Credentialed Court Interpreter (Spanish)

Skagit County•Mount Vernon, WA

About The Position

Provides accurate Spanish-English interpretation between languages for Superior and Juvenile Courts while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to professional interpreter ethics and standards. The position also performs office support related to coordinating and scheduling interpreters for court proceedings and court-managed services. Salary at hire ranges from step 1 through 3 ($34.97–$37.46 per hour), depending on qualifications. Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 10 total steps, with a top step of $46.52 per hour. The position is range 15 of the General (Non-Union) salary schedule. Work takes place in courtrooms, offices, and other legal settings. The position requires prolonged sitting or standing, intense concentration during interpretation sessions, and may involve frequent movement between courtrooms and offices. Danger of physical harm may occasionally be present in the courtroom. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. It may assist with developing interpreter scheduling processes and administrative procedures, provide coverage for related administrative or front-counter functions, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Credentialing as a Spanish interpreter by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts.
At least three years of professional interpreting experience.
Knowledge of court procedures and practices in criminal and civil proceedings.
Knowledge of interpreter ethics, standards of practice, and professional conduct.
Advanced Spanish and English language structure, grammar, pronunciation, idiomatic expressions, and legal terminology.
Knowledge of simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and sight translation techniques.
Knowledge of standard office practices, scheduling, and recordkeeping systems.
Ability to interpret accurately in a legal setting using the mode required, including simultaneous, consecutive, or sight interpretation.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality.
Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in stressful or emotionally charged environments.
Ability to operate office equipment and court technology systems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, attorneys, staff, and the public.
Ability to adapt to changing schedules, workloads, and courtroom demands.
Ability to analyze, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience in a court setting is preferred.
Experience with legal document translation is preferred.
An associate or bachelor's degree in a related field, such as linguistics, Spanish, or legal studies, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and sight translation for judicial officers, attorneys, defendants, witnesses, and other court participants during court proceedings and court-managed services.
Coordinate interpreter needs for in-person, remote, and hybrid court proceedings.
Provide accurate written translations of correspondence and official documents as directed.
Review and edit written translations for accuracy, consistency, and proper use of legal terminology.
Serve as Interpreter Coordinator by managing interpreter requests and responding to interpreter-related inquiries.
Schedule and coordinate spoken-language and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services for court hearings and related proceedings.
Schedule court facilitator appointments for Spanish-speaking clients.
Maintain the interpreter spreadsheet and keep judicial officers and staff informed about pending interpretation needs.
Maintain records and transmit required data to the Administrative Office of the Courts for statistical tracking, reporting, and payment purposes.
Attend meetings related to court interpreting as directed.
Perform administrative support tasks related to court interpreting and other duties of a similar nature as assigned.
May assist with developing interpreter scheduling processes and administrative procedures.
May provide coverage for related administrative or front-counter functions as needed.