Job Description

COURT INTERPRETER

JOB CODE 00640

Effective Date:	Rev. 09/07A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to provide Spanish language interpreting and translation services to the non-English speaking public during all Municipal Court proceedings and other court-related events. Court Interpreters are responsible for the simultaneous and consecutive interpreting services of court proceedings, as well as the sight translation of court-related documents. Incumbents work under the direct supervision of the Court Interpreter Supervisor, who, along with the Lead Court Interpreter, evaluates performance based on the quality of service provided and results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides oral Spanish interpretation in simultaneous and consecutive modes during complex proceedings, hearings, interviews, and other court-related events;
• Provides sight translation of English or Spanish documents as required during proceedings, hearings, interviews, and other court-related events;
• Provides written translation of documents and court correspondence, including existing court forms and other court-related material as assigned;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve and meet the court's operational needs, minimize customer wait time, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless service to internal and external customers.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• The Spanish language with demonstrated proficiency in proper regional and idiomatic usage.
• Theory, method, techniques, ethics and standards of court interpreting.
• English and Spanish court legal terminology.
• Methods, techniques, and procedures used while interpreting in consecutive and simultaneous modes.
• Word processing and spreadsheet computer applications.

Ability to:

• Interpret in simultaneous and consecutive modes during proceedings, hearings, and other court-related events.
• Sight-translate Spanish or English documents during a proceeding, hearing, interview, and other court-related events.
• Translate forms, letters, and other court-related documents from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.
• Keep clear and concise documentation of daily interpreter requests, and requests responded to.
• Work cooperatively with City employees, defendants, and the public.
• Learn job-related materials primarily through oral instructions and observation under the direction of the Court Interpreter Supervisor and/or Lead Court Interpreter. This learning takes place in an on-the-job setting.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Attend court-related interpreter training.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Two years of experience providing interpreting services in a court setting. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.