Interpreter (Full Time)

About the Role

The purpose of this classification is to provide interpretation services in the Spanish-English language for defendants and witnesses in court proceedings and interviews.

Responsibilities

• Liaises between department or County staff and Spanish-speaking clients; translates between members of the public, clients, courts, attorneys, social workers, or other legal or justice professionals.
• Responds to inquiries in person, by mail, email, or telephone; conducts ongoing communications and correspondence.
• Handles complaints or complex issues requiring translation skills; interprets during interviews, dispositions, hearings, and court proceedings.
• Liaises with new defendants and their families to determine requirements for public defense and secure background information; supports defendants and their families in navigating the justice system (bond, visitation, jail policies, etc.).
• Supports public defense attorneys by assisting clients in requesting a public defender and facilitating translation between attorney and client.
• Supports court recorders, attorneys, and staff as needed; schedules appointments with clients, family members, witnesses, social workers, etc.
• Translates correspondence, legal documents, and videos from clients, witnesses, or victims; interprets for intake attorneys during interviews, discovery, and court appearances.
• Assists in scheduling and coordinating contract interpreters, including those for the Telephone Interpreting Program.
• Coordinates with the clerk’s office and chambers staff regarding scheduling needs of the court; prepares and distributes work schedules for interpreters.
• Serves as a resource to judges and senior managers on court interpretation issues, including statutes, policies, and regulations.
• Assists court procurement staff in preparing purchase orders and processing payments for contract interpreters.
• Answers questions from members of the Bar and others regarding the interpreting profession and translation services.
• Monitors the court’s built-in portable and telephonic interpreting program equipment and ensures functionality.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
• Completion of the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE) with a Spanish certification.
• One year of professional interpreting experience in a legal setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and Spanish Interpreter certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior courtroom experience.
• Current and/or prior membership in a professional court interpreter association.
• Proof of attendance at interpreting seminars and conferences.
• Familiarity with the format of audio transcriptions and translations.

Skills

• Data Utilization: Ability to coordinate, manage, and correlate data, including exercising judgment in determining operational strategies.
• Human Interaction: Ability to work with others to coordinate complex programs and represent the department/organization.
• Equipment Utilization: Ability to operate and control equipment, tools, and materials used in essential functions.
• Verbal Aptitude: Ability to reproduce language register in formal and informal speech, retain lengthy segments of speech, and preserve accuracy.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Ability to perform basic arithmetic, calculate decimals, percentages, and interpret graphs.
• Functional Reasoning: Ability to maintain confidentiality, work independently, and uphold professional integrity.
• Situational Reasoning: Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in broader organizational programs and operations.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical Ability: Tasks involve light physical effort, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects up to 10 pounds. Extended periods at a keyboard or workstation may be required.
• Sensory Requirements: Ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues; ability to communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to crowded conditions, temperature extremes, strong odors, disease/bodily fluids, or violence may occur.

Department: Court Services | Job Type: Full Time | Job Location: DeKalb County Superior Court