Spanish Language Interpreter & Translator

Metropolitan Public Defender Service Inc•Hillsboro, OR

1d•$23 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Metropolitan Public Defender (MPD), a nonprofit law firm that contracts with the State of Oregon for public defense services, is seeking a Spanish Language Interpreter & Translator for its Washington County Office. The role converts oral speech and written text between languages in a variety of contexts. Document translation may include legal and medical documents, attorney-client communications, and court notices. Interpretation provides spoken-language assistance for MPD representatives, clients, and other individuals; interpretation may be approximate or exact depending on the occasion. The position also includes some reception and phone-call assistance. The role receives general supervision from the Washington County Office Manager. This is a full-time, non-exempt, union position paying $22.82 to $36.37 per hour. MPD describes its work environment as friendly, cooperative, and respectful. Work is generally sedentary in an office setting, with frequent physical activity such as carrying record boxes weighing up to 10 pounds and stooping to retrieve records from files.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Education or experience working in the legal or social service field.
Experience working with diverse populations and backgrounds.
At least one year of experience involving translating and interpreting.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in English and Spanish, including excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Certification in a state and/or federal court is highly preferred but not required.
Excellent listening skills and auditory recall to provide highly accurate and complete interpretation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to appropriately understand and respond to culturally sensitive situations, perspectives, and phrases.
Ability to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities; arrest and incarceration may preclude employees and applicants.

Responsibilities

Translate written documents, including legal and medical documents, attorney-client communications, and court notices.
Interpret spoken language for MPD representatives, clients, and other individuals, using approximate or exact translation as appropriate to the occasion.
Provide some reception and phone-call assistance.
Maintain confidentiality in client communications and agency records.

Benefits

Medical coverage with a choice of PPO or HDHP.
Dental coverage with a choice of PPO Standard or PPO Enhanced.
Vision coverage.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Basic life, short-term disability, long-term disability, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, 100% employer-paid.
401(k): MPD contributes 6% of annual salary, with full vesting after five years of service.
Paid time off: 24 hours upon hire, accruing up to 80 hours and increasing to 120 hours starting at 24 months.
10 paid holidays and 2 Personal Equity Days.
4 mental health days per year.
Sick leave: 48 hours upon hire, with monthly accrual beginning after six months of employment.