Staff Interpreter, Spanish

About the role

Spanish Court Interpreter providing interpretation services in the Circuit Court for Charles County, LaPlata, Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a Spanish Court Interpreter in the courthouse during various types of proceedings, including bail reviews, trials, pleas, hearings, and many forms of criminal and civil matters for Charles County Circuit Court.
• Performs courtroom interpretation for interested parties as deemed necessary by a presiding judge.
• Sight translates documents varying in difficulty and legal terminology.
• Interprets during Court proceedings such as bail reviews, trials, pleas, preliminary inquiries, violation of probation, domestic violence, bonds, traffic, protective order hearings; civil motions, civil court matters, tort trials, landlord‑tenant hearings, large and small claims, and emergency moving matters.
• Interprets, as directed by a Judge or Administrator, conversations and conferences out of the courtroom for various agencies (e.g., state’s attorney, public defender, plea negotiations, court order mediations, debt collection agreements, oral exams).
• Translates documents for use by the court as requested (e.g., Advice of Rights, Protective Order announcements).
• Translates petitions or other documents from individuals not represented by counsel.
• Assists pro‑se litigants with needed forms and assists Bailiffs by offering instructions in the courtroom.
• Assists with phone calls at the Clerks’ Counter and with the public entering the courthouse to facilitate court services.
• Occasionally assists Court Clerks with clerical duties when interpretation services are not being performed.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma (or GED equivalent).
• Experience: One (1) year of experience providing interpreting services as a freelance or court interpreter.
• Required: Maryland State Certification or Member of State Certification in the Council for Language Access or Federal Certification as a Spanish Court Interpreter.

Qualifications

• Native or near‑native knowledge of English and Spanish to provide interpretation with correct grammar, idioms, and pronunciation.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and the legal process.
• Understanding of the Maryland Judicial System.
• Familiarity with the Code of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters.

Skills

• Native or near‑native knowledge of English and Spanish to provide interpretation with correct grammar, idioms, and pronunciation.
• Ability to interpret in simultaneous and consecutive modes.
• Ability to sight translate documents varying in difficulty and legal terminology.
• Ability to team interpret effectively.
• Remain poised in stressful and pressured situations.
• Provide consistent, professional, and courteous service.
• Use tact when responding to staff, public officials, and the general public.
• Work independently.
• Operate a computer.
• Perform all essential functions of the position.
• Prioritize work assignments.
• Equipment: Personal Computer, Copier, Scanner, Interpreter equipment.
• Software/Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Data Entry; using a personal computer to enter and review information.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Continuing education programs
• Employee assistance programs
• State Retirement and Pension plans

Pay

Salary: $105,348

Schedule

Position Type: Regular Full Time