Interpreter

Under general supervision, to provide consecutive and simultaneous interpreting services for persons who do not speak English or who have difficulty understanding and expressing themselves in English; to be responsible for interpreting all verbal and sight translating all written communication pertaining to the matter being heard; to interpret statements made by judges, attorneys, and expert witnesses, all of whom frequently use legal and technical terminology, and to interpret statements of defendants or other parties, some of whom may possess very limited language skills; and to do related work as required.

Reports To

The Court Executive Officer or designee.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performing accurate simultaneous and consecutive interpretation from English to Spanish and vice versa in court proceedings for non-English speaking defendants and witnesses.
• Assists attorneys representing non-English speaking defendants by interpreting before, during and after courtroom proceedings, conducting interviews relative to pre-hearing testimony and post-hearing orders.
• Performs sight translation of court documents.
• May be required to assists court staff by interpreting for customers during office visits and incoming calls.
• May be required to provide interpreting services using Video Remote Interpreting equipment.
  
  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Description

The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to the duties required. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interprets from English to Spanish and vice versa using simultaneous and consecutive modes at court proceedings and for other court related departments at the discretion of the court;
• Makes sigh translations of documents such as petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms and other documents;
• Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff and other court-related departments at the direction of the Court;
• Interprets between languages in court proceedings;
• Brings to the attention any items that may impede the interpreters’ performance;
• Receives daily calendar assignments and accurately completes the daily activities logs or other documentation as required;
• Coordinates and arranges for coverage of court calendars when more than one interpreter is needed;
• Perform other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing general court information to the non-English speaking public, translating forms for the court and process documents related to interpretation.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE OF / ABILITY TO Knowledge of:

• English and applicable non-English grammar and vocabulary provided the source language speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary.
• Legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language specified.
• The general range of regional and cultural variations in the specified language.
• Interpreter ethics and standard, as stipulated in the California Rules of Court, Rule 2.890 (adopted as rule 984.4) – Professional Conduct for Interpreters.
  
  

Ability To

• Orally convey the meaning from English to Spanish and vice versa by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes, conveying the meaning accurately without editing, summarizing or omitting;
• Adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed;
• Interpret accurately and remain impartial, including adversarial and emotionally charged situations;
• Work in courtroom and related court facilities that includes contact with judges, staff, attorneys, other court users and the public;
• Proficient at using office equipment, including computer, telephones and copiers;
• Concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, often in difficult and strained circumstances.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid certificate as a “Certified Court Interpreter” in Spanish issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
• The ability to pass a fingerprint clearance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ). Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying.
• All Court employees can and will be called upon to act as Disaster Workers when needed.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• Any combination of experience and/or education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
• See special requirements.
  
  

Typical Physical Requirements

The duties assigned to this position require standing or sitting for long periods and talking for long periods. The noise and traffic level in work environment are similar to a busy office.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office and courtroom environment with continuous contact with the public and staff. May be under potentially stressful conditions depending on the type of hearing.