Court Interpreter

Under limited supervision, provides a wide variety of language interpretation and translation activities on an assigned and as needed basis for individuals involved in Court related activities. Responsible for providing written translation and verbal interpretation from Spanish into English language in a court of record in order to ensure that the message is being accurately delivered and understood between citizens and court employees. Participates in planning of programs, policies or objectives for own work group and department.
 
 REQUIRED: MUST BE BI-LINGUAL IN ENGLISH & SPANISH AND BE A STATE OF TEXAS CERTIFIED COURT INTERPRETER 
 PREFERRED: BI-LINGUAL IN OTHER LANGUAGES AS WELL

Hours: M-F, 8a-5p and other hours as job requiresESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides accurate and timely translation of Court documents and related material for the Courts and for parties to proceedings, including witnesses, defendants, attorneys, other court personnel, and the public;
• Provides accurate and timely spoken interpretation for the Courts and for parties to proceedings, including witnesses, defendants, attorneys, other court personnel, and the public;
• Provides information to customers or visitors by telephone and in-person;
• Follows changes to State and Federal laws that regulate interpreting and translating services and communicates changes to all Courts;
• Performs a high degree of coordination and communication for the purposes of scheduling needed services;
• Assists Court Coordinators in the scheduling of needed contract Court Interpreters;
• Plans, develops and implements language policies, goals, objectives and priorities of the District and County Courts at Law;
• Requisitions the service of interpreters; Processes invoices for payments
• Maintains statistical information, files and other related items, accurately and efficiently;
• Maintains confidentiality of records as required by law.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 Education, Experience and Training Guidelines:
 High school diploma or equivalent; AND two years of interpreting and translating experience, including at least six months of translating in a legal environment; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.  
  
 Knowledge of:

• County and state legal principles, practices, procedures regarding the court system;
• Records retention rules and procedures;
• Civil process laws and procedures;
• Criminal process laws and procedures;
• Legal terminology;
• Modern office procedures and equipment;
• Department policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.

 Skill in:

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing in both the English and Spanish languages;
• Maintaining strict confidentiality;
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with judges, managers, supervisors, employees, external public agencies and organizations, attorneys, and the general public;
• Strong computer skills, verbal and written communication and organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees, and elected officials;
• Using initiative, discretion and decision making within established procedures, guidelines and rules;
• Defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusion;
• Performing various mathematical calculations;
• Performing effectively under stressful working conditions;
• Providing effective customer service;
• Operating a personal computer and various software applications.

 
 LICENSE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
 State of Texas Certified Court Interpreter;
 Valid Texas Driver’s License.
 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office work environment and court setting.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 15 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
 
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Salary : $31 - $36