Communities and Justice

Court Officer

  • Find out more about the role of a NSW court officer in assisting the operation of courtrooms during court proceedings.

    What does a NSW court officer do?

    Find out more about the role of a NSW court officer in assisting the operation of courtrooms during court proceedings.

    Transcript

    This is a courthouse.

    This is the courtroom.

    This is a defendant, their lawyer, a witness, the jury, the judge, a sheriff's officer, and this, this could be you.

    A court officer.

    As a highly trained court officer, you have an essential role in protecting justice. You look after everyone. You are a problem solver, a confidential communication machine, you're a tech guru, BMC, and the handler of highly sensitive information and case-changing evidence.

    You are the judge's trusted court whisperer, the de-escalator, the supporter of all persons in court.

    We need you so courts can run efficiently and smoothly.

    So, what do you say?

    Come join us.

What is it like to work here?

“It’s a diverse role - no two days are the same. We do a little bit of everything in the courtroom. At its heart, being a court officer is really based around providing high-quality customer service to everyone present at court."

- Ian, Court Officer

  • Emma & Suzanne answer your questions about being a NSW court officer.

    NSW court officers: Emma & Suzanne

    Emma & Suzanne answer your questions about being a NSW court officer.

    Transcript

    Hi, my name is Suzanne.

    Hi, my name is Emma.

    We're court officers up here in Newcastle, that have worked together for the last 15 years and we're great friends. One could say we rule the court until the judge walks in. We hand documents up, we manage jurors.

    Don’t come to work expecting a very standard day and be able to just swivel and run with what’s happening. Your customer service skills need to be at a high level. It’s a role that needs resilience. Being able to debrief is very important because then you’re not taking it home.

    Yeah, it is definitely a job that you will enjoy.

    You get to see the justice system from a different point of view.

    Come in and give it a go.

Role overview

The role of a NSW court officer provides operational support to Court Services (NSW Sheriff’s Office) and is primarily involved in assisting in the operation of courtrooms during court proceedings. This can include data entry, courtroom support, jury support and management and the facilitation of courtroom operations including court room technology in accordance with policies and procedures.



Key skills

  • ability to communicate practices, policies and procedures effectively with a wide range of stakeholders present in an NSW court or tribunal
  • high level of clerical, data management and administrative skills
  • understand and use computers and communication technologies, to support courtroom technology services and evidence recording
  • high level of customer service and communication skills to support effective and efficient jury management e.g. juror attendance, juror empanelment and juror wellbeing support services
  • ability to adapt, be agile to working in different jurisdictions, changing teams and sensitive/high-risk working environments
  • exercise initiative to develop a thorough general knowledge of court operations, procedures, legislation and current community issues to deliver effective courtroom support
  • work collaboratively to seek advice, share information and provide support services to colleagues and staff in challenging working environments
  • maintain professional integrity and consistent service standards to support operational efficiency
  • comply with department policies and practices
  • ability to demonstrate resilience, sensitivity and sound judgement when dealing with serious court proceedings in the District and Supreme Court of NSW. This can include challenging subject matter, material or graphic content pertaining to violence and/or coercion. 

Role requirements

The necessary experience and qualities considered for the role include a current drivers license. In regional locations, a willingness to travel, including overnight stays.

Additional information

Pre-employment checks

Pre-employment checks are a critical part of the recruitment process and include a national criminal history record check (for external candidates), and other reference and conduct checks.

Flexibility

Working a 35-hour week, Monday to Friday provides court officers the flexibility to thrive at work, home and in the community. Some locations may offer part-time opportunities.

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Last updated:

19 Mar 2025