officer :

• A High school diploma or an equivalent; an associate degree or higher degree in criminal justice or a similar field of study is preferred;
• and, 2 years prior experience in security, customer service, law enforcement, corrections, loss prevention, emergency medical services, direct care social services, or military service;
• An associate degree, from an accredited educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and one year of experience in criminal justice or a related field, may be substituted for the required experience;
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation may substitute for required work experience.

Last updated : 2024-04-25

Salary : $44,034