This is a stenographic work requiring a high degree of accuracy in taking and transcribing statements in connection with police investigations. The employee must perform stenographic activities using a stenographic machine; must be able to record statements verbatim at a minimum of 225 words per minute. The employee must be prepared to work irregular hours on occasion. The work is performed in accordance with well-defined procedures and is under general supervision. Related work is performed as required.- Takes and transcribes verbatim testimony during statements and administrative hearings using a stenographic machine;
- Takes and transcribes dictation of letters, memoranda, reports, and other material;
- Proofreads and corrects all stenographic and recorded statements;
- Proofreads summaries and various written correspondence generated by PSS personnel;
- Assists in the preparation of a number of reports for local, state, and federal agencies;
- Transcribes recorded phone calls and taped statements;
- Enters information into a computer database, computerized transcription system, word processing program, and other related computer applications;
- Operates paper shredder, recording device, photocopier, and other office machines;
- Maintains custody of evidence presented at hearings;
- Maintains confidential case records, including filing and purging;
- Answers main telephone line, greets walk-in complainants, and triages complaints to appropriate personnel;
- Orders, purchases, receives, and inventories supplies;
- Notarizes documents, as needed.
Associate's degree in Court Reporting* or related field AND a certificate of completion from an accredited court reporting program*.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Possession of a New York State Notary License within six (6) months of hire. This license must be maintained throughout employment in this title. Training is provided by the City.
- Must provide a Certificate of Achievement of 225 words per minute at the time of appointment.
*Candidates who expect to receive this degree or diploma by August 1, 2025, may participate in the examination. If successful on the examination, you will not be certified for appointment until you have submitted proof of completion of the requirements to the City of Rochester Examination Administration Unit. Proof must be submitted no later than 2 (two) months after the completion of your degree or diploma; failure to do so will result in the removal of your name from this list.Scopes/Subjects of Examination: A test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the following areas.
Grammar/Usage/Punctuation: The grammar and usage questions test for the ability to apply the basic rules of grammar and usage. The punctuation questions test for a knowledge of the correct placement of punctuation marks in sentences. You will be presented with sets of four sentences from each of which you must choose the sentence that contains a grammatical, usage, or punctuation error.
Keyboarding Practices: These questions test for a knowledge of preferred practices in such areas as letter format, capitalization, hyphenation, plurals, possessives, word division, word and figure style for numbers, and common proofreading marks. In addition, there will be a passage to proofread followed by questions on how to correct the errors in the passage.
Spelling: These questions test for the ability to spell words that are used in written business communications.
Legal Terminology, Documents and Forms: These questions test for the ability to recognize definitions of specific common legal terms or the term which fits a certain description. The questions are presented in various forms such as simple definitions, examples of terminology, and the use of this terminology within documents and forms related to the legal field.
Working with Office Records: These questions test your ability to work with office records. The test consists of two or more sets of questions, each set concerning a different problem. Typical record keeping problems might involve the organization or collation of numerical data from several sources; maintaining a record system using running balances; or completion of a table summarizing data using totals, subtotals, averages and percents. You should bring with you a hand-held battery- or solar-powered calculator for use on this test. You will not be permitted to use the calculator function of your cell phone.
Office practices 01: These questions test for a knowledge of generally agreed-upon practices governing the handling of situations which office support staff, typists, and secretaries encounter in their work, as well as knowledge of efficient and effective methods used to accomplish office tasks. The questions will cover such topics as planning workflow; setting priorities; dealing effectively with staff, visitors, and callers; filing and retrieving information; safeguarding confidentiality; using office equipment; and making procedural decisions and recommendations which contribute to a well-managed office.
Test Guide:
- The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.
- The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County MAY have exam-related material, as well as, other branches. (i.e., CSEA Exam Preparation booklets)