Court Interpreter

Position Summary

Under general supervision, Court Interpreters provide an essential public service, assisting LEP: (Limited English Proficiency) parties, witnesses, defendants, attorneys, court personnel, and the public by performing a wide variety of language interpretation activities for court-related proceedings.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Court Interpreter is a single journey-level classification. Employees in this classification perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings and other related interpreting services as needed and other duties as assigned. Employees in this classification may also perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of the text) as required.

Typical Duties

Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below-listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work and should not be considered all-inclusive.

• Interprets from and into English and the applicable non-English language using simultaneous and consecutive modes at court proceedings and for other court-related departments at the direction of the Court

• Provides sight translations of documents including, but not limited to, court petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms, and other documents, for the benefit of the Court

• Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other court-related departments at the Court's direction

• Alerts the Court of impediments interpreter's performance

• Researches and understands legal terminology used in Court and functions of the Court, including but not limited to legal, technological, scientific, and medical terminology.

• Receives daily calendar assignments from the Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator or Scheduler

• Accurately completes and submits daily activity logs or other documentation as required and directed.

• Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing general court information at an information counter to the non- English speaking public and processes documents related to interpretation.

Qualifications

Certification: Possess and maintain a valid certificate as a "Certified Court Interpreter" issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California.

License: Possession ofa valid California Class "C" driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Knowledge of:

• As stipulated in California Rules of Court, Interpreter ethics and professional standards rule 2.890 Professional Conduct of Interpreters.

• Correct usage of grammar and vocabulary of English and non-English language; wide range of vocabulary in English and the non-English language, including high and low registers:

• Legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language as specified.

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; interpretation must be precisely expressed without editing, summarizing, adding, or omitting original meaning.

• Concentrate and deliver accurate and complete interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment.

• Adjust to speakers with different voices and accents at varying rates of speed.

• Adhere to California statutes, rules of Court, and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation.

• Travel within the county to offsite court facilities as needed for an assignment.

• Interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.

• Use office equipment, transmitter, and receiver equipment provided by the Court for simultaneous interpretation.

• Learn and use software and applications provided by the Court.

Process to Apply

PROCESS TO APPLY:

Please apply online at: http://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/info/jobs

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

The selection procedure will consist of an application with supplemental questionnaire screening and a panel interview process.

Please list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of the application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions. You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position.

Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, and knowledge and abilities which relate to the position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be invited to an interview.

The Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma is committed to creating a diverse environment and an open, inclusive culture free from bias. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Accommodation:

Applicants with a disability who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailinghumanresources@sonomacourt.orgupon submittal of application.

Background Investigation:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a thorough background check, including verification of prior employment, and the provision of appropriate identifying documents to certify eligibility to work in the United States. Please be advised that finalist(s) must be fingerprinted for criminal record check purposes and that continued employment is contingent upon information received in the report. Convictions, depending upon the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.