Staff Interpreter I

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Court Services within the South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking a Staff Interpreter I – Spanish to provide professional interpreting services in courtrooms, and occasionally remotely. The interpreter facilitates communication between Spanish-speaking parties and court personnel by accurately converting English to Spanish and vice versa, across state proceedings.

This role requires interpreting using simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation, while maintaining

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and successful completion of SC court interpreter prerequisites.
• Proficiency in English-to-Spanish interpretation with court-appropriate ethics.
• Certification progress or completion within two years is expected.

Responsibilities

• Interpret spoken court proceedings using simultaneous and consecutive methods.
• Translate court documents and materials between English and Spanish.
• Maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism per Rule 511.
• Research legal terminology to ensure accurate interpretation.
• Collaborate with judges, attorneys, and court staff to ensure communication.

Skills

English–Spanish interpretation

Simultaneous

Consecutive interpreting

Sight translation

Legal terminology

Impartiality

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma

Two-Day Workshop

Court interpreter certification process

Tools

Interpreting equipment (receivers/transmitters)

Job description

Workers' Compensation Benefits.

Job Responsibilities

The Division of Court Services at the South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as Staff Interpreter I – Spanish. The Staff Interpreter I – Spanish provides professional interpreting services to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency have equal access to the South Carolina judicial process. Working primarily in courtrooms (and occasionally remotely), the interpreter facilitates communication between Spanish-speaking parties and court personnel by accurately converting spoken and written English to Spanish and vice versa. This position operates under the supervision of the Staff Interpreter Manager and supports various court proceedings across the state.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Of The Position

This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Interpret spoken communication using simultaneous and consecutive methods during hearings, trials, and other court proceedings.
• Translate court documents, forms, and materials between English and Spanish.
• Maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism in accordance with Rule 511 – Rules of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters.
• Research legal and technical terminology to ensure accurate interpretation and translation.
• Collaborate with judges, attorneys, court staff, and agencies to ensure effective communication.
• Attend interpreter meetings, trainings, and workshops to maintain certification and improve skills.
• Track and report interpreting assignments, hours worked, and travel, as required.
• Assist with developing and updating interpreter policies, procedures, and materials.
• Use technology effectively to perform job duties and improve language skills.
• Perform additional interpreting and administrative duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

• Proficiency in interpreting from English to Spanish and vice versa using simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes, with accuracy and without altering meaning.
• Strong command of grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions in both English and Spanish.
• Ability remains impartial, including in adversarial or emotionally charged environments.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures in both languages.
• Awareness of regional and cultural language variations and sensitivity to cultural context.
• Familiarity with interpreter ethics and adherence to Rule 511 – Rules of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters.
• Proficient in the use of computers and portable interpreting equipment (e.g., receivers, transmitters).
• Ability to maintain focus and accuracy under time pressure.
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with judges, attorneys, court staff, and the public.
• Understanding of and ability to follow South Carolina laws, court rules, and personnel policies related to interpretation.
• Must be able to work in an autonomous environment with excellent self-direction, initiative, motivation, and integrity, and use individual discretion in the interpretation and application of the SC Court Interpreters Policy and Procedure Guide and established court practices and procedures.
• Expected to advise the supervisor of any court interpreting issues, concerns, or recommendations affecting the disposition of the job duties and responsibilities.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• High School Diploma AND have reached the "otherwise qualified" level of court interpreting in South Carolina including completing the Two-Day Workshop, passing the Written Examination, and passing an oral proficiency assessment (advanced-high or higher).
• Full certification as a court interpreter from either the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination; AND have the skills necessary to pass the Oral Examination for Court Interpreters to become fully certified within two (2) years.
• Ability to accurately interpret from English into Spanish and from Spanish into English via sight translation, consecutive interpreting, and simultaneous interpreting.
• At least three (3) years of court interpreting experience; OR one (1) year of court interpreting experience and five (5) years of legal, conference, or medical interpreting experience or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in either interpreting or Spanish from a U.S. college or university.
• A college degree from an accredited university in a Spanish-speaking country; passing the Written Examination at 80% or above, passing an oral proficiency assessment (advanced-high or higher) and passing all three parts of the Oral Examination (sight translation, consecutive interpreting, and simultaneous interpreting) at 70% or above.
• Have the skills necessary to pass an assessment AND provide documentation of passing a translation assessment via ALTA or a similar program within six (6) months of hire date.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
• 15 days paid sick leave per year;
• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
• 13 paid state holidays;
• Workers' Compensation Benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, or disability.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.