Court Interpreter 1 / Court Interpreter 2 (Spanish)

New Jersey Courts; Somerville (NJ); On-site; USD 66,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Judiciary seeks a qualified court interpreter to support multiple counties with interpreting services for court proceedings and related events. The role includes translating official documents and assisting with scheduling and coordination of interpreting assignments.

The position requires AOC approval or eligibility, passing translation tests, and ability to work across vicinages. A hybrid work arrangement may allow up to two remote days.

Qualifications

• Must be an AOC-approved court interpreter or eligible via the National Center for State Courts exams or equivalent federal certification.
• Must pass the translation test administered by the AOC prior to translating documents.
• Driver's license required only if vehicle operation is necessary for duties.

Responsibilities

• Interpret court proceedings, hearings, and related events.
• Produce translations of official forms, notices, posters, letters, and applications.
• Provide introductory information about interpreter roles to parties and attorneys.
• Schedule interpreting services and assist court staff with related duties.
• Enter data into automated record-keeping systems and maintain records.
• Coordinate with contract interpreters and participate in ongoing training to maintain skills.
• Perform general administrative support for the interpreting unit.

Skills

Court interpreting

Translation skills

Legal terminology

Interpersonal communication

Job description

If another position becomes available within five months of this recruitment’s closing date, the applicant pool from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies.

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. You will be engaged with work that has purpose, meaning and makes a difference in lives of the public we serve. We work hard every day to build the public’s trust and confidence in our court system, which includes issues such as bail reform, marijuana decriminalization and recovery court. Whether it be in a courtroom, an administrative office, a courthouse training room, an IT office or in the field, our Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day. We honor the dignity and individualism of each member of our organization while fostering professionalism and continuous improvement in our work.

SALARY: The salary range for this position is $77,060.73 to $109,426.20 for Schedule A, and $77,060.73 to $103,954.90 for Schedule B. For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range. For current Judiciary employees, salary upon promotion or advancement will be an increase of 5% of base salary, not to exceed the maximum of the range, or the minimum salary of the band/level, whichever is greater.Judiciary employees hired prior to June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule A. Newly hired individuals, and Judiciary employees hired on or after June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule B.

The Judiciary offers a strong opportunity for growth.

Under the direction of the Operations Division Manager, or designee, the qualified candidate’s responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to,

• interpreting court proceedings, quasi-judicial hearings, complementary dispute resolution events, court support services, weddings and other court-related events;
• producing translations of documents such as official forms, public signs, notices, posters, form letters, job applications and correspondence;
• providing introductory information regarding the role of the interpreter to pro se parties and attorneys requiring interpreting services, skills and techniques;
• assisting court employees and others in scheduling interpreting services;
• collecting and entering data into automated record-keeping systems;
• orienting and scheduling contract interpreters;
• participating in study and training activities in a group or individually in order to develop and maintain interpreting and translating skills;
• performing general administrative/office support functions in support of the interpreting unit;
• and performing related duties as required.

Note: Applicants are advised that we are a multi-county Vicinage comprised of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties and reassignment to another county may be necessary based on operational needs.

Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position.

Remote Work

The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high speed home internet access.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are court interpreters approved by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). AOC approved interpreters include interpreters who have passed the written and performance oral exams of the National Center for State Courts administered by the AOC or an equivalent test administered by a member state of the National Center for State Courts; or who possess the Federal Court Interpreter Certification by having passed the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Exam administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Prior to translating documents, incumbents must pass the translation test administered by the AOC.

Driver's License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Authorization to Work

US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.

Special Note

Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in strict confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information.

Residency Law

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need.

The Judiciary of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Ensuring an Open Door to Justice