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Home Careers Job Descriptions Court Interpreter
Court Interpreter
 

Court Interpreter Job Description

Job Title: Court Interpreter
Job Code: R41621
Job Series: Court Interpreter
FLSA Status: Exempt
OCC Group: Professional Services (PS)

Signature of the State Court Administrator approval available on file in the Human Resources Division.

General Statement Of Duties:
Provides accurate and clear interpretation services in complex matters between English and the target (foreign) for the courts and probation departments of the Colorado Judicial Department.  Members of this class have attained the interpreter certification credential from the Colorado Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Certification Program and are in good standing with the with the Court Interpreter Certification Program.  Employees in this class must maintain such certification throughout their employment with the Colorado Judicial Department.
Distinguishing Factors:
Positions in this classification are distinguished from other classifications by the professional language certification achieved through the Colorado Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Certification Program.  Positions in this classification may require occasional travel.
Essential Functions Of the Position:
Interprets accurately and completely between English and the foreign language using the three modes of interpretation; simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation and sight translation.
 
Provides interpretation and linguistic communication services in complex and evidentiary court and probation matters for defendants, clients, witnesses, litigants, and court and probation staff.
 
Some positions may assist the Managing Court Interpreter in evaluating staff interpreter proficiency and the proficiency of free-lance interpreters by reviewing interpreters work.
 
Provide assistance based on personal experience and training and knowledge of the language (including idioms and regional phrasing, appropriate language matches for legal and general terminology, numbers names dates and register/style).
 
Provides interpretation services for complex and evidentiary matters in an impartial manner without regard to the content of the communication in accordance with accepted methods of practice and standards as prescribed by the Colorado Judicial Department Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters.
 
Provides interpretation services and linguistic communication assistance for the more complex and evidentiary types of events such as in-court proceedings, trials, arraignments, hearings, court conferences, plea-bargains or related in-court functions.
 
Interprets for court or probation staff or related judicial contacts or interviews in providing non-legal general information to the non-English speaking public and may facilitate bilingual communication regarding court matters, forms, dates, etc.
 
Some positions may provide telephonic interpretation services or assistance where required.
 
Some positions may travel to courts in other jurisdictions as assigned to provide interpreter services.
 
Some positions may assist with statistical analysis of interpreter contacts and interpreter scheduling.
 
Attends meetings and training as required.
 
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisor Responsibilities:
No formal supervisory responsibility.  Responsible for one's own work product and may provide lead function, give advice or may explain work instruction to other interpreters, bilingual court staff or interns.
Minimum Education:
All interpreters must be fluently bilingual in that they must possess a college level vocabulary in both languages and the ability to communicate complex information in both English and the interpreter’s working language.  The interpreter’s application and written responses to any subsequent interview questions will be reviewed in light of this requirement and fluency level may be subject to examination.
 
Candidates must possess and maintain a Colorado Certified Interpreter credential and be in good standing with the Colorado Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Certification Program and must further qualify as follows:
 
Graduation from high school or equivalent and two years of paid experience working in a professional capacity as an interpreter with non-English speaking persons.
 
A composite score of 80% or more on the Consortium Interpreter Examination may substitute for one year of the required professional interpretation experience.
 
OR
 
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in linguistics, cultural issues, public or court administration or related field and one year of experience interpreting in judicial, law enforcement, legal or related field working in a professional capacity with non-English speaking persons in a complex organization where assignments and clients vary.
 
A composite score of 80% or more on the Consortium Interpreter Examination may substitute for one year of the required professional interpretation experience.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk.  The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific speech requirements include ability to speak audibly, to hear and to stand or sit for extended periods of time.  This position often requires the ability to concentrate and to deliver interpreting services under demanding and noisy circumstances.  Must have the ability to adjust to differing voices, tones, accents and speed of speech in performing interpretation duties.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and high precarious places.  Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; frequently subject to interruptions, and multiple calls and inquiries.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Interpreting equipment such as simultaneous audio equipment, telephone, or personal computer may be used.  Frequent work day and overnight travel may be required.
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