Court Interpreter - Public Defender's Office (Legal)
Job Code: 45065 Salary Grade: 15 Salary: $23.26/hr - $37.44/hr FLSA: Nonexempt
The purpose of this classification is to translate for the attorneys and staff of the Public Defender's office and Spanish speaking clients, client family members, and the general public.
Essential Functions:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Liaises between department or County staff and Spanish speaking clients; liaises and translates between members of the public, clients, courts, attorneys, social workers or other legal or justice professionals; responds to inquiries whether by person, mail, email, or telephone; conducts ongoing communications and correspondence; handles complaints or complex issues that require translation skills; interprets during interviews, dispositions, hearings, and court proceedings; liaises with new defendants and their families to determine requirements for public defense and to secure background information; and supports defendants and their families when they engage with the justice system (bond, visitation, jail policies, etc.).
Supports public defense attorneys; helps clients request a public defender and interfaces between attorney and client for translation purposes; supports court recorders, attorneys, and staff when needed; schedules appointments with clients, family members, witnesses, social workers, etc.; translates correspondence for attorneys or other office staff; translates legal documents; interprets for intake attorneys during interviews, discovery, and court appearances; transcribes and translates videos from clients, witnesses, or victims; and responds to attorney or client requests for information.
Operates case file system for research and review; reviews court data; answers inquiries from attorneys, clients, and client family members; determines court dates, warrant numbers, charges, case numbers, dispositions, and related police reports; creates and enters information into Spanish client files; alerts staff of possible conflicts in scheduling or legal representation; and conducts general research for office or related agency staff.
Provides administrative support; retrieves, translates, types, and distributes all mail from Spanish speaking; provides information for related agencies to assist with community resources; operates multiple telephone lines; supports supervisor, attorneys, administrative staff, or reception staff as needed; attends meetings on behalf of the PD office; translates and transcribes audio and video records; and coordinates meetings between clients and office or agency staff.
Monitors case status; monitors case files for attorneys, clients,and family members for court schedules and dates; reviews intake files; and logs interviews requiring Spanish translations, including staff present, case numbers, and relevant references.
Provides staff support; may assist in training new administrative staff and new attorneys; supports (covers) staff during leave or short-staff situations; monitors all cases involving Spanish speaking clients to ensure proactive approach; and monitors closed cases to ensure correct completion procedures
Minimum Qualifications: Associate degree in Criminology or Languages; three years of experience in criminal justice; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license; and must possess and maintain Spanish Interpreter certification.
Supplemental Information: Must have prior work experience as an Interpreter and must be court-certified.
