Court Interpreter Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Court Interpreter Coordinator supervises and coordinates the day-to-day operation of the Court Interpreters Unit, including but not limited to language services in compliance with the Cleveland Municipal Court Local Rules and Language Access Plan, the Rules of Superintendence for the Ohio Courts, the Ohio Revised Code, the Department of Justice Guidance on Limited English Proficiency Populations, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Court Interpreter Coordinator serves as the Language Access Coordinator, and as such maintains the Court’s Language Access Plan. The Court Interpreter Coordinator also impacts the future direction of court interpreter services in the Cleveland Municipal Court.

1. Responsible for supervising and evaluating the Court Interpreter staff in the performance of their duties.
2. Coordinates the services of agencies and independent contractors who provide services in the court to ensure adequate coverage and processes invoices submitted to the court by said providers.
3. Observes and evaluates interpreters and translators to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court of Ohio Code of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters and Translators.
4. Interprets in cases, court functions and court ancillary services, such as hearings, interviews, weddings and other court-related communicative events.
5. Addresses and responds to Complaints filed for issues related to the provision of services or lack thereof.
6. Must adhere to the Supreme Court of Ohio Code of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters and Translators.
7. Attends ongoing training to improve or maintain skills and comply with interpreter CIE requirements and ensures staff compliance with the same.
8. Maintains daily, monthly and yearly reports of interpreted proceedings.
9. Collects, interprets and analyzes data for the computation and submission of statistical records and/or reports, and for update the Court’s Language Access Plan.
10. Monitors legislation and laws, rules and regulations governing language services.
11. Assembles and maintains a library of current resources.
12. Participates in strategic planning efforts that will reflect and anticipate progression of the Court Interpreters Unit.
13. Translates or reviews translations of official forms, documents, public signs, notices, form letters, etc.
14. Responsible for training Judges, Magistrates and all court staff on matters related to interpreter services.
15. Provides quality service that continuously improves, and meets or exceeds public expectations, and ensures all are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for the supervision of the Court Interpreters Unit and all outside service providers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Supervisory skills required.
2. Ability to organize and prioritize duties.
3. Knowledgeable of the methods, techniques, and procedures used in evaluating interpreters and translators.
4. Experience in the methods, techniques, and procedures used while interpreting and/or translating, and a working knowledge of legal terminology, as evidenced by their credential.
5. Professional manner in dealing with others, ability to work as part of a team in meeting Interpreters Unit, Departmental and Court goals. Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy.
6. Good written and verbal communication skills; solid computer skills such as Microsoft Office applications.
7. Adherence to the Supreme Court of Ohio Code of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters and Translators is expected.
   

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Must be Certified by and in good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio and maintain the requirements regarding continuing education credit hours. High School Diploma is required. A degree in a related field is preferred. Four years of experience working in a professional capacity as an interpreter in a complex organization where assignments and clients vary. Court-related or legal experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk throughout all courtrooms and departments in the Cleveland Municipal Court. Specific speech requirements include the ability to speak audibly, to hear and stand or sit for extended periods of time. This position often requires the ability to concentrate and to deliver interpreting services under demanding and noisy circumstances. Must have the ability to adjust to differing voices, tones, accents and speed of speech in performing interpretation duties. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; frequently subject to interruptions, and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Interpreting equipment such as simultaneous audio equipment, telephone or personal computer may be used. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COURT EXPECTATIONS of EMPLOYEE

In fulfilling the responsibilities of this position, the Court expects that the employee will adhere to the mission and values of the Court as well as all Court policies and procedures. In addition, while carrying out the duties of this position, the employee is expected to model high ethical conduct on and off the job and exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor with all Court employees.

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.