What are the responsibilities and job description for the English/Spanish Court Interpreter - McAllen position at U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas?
JOB
The U. S. District Court for the Southern District is one of the largest district courts among the country's 94 federal judicial districts. The district courts, combined with the appellate courts and the Supreme Court, make up the judicial branch of the federal government. The Southern District of Texas consists of the following seven divisional offices: Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, Laredo, McAllen and Victoria.We are seeking qualified applicants for an English/Spanish Court Interpreter in the McAllen division. In proceedings initiated by the United States, court interpreters are responsible for interpreting communications for defendants and defense witnesses who primarily speak a language other than English, or who do not have sufficient command of the English language to understand and communicate with the court, counsel, and probation/pretrial service officers.Interpreters' work allows defendants to hear the evidence, assist in their own defense, confront witnesses, and to communicate effectively with the court, counsel, probation and pretrial services officers, and others. Interpreters provide the means for non-English speaking defendants and defense witnesses to testify, and for defendants to be informed of the charging documents, bail forms, reports, including the pre-sentence report. When testimony is given in a foreign language, court interpreters protect the accuracy of the court record in English for consideration by the court and the jury. The use of competent interpreters in proceedings involving speakers of languages other than English is critical to ensure that justice is carried out fairly for the defendants and other stakeholders. The incumbent's work is an integral part of the efficiency with which the case flows through the court. Errors in judgment could cause legal consequences for the defendant and others involved in the case.Salary Range: JSP 11-14 ($73,939 - $161,889), depending on qualifications.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The representative duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting (Spanish/English) and sight translation services (trials, hearings, etc.) by transferring the message from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English. Interpretation may occur in both in-person settings and remotely via video or telephone, as ordered by the Court.Provide interpretation and translation services for out-of-court proceedings for Probation/Pretrial Services.Provide interpretation and translation of case-related documents, including legal documents, medical, and other forensic reports and records.Prepare for interpreter assignments, including reading case files and conducting terminology research, as necessary.Interpret in the relay mode with interpreters of indigenous languages from Central America and Mexico.Maintain functional knowledge of the proper use and maintenance of the Court’s built-in and portable interpreting equipment.Remain impartial and maintain a professional demeanor.Schedule contract interpreters for the division.Verify contract interpreter invoices with the Deputy-in-Charge for final approval.Perform other duties as assigned. Additional assignments must not detract from the interpreter’s ability to concentrate fully on interpretation tasks and responsibilities.Travel may be required to other divisional offices for other court-related purposes.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Employees of the U.S. Courts must be U.S. citizens or able to prove that citizenship is being sought. Participation in the interview process is at the applicant's own expense. Applicants may be asked to take proficiency tests. Employees of the United States Courts are considered "at-will" and work at the pleasure of the Court. As a condition of employment successful applicants are subject to a background check, a criminal records check with law enforcement agencies and/or a credit check. Employees must participate in electronic funds transfer for the payment of earnings. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which may occur without prior written notice. For more information on the employee benefits of federal public service, visit https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
The U. S. District Court for the Southern District is one of the largest district courts among the country's 94 federal judicial districts. The district courts, combined with the appellate courts and the Supreme Court, make up the judicial branch of the federal government. The Southern District of Texas consists of the following seven divisional offices: Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, Laredo, McAllen and Victoria.We are seeking qualified applicants for an English/Spanish Court Interpreter in the McAllen division. In proceedings initiated by the United States, court interpreters are responsible for interpreting communications for defendants and defense witnesses who primarily speak a language other than English, or who do not have sufficient command of the English language to understand and communicate with the court, counsel, and probation/pretrial service officers.Interpreters' work allows defendants to hear the evidence, assist in their own defense, confront witnesses, and to communicate effectively with the court, counsel, probation and pretrial services officers, and others. Interpreters provide the means for non-English speaking defendants and defense witnesses to testify, and for defendants to be informed of the charging documents, bail forms, reports, including the pre-sentence report. When testimony is given in a foreign language, court interpreters protect the accuracy of the court record in English for consideration by the court and the jury. The use of competent interpreters in proceedings involving speakers of languages other than English is critical to ensure that justice is carried out fairly for the defendants and other stakeholders. The incumbent's work is an integral part of the efficiency with which the case flows through the court. Errors in judgment could cause legal consequences for the defendant and others involved in the case.Salary Range: JSP 11-14 ($73,939 - $161,889), depending on qualifications.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The representative duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting (Spanish/English) and sight translation services (trials, hearings, etc.) by transferring the message from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English. Interpretation may occur in both in-person settings and remotely via video or telephone, as ordered by the Court.Provide interpretation and translation services for out-of-court proceedings for Probation/Pretrial Services.Provide interpretation and translation of case-related documents, including legal documents, medical, and other forensic reports and records.Prepare for interpreter assignments, including reading case files and conducting terminology research, as necessary.Interpret in the relay mode with interpreters of indigenous languages from Central America and Mexico.Maintain functional knowledge of the proper use and maintenance of the Court’s built-in and portable interpreting equipment.Remain impartial and maintain a professional demeanor.Schedule contract interpreters for the division.Verify contract interpreter invoices with the Deputy-in-Charge for final approval.Perform other duties as assigned. Additional assignments must not detract from the interpreter’s ability to concentrate fully on interpretation tasks and responsibilities.Travel may be required to other divisional offices for other court-related purposes.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Employees of the U.S. Courts must be U.S. citizens or able to prove that citizenship is being sought. Participation in the interview process is at the applicant's own expense. Applicants may be asked to take proficiency tests. Employees of the United States Courts are considered "at-will" and work at the pleasure of the Court. As a condition of employment successful applicants are subject to a background check, a criminal records check with law enforcement agencies and/or a credit check. Employees must participate in electronic funds transfer for the payment of earnings. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which may occur without prior written notice. For more information on the employee benefits of federal public service, visit https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
Salary : $73,939 - $161,889
