Intermittent Part-Time Interpreter (Farsi/Dari)

Court Interpreters who are also registered in the spoken language of Pashto are highly encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of language interpretation activities on an assigned and as-needed basis for Placer Superior Court and for parties to proceedings, including witnesses, defendants, attorneys, other court personnel and the public.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single level classification.  Employees in this classification perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings, public service interactions between staff and the public, and other related interpreting services as needed.  In addition, they perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of text) as needed.

 

JUDGMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY

Interpreters are subject matter experts and are assigned responsibilities at the journey level; incumbents possess specialized knowledge, skills, and experience and often exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties.   Incumbents report to a Unit Manager. Work assignments are typically assigned by the Interpreter Coordinator or the Unit Manager.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.
• Performs sight translations of documents for the benefit of the court including, but not limited to, court petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms, and other documents.
• Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff, the public, and other court-related or court-connected organizations, participants, litigants, and departments at the direction of the court.
• Notifies the court of any issues or situations that may impede the interpreter’s performance.
• Researches and understands terminology used in court and functions of the court which may include but not be limited to legal, technological, scientific, and/or medical terminology.
• Receives daily calendar assignments from the Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator (or other) and accurately completes daily activity logs, or other documentation as required.
• Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as facilitating communication regarding general court information  between court staff and the non-English speaking public 
• May be required to perform services at any court location and can opt to be cross-assigned to other courts.

• Performs related interpreter duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of:

• Correct usage of grammar and vocabulary in English and applicable non-English language, provided the source language speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary; 
• Legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and applicable non-English language; 
• Regional and vertical dialects in the applicable language; and
• Interpreter ethics and standards, in accordance with California Rules of Court

 

 

Ability To:

• Orally convey meaning from and into English and the applicable non-English language by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes; meaning must be conveyed accurately, without editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting;

• Carry out duties in accordance with policies, procedures and scope of responsibility;
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;

• Maintain confidentiality of Court documents and records; 
• Interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work;
• Understand and adhere to California statutes, Rules of Court, Court Personnel Policies and applicable memorandum of understanding; 
• Interpret accurately and remain impartial, including in adversarial and emotionally charged situations; 
• Conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of the applicable language; 
• Use office equipment, including computer, telephone, and copiers, as required by the assignment; 
• Use of transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court.

Minimum Qualifications:

Possession of a valid certificate as a “Certified/Registered Court Interpreter” issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California. Please follow the link for more information: https://www.courts.ca.gov/programs-interpreters.htm

Working Conditions: 

Job duties are generally performed in an indoor office setting with environmental controls.  Assigned work is performed in a standard court setting with open cubicles and/or offices.  Assigned incumbents are expected to work alone and closely with others.  Moderate routine noise and noise levels occur within the work environment. This classification may be required to travel to other Placer Superior Court locations and may opt to be cross-assigned to other Superior Court locations throughout California.

 

Employees in this position may encounter individuals who appear emotional, upset or angry and/or be exposed to evidence and testimony which may be disturbing.

 

Overtime may be required on an occasional basis.

 

Note:  This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this job classification.  It is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of personnel in all divisions and/or a location so classified, nor is it intended to limit the authority of supervisors or manager to assign or direct the activities of employee.

Salary : $87,214 - $102,627