Job Details for Court Interpreter
| Court Name/Organization: | Texas Western District Court |
| Overview of the Position: | The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Court Interpreter, located in Del Rio, Texas. Remote interpreting will be required across the Western District of Texas divisional offices. A Court Interpreter provides interpreting and translation services for Spanish speaking defendants, witnesses, and family members and family members in court related hearings or settings. |
| Location: | Del Rio, TX |
| Opening and Closing Dates: | 12/12/2023 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type: | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade: | JSP 13 - JSP 14 ($98,496 - $116,393) (based on qualifications and experience) |
| Link to Court Careers Information: | https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/txwd |
| Announcement Number: | USDC 23-17 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
- Provides simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, and sight translation services during in-court hearings related to all stages of the criminal process by transferring the message from English into Spanish, and from Spanish into English
- Provides interpreting services in the relay mode with interpreters of indigenous languages from Mexico. Acts as facilitator of telephonic events in the courtroom for interpreting events in other-than-Spanish languages.
- Provides interpreting services nationwide as part of the Telephone Interpreting Program, with priority to the Western District of Texas. This responsibility entails researching the assigned cases and preparing for the event following established protocols.
- Responsible for scheduling and coordinating contract interpreters, including contracting interpreters for the Telephone Interpreting Program, as needed. Coordinate with clerk’s office and chambers staff to meet the interpreting needs of the court, as well as locating and confirming any additional contract interpreters needed to provide services
- Prepares for assignments by reading case files and conducting terminology research, as necessary
- Prepares written translations of a variety of materials for the court, ranging from general correspondence to the court from defendants and/or family members, to complex legal documents from other countries. Assignments may also include the translation of official forms.
- Participates in working groups that already exist or may be formed with the objective of completing special projects such as glossaries or translations
- Contributes to or prepares presentations on translation/interpretation-related topics as part of staff meetings or other professional development efforts
- Must have the ability to remain impartial
- The staff interpreter is responsible for assigned administrative duties and clerical work and keeps in communication with other staff members and the supervisor to accommodate the court’s interpreting needs
- Provides relief coverage as needed to the divisional offices across the Western District of Texas
- Other duties as assigned
Qualification
- Experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic levels is desirable
- Extensive knowledge of legal, highly technical, and colloquial vocabulary in English and Spanish, and familiarity with the regional border language characteristics/slang of the southwest area of the United States is preferred but not required
- Membership in an interpreting/translation professional association is highly desirable
How To Apply
Qualified candidates may apply by submitting a letter of interest (include job title/number listed above), resume, copy of your Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for Spanish/English certificate, e-mail address, and a daytime phone number to: www.txwd.uscourts.gov > Court Info > Jobs > Current Employment Opportunities & Online Application.
Preference will be given to applicants who submit application materials before 5 p.m. CT Friday, June 30, 2023.
Applicant Requirements and Conditions:
- All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or must be a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) and seeking U.S. citizenship
- The Court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocation
- If a similar position becomes vacant, within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the court agency may select a candidate without re-posting the job
- Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation is needed
- This position is subject to mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payments
- Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed
- The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions or withdraw a job announcement, without notice
- Employees of the U.S. Courts serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at-will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause)
- Employees will be hired provisionally pending the results of a background investigation
- All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees (available for review upon request).
- Only the most qualified candidates will be invited for a personal interview
- Other conditions not listed above may be applicable
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.