Court Interpreter (Spanish) - Hennepin County, Scheduling & Interpreting Unit - Minnesota Judicial Branch

Hennepin County District Court seeks to fill one Spanish Court Interpreter position. This position will provide court-related interpreter services, translate court documents, and assist in district training programs to raise awareness on cultural, interpreter and bilingual issues.

This position is classified as a Court Interpreter and will have an office in the Scheduling and Interpreter Unit, located downtown Minneapolis in the Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street, Suite C-2475 (24th Floor), but will perform interpreter services at any of the district court locations. Typical hours for this position are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, but may vary depending on the assignment and division needs.

The expected starting salary for external candidates is at least $27.95 per hour and may be higher, depending on qualifications. This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and are eligible for State of Minnesota employee benefits.
 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Provide accurate in-person Spanish interpretation both simultaneous and consecutive, of court proceedings to ensure access to justice for litigants, witnesses and judicial officers, as well as for customers at public service counters or over the telephone on an on-call basis.
• Interpret for the court and court customers using a variety of remote technology mediums to increase timely access to the resolution of cases.
• Translate or proof translations of a wide variety of court documents to meet the needs of the court.
• Provide guidance to Hennepin County District Court contract interpreters and agencies to facilitate quality services for the court.
• Assist with training programs provided to court staff, judicial officers and contract interpreters to raise cultural awareness on interpreter and bilingual issues.
• Assist the division and court administration with developing interpreter policies and procedures by providing expertise and insight into court interpreter services.
• Contribute to the business need of the division by assisting court administration with developing and facilitating training programs, interpreter billings, technology, and scheduling.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education

• Graduation from high school, or equivalent.

Certification/Licensure

Qualifications for employment as a Court Interpreter are governed by Court Policy 513(c) Court Interpreter Roster Qualifications Policy.  Qualified applicants are either certified or meet the requirements for employee court interpreters.

For applicants who are certified court interpreters in the target language: 

• Meet the requirements under Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 8.01 to be included on the statewide roster.
• Achieved certification status under part IV.B of Court Policy 513(c) Court Interpreter Roster Qualifications Policy.
• Successful completion of a criminal background study.

OR, if the selected applicant is not certified in the target language per policy 513(c), they will: 

• Meet the following requirements as part of a contingent offer of employment:
  • Achieve a passing score on the English Proficiency Test provided by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) in Minnesota or another state. Or if approved by the Program Coordinator, achieve a score of Advanced Mid or higher on an English Oral Proficiency interview that is approved by the Program Coordinator.
  • Achieve a score of Superior in an Oral Proficiency Interview language assessment in the target language, administered by Language Testing International 
  • Successful completion of a criminal background study.
• Meet the following requirements under Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 8.01 to be included on the statewide roster within 30 days of start date: 
  • Successfully complete the New Interpreter Orientation as defined by the Program Coordinator.
  • Achieve a passing score on the Ethics and Legal Terminology portion of the NCSC Written Test. 
  • File a written affidavit which will be effective during the length of employment, agreeing to comply with the Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Minnesota State Court System.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and experience using remote technology and computerized office programs.
• Demonstrated ability in navigating difficult situations and resolving issues in a respectful and courteous manner, including using alternative approaches to achieve outcomes.
• Experience and skill in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and sight translation.
• Ability to be flexible and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to make work-related decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including the ability to apply the Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters .
• Experience and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds within and outside of the Judicial Branch
• Ability to contribute to project work groups and successfully participate in project initiatives related to enhancing interpreter services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Achieved certification status under part IV.B of Court Policy 513(c) Court Interpreter Roster Qualifications Policy
• Experience providing interpretation in a work setting.
• Experience providing interpretation within a court setting.
• Experience interpreting either remotely via Zoom or in person using interpreting equipment. 
• Knowledge of culture and customs of the groups and communities using the target language.
• Knowledge of the organization, operation, function, and jurisdiction of the court.
• Knowledge of court proceedings and legal and forensic terminology.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by September 29, 2024, at 11:59pm.
• All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.
• Please contact Human Resources with questions regarding this posting via email: 4th.Human.Resources@courts.state.mn.us; or phone: 612-348-2298.