Court Interpreter (Conditional, 1, or 2)

New Jersey Courts; Elizabeth (NJ); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at the New Jersey Judiciary as a Court Interpreter, where your bilingual skills will directly impact the lives of individuals seeking justice. This role demands a high level of professionalism and integrity, as you will interpret court proceedings and translate essential documents. With opportunities for growth and a supportive work environment, you can make a meaningful difference in the community while honing your interpreting skills. Embrace a rewarding career that values independence and service, and enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule that allows for remote work options.

Qualifications

• Must be bilingual in English and Spanish, familiar with courtroom protocols.
• Ability to interpret in sight, consecutive, and simultaneous modes.

Responsibilities

• Interpret court events in various modes, both in-person and virtually.
• Translate documents and assist with contracting freelance interpreters.

Skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Courtroom protocols

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Interpreting modes (sight, consecutive, simultaneous)

Education

Court Interpreter Certification

Approval by New Jersey AOC

Tools

Automated record keeping system

Job description

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.

The Judiciary offers a strong opportunity for growth.

The Union Vicinage is seeking a Court Interpreter, who is highly motivated, organized, and detail oriented. Under the general direction of the Interpreting Supervisor, the selected candidate must be bilingual in English and Spanish, and able to interpret in the three modes of interpretation (sight, consecutive, simultaneous) in court proceedings, quasi-judicial hearings, complementary dispute resolution events and other court related events either in person, virtually, or via a telecommunications device.

This candidate must be familiar with courtroom protocols and adhere to the highest ethical standards. The qualified candidate will be able to produce translations of signage and other documents, either in draft or final form, as directed by their supervisor. Responsibilities also include, but are not limited to, assistance in the procurement and assignment of contract interpreters and related paperwork, collecting and entering data in the automated record keeping system, providing training to staff as needed, and participation in study and training events to develop and maintain interpreting and translation skills. The successful candidate must possess excellent time management and interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively with all levels of Judiciary staff. Performs related duties as required.

POSITIONS WILL BE FILLED AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LEVELS BASED ON CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND AVAILABLE POSITIONS:

Court Interpreter 1 – Conditionally Approved/Trainee
Employees at this level act as trainees at interpreter proceedings of limited legal significance or limited linguistic complexity and prepare draft translations of forms, letters, and other court-related documents.
Minimum Salary: $61,211.50
Maximum Salary: $97,043.01

Court Interpreter 1 – Journey Level 2 – Journey
Employees at this level interpret legal proceedings and may translate forms, letters, and other court-related documents.
Minimum Salary: $71,937.01
Maximum Salary: $97,043.01

Court Interpreter 2 – Mastery Level 3 – Mastery
Employees at this level interpret complex legal proceedings and translate forms, letters, and other court-related documents.
Minimum Salary: $76,253.21
Maximum Salary: $109,344.22

*Salary Note: 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.

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.

- Interpret court events in the simultaneous, consecutive and sight modes, whether on site, telephonically or virtually in accordance with the Code of Conduct and all other applicable requirements.

- Translate signage and vicinage documents as requested.

- Assist with the contracting of freelance interpreters, as well as the processing of vouchers, statistical reports, TIVD, ADA accommodations, and other tasks requested by supervisor.

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

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 Council of Language Access Coordinators; or who possess the Court Interpreter Certification from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.

Training Period: Court Interpreter 1 – Conditionally Approved/Trainees will have two years from the date of employment to test up to a higher level in order to maintain employment. Court Interpreter 1 – Conditionally Approved/Trainees will be in a probationary period until they test up to a higher Level.

Note: Prior to translating documents, incumbents must pass the translation test administered by the AOC.

For additional information on becoming a Court Interpreter refer to https://www.njcourts.gov/public/lang-services.

Driver's License: Appointee 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.

HOW TO APPLY: The NJ Judiciary requires all applicants to complete the application process fully and as instructed. All applicants must complete the work experience and education sections and attach any required documents. Applications must describe all relevant work experience in detail, beginning with your current or most recent job, including military service (indicate rank), internships and job-related volunteer work, if applicable. Use a separate section to describe each position. Applicants who indicate "see resume" or enter their initials to acknowledge that they have skipped the Work History and Education sections will not be considered, unless they do not possess any education history or work experience. Only applicants that follow the application instructions and submit completed applications will be considered.

The New Jersey Judiciary consists of: the Supreme Court, the Superior Court including the Appellate Division and the Trial Court of the 15 vicinages in New Jersey, the Tax Court and the Municipal Court System. The Administrative Office of the Courts provides technical assistance, operational support, training, research and development, budget and personnel coordination, and development and operation of information systems for the Courts of New Jersey.

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

NeoGov applicant support at 1-877-204-4442 (toll free call) Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time (MT)