Interpreter Services Administrative Specialist

The Seattle Municipal Court's (SMC) mission is to provide a forum for people to resolve alleged violations of the law in a respectful, independent, and impartial manner. The Court is dedicated to advancing social justice issues by supporting personal, structural, and systemic change in our community, and building a diverse workforce. The Court works collaboratively to realize the City's vision of racial equity by participating in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI). SMC is a highly innovative and progressive court with a community-based approach to judicial administration. 

SMC provides services to Limited English Proficient (LEP), deaf or hearing-impaired individuals in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and RCWs 2.42 and 2.43. In one of the most diverse cities in the nation, SMC Interpreter Services has scheduled interpreters in 130 languages and currently schedules interpreters for over 8000 events a year.
 
Interpreter Services is currently accepting applications from qualified candidates for a temporary, part-time Interpreter Services Administrative Specialist position that reports to the Interpreter Services Strategic Advisor. The Interpreter Services Administrative Specialist is responsible for scheduling interpreters for LEP or hearing-impaired participants in judicial proceedings at SMC. The person in this role will support Interpreter Services in scheduling interpreters for court hearings, trials, Customer Services, Day Reporting, Probation, and attorney-client interviews.

*Please note that this is a part-time position expected to work 20-30 hours per week. This temporary assignment is expected to last at until August 2027. This role may also provide support in other areas of the Court's Operations Department. Work performed for the Interpreter Services Department is expected to be performed in person.

You will be successful in this role if you can: 

• Provide excellent customer service
• Accurately navigate and update databases
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and language abilities
• Stay organized and adapt to shifting priorities
• Communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally

Process Requests

• Organize and prioritize interpreter requests received from the Municipal Court Information System 
• Complete online interpreter request forms, submitted via email, telephone or in person.
• Respond to and process same-day interpreter requests and changes using the web-based interpreter scheduling system.
• Contact interpreters to schedule them for same day and future events. 

Schedule Interpreters

• Arrange assignments using the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) list of credentialed interpreters. When necessary, review qualifications of other non-credentialed court interpreters.
• Verify interpreter's clearance status when scheduling for interviews at the King County Jail.
• Communicate with the court as needed regarding availability of interpreters.
• Contact interpreters by telephone, email or in person for new, rescheduled or canceled assignments. Document calendar changes and updates.
• Monitor progress of all outstanding requests and track interpreters' availability.

Provide Clerical Support

• Answer phones and advise interpreters of any walk-in or add-on cases requiring immediate attention.
• Promptly answer email requests for interpreter services.
• Receive, date stamp and file interpreter invoices.
• Enter processed invoices information into the AOC Interpreter Web application.
• Assist with conference calls or video calls between parties, when an interpreter is involved.
• Maintain adequate supplies. Maintain interpreter equipment properly charged, cleaned and stored.
• Bring recommendations and/or issues to the Interpreter Services Strategic Advisor for review and resolution.
• Review incoming mail and take appropriate actions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
2+ years of office clerical support experience (or a combination of education, training, and/or experience which provides evidence of the ability to perform work of the class).
 
Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree;
• 3+ years of experience providing clerical support and excellent customer service.
• Strong written, oral, active listening and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with and serve interpreters, court personnel, attorneys, and investigators;
• Is professional and culturally sensitive when working with people from various cultural backgrounds and individuals who speak with strong accents;
• Highly organized with the ability to plan and coordinate complex schedules and handle multiple deadlines;
• Capacity to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
• Experience updating and navigating databases and an aptitude for learning new systems;
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• Able to exercise discretion and maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
• Washington State registered or certified court interpreter.