Staff Interpreter - Spanish Language - PDD Worcester

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Worcester, MA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking applications for a Staff Interpreter position in the Worcester Office of the Public Defender Division. This position will provide interpreting and translating services for Spanish speaking clients and be based in the Worcester Office but will be expected to provide interpreter services throughout Worcester County and in Framingham. This is a full-time position (35 hours/week) and is benefits eligible. CPCS fights for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for the rights of individuals and promoting just public policy. CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters. The clients represented are diverse, creating a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency. The Public Defender Division of CPCS, Worcester Office is located in downtown Worcester. The Staff Interpreter is part of the defense team and must adhere to the rules of confidentiality under the attorney-client relationship. Due to the nature of the work, there will be times when the Staff Interpreter is required to meet with clients and witnesses on short notice and there is an expectation that the Staff Interpreter is flexible with their schedule and available to meet outside of normal business hours. The Staff Interpreter will report to the Public Defender Division Worcester Office’s Attorney in Charge.

Requirements

A minimum of one year of interpreting and translating experience in the legal or similar field;
Fluent in written and speaking English and Spanish and mastery of specialized legal vocabulary for both languages;
Proven ability to provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting and translating;
A Massachusetts Office of Language Access interpreter certification or NCSC Interpreter Certification;
A valid and active Massachusetts driver’s license and full access to a dependable automobile and a willingness to travel to a variety of locations both during and outside of normal working hours;
Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

Nice To Haves

An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Interpreter Studies or a certificate of completion of an Interpreter Training Program may be substituted for the required experience.
A Masters’ Degree in a field of languages, preferably linguistics, translation, English or Spanish preferred.
A demonstrated awareness and sensitivity of cultural differences;
Capacity to interact effectively with many kinds of individuals in a variety of settings;
Excellent listening skills and auditory recall to remember spoken words and to accurately reproduce them in the desired language;
Ability to appropriately understand and respond to culturally sensitive situations, perspectives, and phrases;
Ability to work well under pressure and in intense situations.

Responsibilities

Providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation services in legal subject matters;
Providing interpretation services for attorneys and other staff with Spanish speaking clients in our offices, courthouses, jails and custodial facilities. Any and all interpreting services will be rendered only in the presence of a CPCS attorney, social worker, investigator, or any other CPCS employee representing clients;
Ensuring accurate communication between CPCS staff and clients, witnesses, etc. taking into consideration the cultural and linguistic differences;
Translating and translating legal documents, discovery, and other materials;
Transcribing and translating 911 calls, video and audio recordings, etc;
Accompanying attorneys, social workers, investigators, or other staff in need of interpreting services to correctional facilities or other work locations;
Going into the field with investigators, attorneys, social workers, or other staff to interview clients, witnesses, etc;
Assisting CPCS staff and administration with special projects and assignments related to the field of interpreting for indigent clients;
Ability to provide interpretation services outside of normal business hours as needed;
Other duties as assigned.