INTERPRETER LANGUAGE/COURT SENIOR

at  Travis County

JOB SUMMARY

Provides language interpretation services for the court. Schedules and coordinates interpreter services for the court and department.
This position will be working in Travis County’s new Counsel at First Appearance (CAFA) program, which is planned to eventually become a 24-hour operation. Travis County will be providing attorneys (defense and prosecution) to arrested persons during the magistration process.
As a part of CAFA, this position will be expected to work in the evenings, weekends, and holidays on a rotation basis.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Linguistics, Communications, Liberal Arts, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND three (3) years directly related interpreting or translating experience, including one (1) year experience in court interpreting.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Licensed Court Interpreter issued by the Texas Judicial Branch Commission to interpret court proceedings.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Issues and terminology of interpreter/translator profession.
• Fundamentals of court interpretation.
• Guidelines of judiciary interpreters/translators.
• Standard practices and ethical standards in interpreting/transliterating.
• Methods of expressive and voice interpreting/transliterating and their applications (e.g., Simultaneous and Consecutive).
• Legal terminology, procedures and court decorum.
• Juvenile justice/criminal justice systems.
• Computer software applications, including word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, graphics and other related packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Coordinating and prioritizing the work and activities of self.
• English language vocabulary.
• Dealing with hostile, abusive or irrational individuals.
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Interpret accurately from one language into another in court proceedings.
• Listen attentively for long periods of time.
• Prepare accurate and complete records, reports and statistics.
• Manage time well and perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
• Perform in a stressful environment, while maintaining a professional manner.
• Continue professional growth through continuing education.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, children, judges and the general public.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interprets spoken statements simultaneously and consecutively from one language into another in court proceedings, hearings, functions and related interviews. Answers to and interprets for specialized or assigned functions, as required. Translates documents, forms and other related materials used in court proceedings and County departments. Transcribes and translates court/departmental documents.
• Receives and processes interpreter requests. Maintains calendar for scheduled appointments. Schedules and coordinates with outside agencies to secure interpreters proficient in languages other than Spanish. Provides training of new contract interpreters, as required. Creates and maintains service records of activities and participants. Prepares reports and statistics.
• Provides advocacy regarding access according to any and all laws. Provides emergency training and orientation to interpreters without legal experience.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.