Job Description

Court Interpreter

Under general supervision, performs simultaneous or consecutive oral language interpretation between English and another language in court proceedings, court-ordered programs for which an interpreter is required, such as court-ordered psychiatric evaluations; interviews with defendants and witnesses; and sight translations of court documents. This is the entry and journey level of the Interpreter series. Incumbents perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings and other interpreting services as needed at the direction of the Court. The employee may also perform sight translation (reading and giving an oral translation of the text).

Typical tasks include:

• Interprets from and into English and Spanish using simultaneous and consecutive modes at court proceedings and for other court-related departments at the direction of the court;
• Makes sight translations for the benefit of the court of documents including, but not limited to, court 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 court's attention any items that may impede the interpreters' performance;
• Researches and understands legal terminology used in court and functions of the court;
• Receives daily calendar assignments from the Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator or Supervisor and accurately completes daily activity logs, or other documentation as required; and
• Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing general court information at an information counter to the non-English speaking public and processes documents related to interpretation.

Education and experience: Any combination of training and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities, including the knowledge of a language other than English, legal procedures and legal terminology, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities required for the entry level would be:

• Certification by the State of California as a qualified Court Interpreter is required; AND
• Education equivalent to a high school diploma or GED and certified training in language interpretation; AND
• One year of experience interpreting and translating for a recognized public or private agency. Certification by the State of California as a qualified Court Interpreter is required.

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; and
• Interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule, 2.890, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.

Ability to:

• Orally convey the meaning from and into English and Spanish by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes, conveying the meaning accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting;
• Concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment;
• Adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed;
• Interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations;
• Conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of Spanish;
• Use office equipment, including computer, telephone, and copiers, as required by the assignment; and transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court for simultaneous interpretation;
• Understand and adhere to California statutes, rules of court, and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation; and
• Interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.

Essential functions:

• Frequent and ongoing contact with other individuals to provide interpretation services;
• Ability to move freely about the courtroom and related court facilities;
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods; corrected hearing, speech, and vision to normal range;
• Periodic to regular lifting, walking, and carrying of files, documents, and other court related materials. Incumbents must have the ability to lift and carry 10 lbs;
• Work with time constraints and under pressure in some situations.

Working conditions: Work is performed in the courtroom and related court facilities and includes, but is not limited to, contact with judges, staff, attorneys, other court users and the public. Interpreters come into contact with a wide variety of people from differing educational and economic backgrounds. Travel within the county is required. If cross assignments are accepted, travel between counties may be required.

Selection: Only those candidates who submit a completed application packet (application and resume) and who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to a formal interview. The court reserves the right to use other screening methods for this recruitment as appropriate.

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