Intermittent Interpreter

Description

Be the Voice of Justice – On Your Schedule! Join the San Bernardino Superior Court as an Intermittent Court Interpreter and make a real impact one word at a time. Use your language skills to bridge communication gaps, support due process, and ensure equal access to justice. This flexible, on‑call opportunity is perfect for skilled interpreters who want to serve their community without the commitment of a full‑time schedule.

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. Employees in this classification also perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of text) as needed.

• 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.
• 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.
• Notifies the court of any issues or situations that may impede the interpreters’ performance.
• Researches and understands terminology used in court and functions of the court which may include but not limited to legal, technological, scientific, and/or medical terminology.
• Reviews the daily docket and receives daily calendar assignments from the Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator (or other) and accurately completes daily activity logs, or other documentation as required.
• 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.

• Correct usage of grammar and vocabulary of English and non‑English language specified, provided the source language speaker in using correct grammar and vocabulary.
• Ability to remain impartial. The ability to interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations.
• Knowledge and understanding of legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non‑English language specified.
• Familiarity with the general range of regional and cultural variations in the specific language. Ability to conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of the specified language.
• Ability to use office equipment, including computers, telephones, and copiers, as required by the assignment. Use of transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court for simultaneous interpretation.
• Ability to understand and adhere to California statutes, rules of court and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation.
• Knowledge of and adherence to interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule, 984.4, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.
• Ability to interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.

• 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, or registered as a Court Interpreter by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job‑related essential functions.

Stamina to sit and/or stand and concentrate for extended periods; corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

Work is performed in the courtroom and related court facilities and includes but is not limited to contact with judges, staff attorneys, and the public. The position requires the ability to concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast‑paced environment. Courtroom interpreting requires the ability to adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed.

Interpreters come into contact with a wide variety of people from differing educational and economic backgrounds. Travel within the county is required. Travel between counties is required if the interpreter accepts cross assignments. There are no benefits associated with this position.