First Judicial District of PA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

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Interpreter III (Spanish) - Criminal Trial Division
Union:Non-Union Position
Location:Court Administration
Department:Criminal Trial Division
FT/PT Status:Full Time
Starting Salary:$94,068
  
Job Description

Application Instructions

To be considered for employment at FJD, candidates must submit a completed employment application on our website at https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/cyberweb and click on Apply Now button to create an account or to log into their existing account.

About FJD

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is the Philadelphia County Court System composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. Our mission is to adjudicate cases and provide services to the community within our jurisdiction while ensuring fair, timely, and accessible justice to the people of Philadelphia.

Benefits Summary

Full-time employees of the FJD are eligible for the following benefits:

·     FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA s Key Advantage program.

·     8-weeks of Paid parental leave

·     Generous paid time off: 10 days vacation, 15 sicks days, 5 annual (paid personal) leave days, 12 paid holidays.

·     Comprehensive and affordable health coverage to meet you and your family s needs.

·     Public Service Loan Forgiveness

·     Pension through Philadelphia Municipal Employees Retirement Plan

·     457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plan is tax-advantage retirement plan to accelerate your retirement savings by putting money aside pretax into investment portfolios. This is separate from your pension.

·     Tuition Discounts and Scholarships: FJD participates in the City of Philadelphia s Return to Learning Partnership Program to provide access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Discounts range between 10% to 40%.

About Department

The Criminal Section has jurisdiction over all felony cases and appeals from Municipal Court for a trial de novo (new trial) including a right to a trial by jury. Among the types of cases that fall within the assignments of the Trial Division Criminal Section are homicide cases, capital PCRA cases and felony cases. The Probation Department and Pretrial Services are included in the Criminal Section of the Division.

Position Summary

This is advanced professional work in the interpretation of statements between two or more persons conversing in English and the employee's language specialty and assisting in the training of new interpreters. The languages may involve terminology or idiomatic expressions that are difficult to translate.

An employee in this class has extensive experience as an Interpreter. Employees are able to question the speaker on any point that is not understood. A significant aspect of the work involves establishing effective working relationships and inspiring the confidence of non‑English speaking people and assisting in training new interpreters. The employee is responsible for communicating in a manner most easily understood and preferred. Work also requires a high degree of confidentiality and discretion in the performance of duties.

 

Requirements

  1. AOPC Certified Court Interpreter or reciprocity from another State certifying authority.

AND

  1. Two to four years of experience providing interpreter / translator services in a judicial setting.

  1. Satisfactory clearance of a criminal background investigation.

  2. After meeting minimum standards, successful completion of a panel review and interview process.

  3. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

  4. City residency is not required.

  5. Full Time On-Site position.

Essential Functions

  • Interprets in open court and other departments and agencies for non‑English speaking individuals.

  • Interprets, from English to language specialty, questions asked of non‑English speaking person, both in person and by telephone.

  • Translates documents, notices and pamphlets for non‑English speaking clients.

  • Interprets written or spoken instructions for a non‑English speaking person.

  • Translates correspondence.

  • Maintains confidentiality of information acquired during interpretation session as required by professional code of ethics.

  • Prepares weekly reports and meets regularly with supervisor to discuss work progress.

  • Assists with training of new interpreters and mentors current interpreters

 

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related work as required.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard courtroom conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Extensive knowledge of the practices and techniques of language translation.
  • Thorough knowledge of the grammar and use of language specialty and English.
  • Considerable knowledge of medical and legal terminology.
  • Considerable knowledge of the colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions of language specialty.
  • Considerable knowledge of accepted ethical standards and applicable statutes or rules governing qualifications for interpreters in selected settings.
  • Some knowledge of supervision techniques and practices.
  • Ability to convey communication content and affect using the language most easily understood by the persons involved in the communication transaction.
  • Ability to translate routine correspondence into language specialty.
  • Ability to exercise judgment in assessing whether or not communication is being understood.
  • Ability to interpret for long periods of time.
  • Ability to maintain impartiality with regard to the setting and/or persons involved.
  • Ability to establish effective working relationships with associates and the general public.


The First Judicial District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.