Coordinator II- Court Certified Interpreter

Whatcom County is currently recruiting for a Coordinator II - Certified Court Interpreter  in Superior Court Administration.

Whatcom County Superior Court is an independent branch of government and personnel employed under the judicial branch of government.  The positions are in accordance with GR 29. Under GR 29, the Presiding Judge is responsible for the daily operations of the Court, which includes working conditions, hiring, discipline, and termination decisions.

This position serves as the Interpreter Coordinator for the Superior and Juvenile Courts to include scheduling interpreter services for all spoken language and ASL needs as requested for court hearings, juvenile diversion and truancy boards, settlement conferences, court-managed services and probation appointments. In addition to coordination this position will also interpret for court proceedings.  

Key Job Duties Include:

• Provides complex simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and sight translation for judges, commissioners, defendants, witnesses, litigants and others in criminal and civil courts, judges' chambers, attorneys' offices, in jail or detention centers, or by telephone.

• Analyzes and resolves complex linguistic problems; maintains message content, context, and style.

• Provides written translations of letters and official documents as requested by judicial officers or the court administrator.   Reviews, edits, and proofreads written translations including technical legal terminology to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout translation revisions.  Compiles terminology and information to be used in interpreting and translating, including technical legal terms.

• Attends meetings related to court interpreting as directed by the court administrator.

• Conducts statewide database research and provides summary information to judges and court commissioners as required by court rule or RCW.

• Transmits required data to the Administrative Office of the Courts for statistical tracking and payment.

• Serves as the Interpreter Coordinator for the Superior and Juvenile courts; performs administrative tasks as assigned by judicial officers, court administrator or deputy court administrator; opens and prepares courtrooms; assists the law clerk during jury trials as necessary; and performs other duties as assigned.

• Assigns courtrooms and updates Odyssey to ensure clerk and court is aware of interpretation needs.

• Coordinates and responds to remote appearance requests from attorneys and litigants.

• Processes inmate and other correspondence for judicial officers as requested.

The successful candidate must be able to work cooperatively with diverse individuals, groups and agencies, in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

To view the full scope of the job please see the job descriptions below:

Coordinator II

Coordinator II - Superior Court Administration

Supervisor: Administrative Supervisor

Hours of work: 7:30 am

• 4:30 pm Monday

• Friday

Salary Range: 

• MCBA- Range 130.0

Hiring rate depends on qualifications.  This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Requires a Court Certification by the Washington State Administrative Office for the Courts for Spanish Language or a state with a Washington State Reciprocity Agreement for Spanish Language AND three years of interpreting experience with at least two years interpreting for Superior Court with felony cases.

Bachelor's degree in a foreign language or the equivalent in study and experience desired.

Experience in written translation of legal documents, preferred.

Experience in maintaining professional communication with educated and non-educated individuals while remaining impartial, preferred.

Must pass criminal justice level background check.

Must pass job-related tests.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, 

and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home