Spanish Interpreter - Public Defender

Job Code: 45065 Salary Grade: 15 Salary: $23.26/hr - $37.44/hr FLSA: Nonexempt

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Liaises between department or County staff and interprets for limited English proficiency clients; liaises and translates between members of the public, clients, courts, attorneys, social workers or other legal or justice professionals; responds to inquiries whether by person, mail, email, or telephone; conducts ongoing communications and correspondence; handles complaints or complex issues that require translation skills; interprets during interviews, dispositions, hearings, and court proceedings; liaises with new defendants and their families to determine requirements for public defense and to secure background information; and supports defendants and their families when they engage with the justice system (bond, visitation, jail policies, etc.).

Supports attorneys; helps clients request a public defender and interfaces between attorney and client for translation purposes; supports court recorders, attorneys, and staff when needed; schedules appointments with clients, family members, witnesses, social workers, etc.; translates correspondence for attorneys or other office staff; translates legal documents; interprets for intake attorneys during interviews, discovery, and court appearances; transcribes and translates videos from clients, witnesses, or victims; and responds to attorney or client requests for information.

Operates case file system for research and review; reviews court data; answers inquiries from attorneys, clients, and client family members; determines court dates, warrant numbers, charges, case numbers, dispositions, and related police reports; creates and enters information into client files; alerts staff of possible conflicts in scheduling or legal representation; and conducts general research for office or related agency staff.

Provides administrative support; retrieves, translates, types, and distributes all mail ; provides information for related agencies to assist with community resources; operates multiple telephone lines; supports supervisor, attorneys, administrative staff, or reception staff as needed; attends meetings ; translates and transcribes audio and video records; and coordinates meetings between clients and office or agency staff.

Monitors case status; monitors case files for attorneys, clients, and family members for court schedules and dates; reviews intake files; and logs interviews requiring translations, including staff present, case numbers, and relevant references.

Provides staff support; may assist in training new administrative staff and new attorneys; supports (covers) staff during leave or short-staff situations; monitors all cases involving limited English proficiency clients to ensure proactive approach; and monitors closed cases to ensure correct completion procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree in Criminology or Languages; three years of experience in criminal justice; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; and must possess or attain Interpreter certification within six months of employment in this classification.