Court Interpreter, Certified - SPANISH

Superior Court is seeking an experienced Washington State Court Certified Spanish Interpreter to provide professional interpretation and translation services that ensure meaningful access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

About the role

This position provides accurate, impartial, and confidential language access services in a variety of court proceedings while upholding the highest standards of interpreter ethics and professionalism.

Note: This recruitment is limited to applicants who are currently certified by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) as a Spanish language Court Interpreter.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional interpretation and translation services to support Superior Court operations.
• Ensure meaningful access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).
• Provide accurate, impartial, and confidential interpretation in court proceedings.
• Translate and proofread written materials in English and Spanish.
• Work within established timelines while complying with court regulations, policies, procedures, and Washington State interpreter standards.
• Maintain complete and faithful interpretation without summarizing, omitting, or altering meaning.
• Understand complex legal terminology, informal language, and regional linguistic variations.
• Adhere to interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in GR 11.2 Code of Conduct for Court Interpreters.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with all individuals encountered while performing job duties.
• Operate court-provided transmitter and receiver equipment to perform simultaneous interpretation.
• Provide relay interpretation services in collaboration with other qualified interpreters when necessary.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current certification as a Court Interpreter through the State of Washington’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
• Three years of experience as a court certified interpreter.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification from the American Translators Association (ATA).

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Court systems, rules, regulations, practices, procedures, and legal terminology.
• Interpreter code of conduct (General Rule 11.2), RCW 2.43, and Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Interpreting methods and professional standards, including accurate use of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary in English and Spanish.

Ability to:

• Provide accurate translation and proofreading of written materials.
• Work within established timelines while complying with court regulations and policies.
• Maintain complete and faithful interpretation without summarizing, omitting, or altering meaning.
• Understand complex legal terminology, informal language, and regional linguistic variations.
• Adhere to interpreter ethics and standards.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with all individuals.
• Operate court-provided transmitter and receiver equipment for simultaneous interpretation.
• Provide relay interpretation services in collaboration with other qualified interpreters.

Supervision

This position reports to the Deputy Superior Court Administrator or a designated supervisor. Work is performed under general supervision within established court policies, procedures, and ethical standards governing court interpretation services.

Once assignments, priorities, and schedules are established, the employee is expected to organize and carry out their work with a high degree of independence. Work requires independent professional judgment in real-time interpretation; however, administrative direction is provided regarding work assignments, operational priorities, and compliance requirements.

Performance is reviewed through observation, feedback, reports, and evaluation of service quality, accuracy, professionalism, and adherence to court standards.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in courtroom, office, and public service environments with prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer workstation.
• Duties may involve physical activities such as walking, bending, reaching, and occasionally lifting or moving files, case materials, or office supplies (typically up to 25 pounds). Reasonable accommodation provided as needed.
• Regular interaction with court participants, justice system partners, and members of the public, including individuals who may be confused, distressed, emotional, or occasionally upset or confrontational.
• Work schedules generally follow standard business hours, though occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support court operations.
• Limited local travel may be necessary for hearings, trainings, or meetings.