Interpreter - B (Spanish)

Please note: Interpreter positions are floater assignments based on regions selected on applicants submitted supplemental questionnaire.

Performs a wide variety of language interpretation services for the Superior Court of California and for parties to proceedings, including witnesses, defendants, attorneys, other court personnel, and the public. This is a single level classification. Employees in this classification perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings and other related interpreting services as needed. Employees in this classification also perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of text) as needed.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Interprets from and into English and the applicable non-English language simultaneous and consecutive modes at court proceedings and for other court-related departments at the direction of the court.

Makes sight translations for the benefit of the court of documents including, but not limited to, court petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms, and other documents.

Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other court-related departments at the direction of the court.

Notifies the court of any issues or situations that may impede the interpreters' performance.

Researches and understands terminology used in court and functions of the court, which may include but not limited to legal, technological, scientific, and/or medical terminology.

Reviews the daily docket and receives daily calendar assignments from the Court Services Coordinator (or designee) and accurately completes daily activity logs, or other documentation as required.

Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned.

License or Certifications:

Possess and maintain a valid certificate as a "Certified Court Interpreter" issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California.

Knowledge of: Correct usage of grammar and vocabulary of English and non-English language, provided the source language speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary. Understanding of legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language specified. Adherence to interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule, 2.890, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.

Ability to: Orally convey the meaning from and into English and the applicable non-English language by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes; the meaning must be conveyed accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting. Remain impartial, interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations. Familiarity with the general range of regional and cultural variations in the specific language. Conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of the specified language.

Use office equipment, including computers, software, telephones, and copiers, as required by the assignment. Use of transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court for simultaneous interpretation. Understand and adhere to California statutes, rules of court and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation. Interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work. Tolerate exposure to disturbing evidence and testimony. Graphic photographs of traumatic events such as murder or domestic violence, evidence such as syringes, drugs, chemicals, bodily fluids, and stained clothing. Tolerate exposure to allergens such as perfumes, dust, and various unpleasant odors such as unwashed clothing or persons or other materials. Tolerate exposure to defendants and witnesses who are potentially verbally and/or physically abusive.

Special Requirement: This position requires a valid California Driver License to perform the essential functions of the job. Incumbents are required to meet the Court's guidelines as established within the Court Vehicle Policy. Failure to meet the requirements may lead to immediate termination.

Physical Characteristics: Stamina to sit and/or stand and concentrate for extended periods; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; hearing to understand conversations when background noise is present and to communicate with the public and court staff.

Working Environment: Work is performed in the courtroom and related court facilities and includes but is not limited to contact with judges, staff attorneys, and the public. The position requires the ability to concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment. Courtroom interpreting requires the ability to adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed. Interpreters come into contact with a wide variety of people from differing educational and economic backgrounds. Travel within the county is required. Travel between counties is required if the interpreter accepts cross assignments.

Clarifying Statement: This job description will be reviewed periodically and responsibilities change with business necessity. Principal and marginal job functions are subject to modification. This job description is not intended and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this job.

SELECTION PROCEDURES: The examination may consist of an evaluation, a written-pass/fail and oral – 100%. All applications and submitted reference materials will be reviewed. The evaluation will be conducted to review the candidate's qualifications for the minimum qualifications for the position. Those qualified may be invited to participate in the examination process. A written exam assesses a candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities for the position; candidates must obtain a minimum passing score of 70% in order to advance to the oral interview examination. The Riverside Superior Court of California reserves the right to modify the above stated examination components and / or weights. Should this be necessary, candidates will be notified of the specific examination components and weights prior to the administration of any examination. The selected candidate will be subjected to a pre-employment background check, including live scan fingerprinting and physical. TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Riverside Superior Court of California requires that all new employees provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity. The Riverside Superior Court of California conforms to State and Federal obligations to make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. The Human Resources Department asks that it be advised of special needs at least five days prior to the first test part so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract.

Unit: CWA

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Court Services Supervisor

Amount of Travel Required: Up to 50%

Work Schedule: M – F 8 hrs. per day

Positions Supervised: None