Public Defender Spanish Interpreter

Internal Revenue Service; North Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Public Defender in Mecklenburg County seeks a qualified Staff Court Interpreter fluent in English and Spanish. The role involves providing interpretation during legal proceedings and interviews, as well as producing translations of critical documents. Ideal candidates must have experience in court interpreting and a proficiency certification.

Benefits

North Carolina State Government benefits package

Comprehensive medical coverage

Defined benefit retirement

Flexible benefits options

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in court interpreting.
• Previous achievement of minimum testing requirements.
• Effective communication and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation during court proceedings and client interviews.
• Produce translations of legal documents.
• Participate in training to enhance interpreting skills.

Skills

Fluency in English and Spanish

Time management

Education

High school graduation or equivalent

Bachelor's degree

Job description

SALARY GRADE: Flat Rated

The Office of the Public Defender, Mecklenburg County, is seeking a qualified Staff Court Interpreter to provide interpretation between English and Spanish in the consecutive and simultaneous modes during client interviews, witness interviews during court proceedings, and other court related events; produce translations of documents and transcription of audio and video recordings from discovery, sight translate written documents as required, collect information (e.g. specialized vocabulary) on cases to prepare for the communicative event, and perform other related work as required.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of legal proceedings and sight translate forms, letters, and other court-related documents during client interviews with attorneys in person.
• Produce transcripts/translations of audio, video, and written documents as requested by attorneys.
• Participate in study and training activities in a group or individually in order to develop and maintain interpreting and translating skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

This position reports to the Public Defender. Work hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.

Judicial Branch employees are eligible for the North Carolina State Government benefits package. The package consists of a comprehensive collection of benefit options including medical coverage, defined benefit retirement, supplemental retirement, flexible benefits, supplemental insurance, and other miscellaneous benefits.

Employees of the North Carolina Judicial Department have the opportunity to participate in an array of benefit offerings depending on employment status. The Benefits Eligibility Chart describes benefit eligibility by employment status.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Knowledge of: standard grammar and vocabulary in English and Spanish, including grammatical conventions and vocabulary used during the formal, consultative, and casual modes of oral communication in both languages, as well as slang, regionalisms and dialects; and specialized vocabulary in English and Spanish related to legal and court proceedings, including, but not limited to, physical and mental symptoms of illness, tests and laboratory analyses, and ballistics and firearms.

Skills in: high level of fluency in both written and spoken English and Spanish languages; and efficient time management.

Ability to: read, understand, and orally translate technical written materials, such as legal documents, probation or social service reports, medical reports, etc.; understand and adhere to the ethical codes and professionalism canons for court interpreters; manage time efficiently and organize work productively; perform simple mathematical skills; communicate effectively; meet deadlines; and use a computer to record data.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent and one (1) year of experience in the court interpreting arena. Applicants must demonstrate a language and skill proficiency consistent with the level of the position based on a pass rating on the court interpreter oral certification examination administered by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts or an equivalent test by a member of the Consortium for State Court Interpreter Certification or possess the Court Interpreter Certification from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. CANDIDATES MUST HAVE PREVIOUSLY ACHIEVED THE MINIMUM TESTING REQUIREMENTS AS NOTED ABOVE.

Management prefers candidates with a Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience in the court interpretation arena; or an associate's degree and four (4) years of equivalent experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Attach cover letter and résumé.