Interpreter (Spanish)

About the role

This is a single level classification. Employees in this classification perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings and other related interpreting services as needed. The employee may also perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of text).

Responsibilities

• Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work, and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
• Interprets from and into English and Spanish using simultaneous and consecutive modes at court proceedings and for other court-related departments at the direction of the court.
• Makes sight translations for the benefit of the court of documents including, but not limited to, court petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms, and other documents.
• Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other court-related departments at the direction of the court.
• Interprets between languages in court proceedings.
• Bridges communication gaps by bringing to the court's attention any items that may impede the interpreters' performance.
• Researches and understands legal terminology used in court and functions of the court.
• Receives daily calendar assignments from the Court Interpreter Coordinator or Manager/Supervisor and accurately completes daily activity logs, or other documentation as required.
• Works collaboratively with other interpreters as well as the interpreter coordinator and/or manager to cover assignments.
• Works as a team with other interpreters to provide adequate coverage for long hearings and trials.

Requirements

Requires one year of experience in a position requiring extensive public contact and interpretation/translation work.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: English and applicable non-English grammar and vocabulary provided the source speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary; legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language specified; the general range of regional and cultural variations in the specified language; interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court, Rule 2.890, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.
• Skills in and Ability to: Orally convey the meaning from and into English and the applicable non-English language by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes, conveying the meaning accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting; concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment; adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed; interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations; conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of the specified language; use office equipment, including computer, telephone, and copiers, as required by the assignment; and transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court for simultaneous interpretation; understand and adhere to California statutes, rules of court, and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation; interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.