Court Interpreter

This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list. Starting salary will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and relevant certifications.

Under general supervision, performs simultaneous and consecutive Spanish language translation and interpreter services for the City of Somerton Municipal Court; translates documents and written materials; and performs other related duties as required.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interprets from and into English and Spanish using simultaneous and consecutive modes during complex proceedings, hearings, and other court related events.
• Provides sight translations of documents required during court-related events.
• Translates written documents, including existing court forms and other court-related documents and materials.
• Assists with problems and complaints from the non-English speaking public and other agencies.
• Prioritizes work assignments, meeting established timelines and due dates.
• Timely and accurately schedules other and lessor used language interpreters for limited English-speaking defendants.
• Maintains current statistical information related to interpreter usage as directed for decision making purposes and the court's annual report.
• Assists with maintaining the court's Language Access Plan making changes and updates as needed.
• Answers inbound Spanish calls when not in courtrooms. Assists with other inbound calls as needed.
• Additional back-up duties to include updating of court documents, entry into courts case management system,
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience interpreting and translating Spanish to and from English that includes six (6) months of translating in a legal environment or closely related duties OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Associate’s degree preferred in a foreign language, sign language, Business or Public Administration or Criminal Justice.

• City of Somerton Policies and Procedures.
• Applicable State of Arizona statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable Federal rules, and requirements.
• English and Spanish languages, including vocabulary, grammar, phonology, and dialects.
• Statutes, ethics, and standards of professional interpreting and translating.
• Methods, techniques, and procedures used in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting.
• Legal terminology, court operations and procedures.
• Rules and regulations regarding jury activity and courtroom behavior.
• Safe work practices and security precautions in court environments.

• Communicating effectively in both spoken and written forms in English and Spanish.
• Explaining court interpreting procedures in a clear, concise, and comprehensive manner to attorneys, litigants, and the public.
• Interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive and sight translation modes.
• Translating English and Spanish documents.
• Working under pressure in a highly dynamic work environment with changing program demands and priorities.
• Maintaining a professional demeanor during stressful situations.
• Analyzing issues and making sound recommendations for solutions.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with court employees, and the public.

• A valid U.S. Driver’s License is required.
• Arizona Committee on Judicial Education and Training (COJET) continuing training accreditation is required within 12 months of hire.
• Certification as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 level court interpreter in Arizona is preferred.
• Certification as a Tier 3 or Tier 4 level will be required within 24 months of hire.
• Any new court employee providing interpreting services hired after June 30, 2017, will be required to hold an Arizona credential at the Tier 3 or Tier 4 level. In the event a credentialed candidate is not available at the time of recruitment, the court shall require the new employee to become credentialed at the Tier 3 or Tier 4 level within 24 months of their date of hire.
  
  Additionally, as of July 1, 2017, courts will be expected to show a preference for those interpreters who are credentialed whenever contracting with freelance…