Court Interpreter (Punjabi Language) at Superior Court of California, County of Merced – Merced, California

Performs a wide variety of language interpretation activities on an assigned and as needed basis for the Court and for parties to proceedings, including witnesses, defendants, attorneys, other court personnel, and the public. Employees in this classification perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings and other related interpreting services as needed. The employee may also perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of text). May translate written documents at discretion of interpreter.

Duties and Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

Will train and participate in the following:

1. Interprets from and into English and the applicable non-English language using simultaneous and consecutive modes at court proceedings and for other court-related departments at the direction of the court.
2. Makes sight translations for the benefit of the court of documents including, but not limited to, court petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms, and short documents introduced as evidence.
3. Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other court-related departments at the direction of the court.
4. Interprets between languages in court proceedings.
5. Sight translate written documents. May translate written documents upon oral agreement at discretion of interpreter.
6. Brings to the court's attention any items that may impede the interpreters' performance.
7. Researches and understands legal terminology used in court and functions of the court.
8. Reviews the daily calendar and coordinates with Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator (or other supervisor) to determine which courts and proceedings require an interpreter and accurately completes daily activity logs or other paperwork as required. Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing general court information to the non-English speaking public.
9. Attend training as offered and/or directed. Travel to off-site courts, as needed.
10. Follow Court Rules and Regulations, Safety Procedures and Court Code of Ethics.
11. Must, at all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior with co-workers and management.
12. Follow verbal and written directions.
13. Maintain professional appearance and demeanor.
14. Train and assist co-workers.
15. Operate and maintain various office equipment and machines (including, but not limited to, computer, photocopier, multifunction telephone, transmitter and receiver equipment.

Supervisory Duties:
None

WORK HOURS
Normally between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. per court needs

Possession of a valid Certificate as a "Certified Court Interpreter" issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California, or registered as a Court Interpreter by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California.

Ability to perform the following essential functions accurately and efficiently:

1. Orally convey the meaning from and into English and the applicable non-English language by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes; the meaning must be conveyed accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting.
2. Sight translate written documents from and into English and the applicable non-English language.
3. Correct usage of grammar and vocabulary of English and non-English language specified, provided the source language speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary.
4. Ability to remain impartial. The ability to interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations.
5. Knowledge and understanding of legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language specified.
6. Familiarity with the general range of regional and cultural variations in the specified language. Ability to conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of specified language.
7. Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or other regulations.
8. Must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
9. Ability to use office equipment, including computer, telephone, and copiers as required by the assignment. Use of transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court for simultaneous interpretation.
10. Ability to understand and adhere to California statutes, rules of court and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation.
11. Knowledge of and adherence to interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule, 984.4, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.
12. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, supervisors, judges, commissioners, independent contractors and other management. Work effectively with and assist individuals of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and legal representatives in providing information about court functions and proceedings.
13. Valid California Driver's License or self-arranged transportation between courts, if required. Driver must have acceptable driving record.
14. Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check.
15. Be dependable, punctual and have good attendance.

Work Environment:

Office environment in older building with varying degrees of heat and cold air.

Interaction with court divisions requires travel indoors and outside over uneven ground and pavement and in all types of weather.

High noise level, at times.

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting and/or standing for extended periods and movement between office and courtrooms. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

Work is performed in the courtroom and related court facilities and includes contact with judges, staff, attorneys, and the public. The position requires the ability to concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment. Courtroom interpreting requires the ability to adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed. Interpreters come into contact with a wide variety of people from differing educational and economic backgrounds. Travel within and between counties may be required.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.