Staff Interpreter - Spanish Language - PDD Malden

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Malden, MA

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking applications for a Staff Interpreter position in the Malden Office of the Public Defender Division. This position will provide interpreting and translating services for Spanish speaking clients and be based in the Malden Office but will be expected to provide interpreter services to CPCS staff and clients throughout Middlesex County and Salem as well. This is a full-time position (35 hours/week) and is benefits eligible. We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all. The Committee for Public Counsel Services is creating a new Staff Interpreter position to provide interpreting and translating services for PDD Malden attorneys and other staff and Spanish speaking clients, witnesses, and others. This position will be based in the Malden Office but will be expected to support CPCS staff and clients in Middlesex County and in Salem. 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 Malden 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
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

Nice To Haves

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