Court Interpreter

Definition

Performs a wide variety of language interpretation activities on an assigned and as needed basis for the Superior Courts of California and for parties to proceedings, other court personnel, and the public and performs other job related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

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. The employee may also perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of text).

Interprets from and into English and the applicable non-English language using 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.
• Interprets between languages in court proceedings.
• Brings to the court's attention any items that may impede the interpreters' performance.
• Researches and understands legal terminology used in court and functions of the court.
• Receives daily calendar assignments from the Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator or Supervisor and accurately completes daily activity logs, or other documentation as required.
• Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing general court information at an information counter to the non-English speaking public and processes documents related to interpretation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• English and applicable non-English grammar and vocabulary, provided the source language speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary.
• Legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language specified.
• The general range of regional and cultural variations in the specified language.
• Interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule, 984.4, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.

Skill and 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, conveying the meaning accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting.
• Concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed.
• Interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations.
• Conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of the specified language.
• Use office equipment, including computer, telephone, and copiers, as required by the assignment; and 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

Licenses and Certificates

Certificate: Possession of a valid Certificate as a \"Certified Court Interpreter\" issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California, or registered as a Court Interpreter by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California.

License: A valid California Class \"C\" driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the courtroom and related court facilities and includes, but is not limited to, contact with judges, staff, attorneys, other court users and the public. Interpreters come into contact with a wide variety of people from differing educational and economic backgrounds. Travel within the county is required. If cross assignments are accepted, travel between counties may be required.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

Sit and/or stand for extended periods; corrected hearing, speech and vision to normal range.