Court Interpreter

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Atlanta’s Municipal Court seeks a Court Interpreter to provide interpretation for court proceedings and translation of documents for non-English speakers. The role requires bilingual proficiency, knowledge of interpretation standards, and strong customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include coordinating interpretation services, maintaining records, and adhering to professional guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of professional court interpretation experience preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency English plus another language as identified by the court.
• Current certification for language interpretation or approved through a recognized court interpreter commission.

Responsibilities

• Interpret court proceedings using sight, consecutive and simultaneous modes.
• Translate court documents and notices into target languages.
• Coordinate interpretation services for languages not covered by incumbent.
• Maintain records of court interpretation related information.
• Uphold certified court interpretation guidelines and ethics.
• Support court operations with accurate translation and customer service.

Skills

Court interpretation methods

Customer service

Communication with judges and staff

Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Language interpretation certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Municipal Court of Atlanta

Court Interpreter

Posting Expires: September 22, 2026

Salary: $75, 000/annually

General Description and Classification Standards

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of tasks related to providing language interpretation and translation for court proceedings to ensure due process as well as provide customer service and administrative/clerical support to non-English speaking visitors to the court to ensure fair and equal access to court services. The incumbent provides services under prescribed rules and regulations as provided. Duties include, but are not limited to: interpreting the spoken or written word form a source language to a target language; translating court evidence to a target language; coordinating interpretation services; translating customer service documents; and organizing and maintaining files and processing customer service-related paperwork.

Supervision Received

Works under very general supervision.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Interpret court proceedings using necessary mode of interpretation (sight, consecutive and simultaneous).
• Produces translations of documents such as official forms, public signs, notices, posters, form letters, and correspondence.
• Collects, enters, and maintains records of court interpretation related information.
• Follows all mandated certified court interpretation guidelines and ethical standards.
• Advises and ensures the court follows best practices surrounding court interpretation guidelines and ethical standards.
• Coordinates interpretation services for languages or communication styles not covered by incumbent's services.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of certified court interpretation methods.
• Knowledge of Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters as created by the Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Interpreters.
• Knowledge of the procedures and clerical duties as they pertain to the operation of a court.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the court system.
• Strong face-to-face customer service and phone etiquette skill.
• Skill in working under a minimum degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention to detail and tight deadlines.
• Skill in utilizing basic productivity software, such as the Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Ability to work with all types of personalities demonstrating a calm, patient and hospitable demeanor on a daily basis.
• Ability to communicate in a confident and energetic manner.
• Ability to display an approachable disposition.
• Skill in handling and successfully completing multiple, sometimes conflicting, tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively with judges, supervisors, other staff members, the general public and other groups involved in activities associated with court operations and law enforcement.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively for purposes of electronic recording when carrying out required responsibilities within a courtroom.
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with coworkers as well as representatives of other departments and agencies.
• Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to court operations and regulations.
• Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
• Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience -

High school diploma or equivalent.

Two (2) years of professional court interpretation experience required, preferably in a high-volume court environment. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job will be considered. Successful candidates for bilingual language positions must be proficient in both English and an alternative language as identified by the court (e.g. Spanish).

Licensures and Certifications -

Current certification for language interpretation or must be conditionally approved through an eligible court interpreter commission or association per given guidelines (e.g. the Georgia Commission on Interpreters, or other state/federal commission or accredited association).

Fingerprinting required as a part of pre-employment onboarding. CJIS Security Policy v5-9-5.

Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements

Sedentary work : Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodation

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta ("COA") that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.