Staff Interpreter - Spanish Language - PDD Worcester

Committee for Public Counsel•Worcester, MA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts' public defender agency, is seeking a Staff Interpreter for its Worcester Office of the Public Defender Division. This role provides essential interpreting and translating services for Spanish-speaking clients, attorneys, and staff. The position is based in Worcester but requires travel throughout Worcester County and to Framingham. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position (35 hours/week) dedicated to supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals through zealous advocacy and promoting just public policy. CPCS is committed to equal justice, human dignity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring representation for clients and fostering a respectful work environment for staff.

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.