Court Interpreter - Spanish

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey is seeking qualified Spanish language interpreters for full-time positions. Candidates must hold a current California Judicial Council Certified Court Interpreter certificate or be registered as a Court Interpreter.

The role requires consecutive and simultaneous interpretation in court, sight translation, and clear, impartial communication for judges, attorneys, staff, and the public.

Qualifications

• Valid Certificate as Certified Court Interpreter or registered as Court Interpreter.
• Proficiency in English and non-English language with correct grammar/vocabulary.
• Knowledge of legal concepts and forensic terminology in both languages.
• Understanding regional/cultural language variations.
• Interpretation in simultaneous, consecutive and sight translation modes.
• Remain impartial in adversarial or emotional situations.
• Ongoing terminology research and usage accuracy.
• Ability to operate court-provided interpreting equipment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret from and into English and the applicable non-English language using simultaneous and consecutive modes in court.
• Perform sight translations of documents such as petitions and reports.
• Interpret for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other departments as directed.
• Interpret between languages in court proceedings.
• Maintain activity logs and documentation as required.

Skills

English grammar

Non-English grammar

Legal terminology knowledge

Interpreting ethics

Impartial interpretation

Terminology research

Handling different accents

Concentration under pressure

Professional conduct

Education

California Judicial Council Certified Court Interpreter certificate

Registered Court Interpreter with Judicial Council of California

Tools

Office equipment

Transmitter/receiver equipment

Computer, telephone, copiers

Job description

Full-time (40 hours per week), Spanish language positions currently open.

Only candidates possessing a current, valid Certificate as a "Certified Court Interpreter" issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California or registered as a Court Interpreter by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California will be considered for this position.

DEFINITION

Performs a wide variety of language interpretation activities on an assigned and as needed basis for the Superior Courts of California and for parties to proceedings, other court personnel, and the public and performs other job-related duties as required. This is a single level classification. Employees in this classification perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings and other related interpreting services as needed. The employee may also perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of text). Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

• Interprets from and into English and the applicable non-English language 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, waives, felony disposition statement forms, and other documents in court proceedings.
• 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.
• Completes activity logs, and/or other documentation as required.

License/Certificate:

Possess and maintain a valid Certificate as a "Certified Court Interpreter" issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California or registered as a Court Interpreter by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California.

And Experience which substantially demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge of:

1. English and applicable non-English grammar and vocabulary provided the source language speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary.
2. Legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language specified.
3. The general range of regional and cultural variations in the specified language.
4. Interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule, 984.4, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.

Skill and ability to:

1. Orally convey the meaning from and into English and the applicable non-English language by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes, conveying the meaning accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting.
2. Concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment.
3. Adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed.
4. Interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations.
5. Conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of the specified language.
6. 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.
7. Understand and adhere to California statutes, rules of court, and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation.
8. Interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.