POSITION:   Interpreter II (Spanish)
Courtroom Operations
Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Trial Division

                        (Open to new hires, promotion, or transfer)

SALARY: $76,246 - $84,962 (G30)

FILING DEADLINE: This is a continuous posting with no filing deadline. The purpose of this position is to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies within the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Certification from the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts, or certification from another State program.
2. Graduation from a recognized training program for interpreters/translators.
3. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferred

   AND

4. Four years of experience providing interpreter/translator services in a judicial setting.
5. Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation.
6. After meeting minimum standards, successful completion of a panel review and interview process.
7. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
8. Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is required.

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is professional work interpreting, in a professional manner, all court-related proceedings for individuals with limited English proficiency.  The interpreter is expected to impartially interpret statements between two or more persons conversing in English and the employee’s language specialty.  The languages may involve terminology or idiomatic expressions difficult to translate. 

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 confidence of non-English speaking people.  The employee is responsible for communicating in a manner most easily understood and preferred.  Work also requires a high degree of confidentiality and discretion. The interpreter must deliver services in a manner that is consistent with the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for judiciary interpreters promulgated by the First Judicial District and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

• 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 various correspondences such as documents, notices, pamphlets for non-English speaking clients.
• Interprets written or spoken instructions for a non-English speaking person.
• Gives information in language specialty to those inquiring about activities and facilities which the city makes available to the public.
• Maintains confidentiality of information acquired during interpretation session as required by professional code of ethics.
• Keeps a record of requests for interpreters as well as assignments.
• Prepares weekly reports and meets regularly with supervisor to discuss work progress.
• Directs other language needs to appropriate department.

• Extensive knowledge of language translation practices and techniques of language.
• Thorough knowledge of the grammar and use of language specialty and English.
• Considerable knowledge of colloquialisms, idiomatic expressions of language specialty.
• Considerable knowledge of accepted ethical standards, applicable statutes or rules governing interpreters, and medical and legal terminology.
• Ability to convey content and affect of the communication transmitted 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 to assess 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 JudicialDistrict is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the FirstJudicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualifiedindividuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees andincumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.