Court Interpreter

Under general supervision of the Court Interpreter Coordinator, to serve as an interpreter of a non-English language into English and vice versa in courtroom proceedings or other settings; to translate written materials, documents and correspondence; and to perform related duties as required.

Incumbents serve as interpreters in courtroom proceedings or other settings requiring the accurate and rapid interpretation of testimony, questioning and cross-examination as well as sight translation of correspondence and legal documents.  

Interpreter services include, but are not limited to, providing simultaneous or consecutive interpretation of court proceedings, court-ordered programs for which an interpreter is required, such as: psychiatric evaluations, interviews with defendants and witnesses, sight translation of court documents, probate investigations, mediation sessions and child-custody evaluations, arraignments, hearings, plea bargains, penalties, bail reviews, probation violations, sentencing, mental competency hearings and other proceedings; interprets verbal testimony, questions, arguments, verdicts and other proceedings in the courtroom for defendants, judges, counsel, jurors, witnesses and others; ensures that defendants, counsel, judges, witnesses and others have a clear and accurate understanding of all court proceedings affecting them; may accompany attorneys, if directed by the Court, to interview inmates in courtroom holding cell facilities.  

Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law.Education
Possession of a High School Diploma or GED

Certification
Possession of active, valid certification as a Court Interpreter by the California State Personnel Board in the non-English language required for the position

Preferred Experience
One year of court experience
Ability to

• Exercise tact, courtesy and patience with public contacts
• Accurately decipher handwriting that is difficult to read
• Interpret information in court files
• Interpret and relay accurate information regarding court matters and cases 
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Speak clearly and enunciate properly before groups and/or individuals
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Conform to the Standards of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including privileged communications between parties
• Learn and apply general courtroom and legal terminology 
• Safely and effectively operate standard office machines and equipment
• Establish and maintain positive, effective work relationships

Special Requirements

• Travel to any assigned court in Kings County as necessary
• Demonstrate fluency in the non-English language required for the position, including understanding of street language, slang expressions, profanity and colloquialisms
• Hearing ability must be at a level sufficient to permit interpretation of verbal court proceedings
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time

Knowledge of

• English and the other language required for the position including proper spelling, grammar, and usage
• Basic legal terminology in English and the other required language
• General Office procedures and operations