Interpreter II (Spanish)

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania (“FJD”) is the Philadelphia County Court System and is composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. The mission of the FJD is to adjudicate cases and provide services to the community within our jurisdiction while ensuring fair, timely, and accessible justice to the people of Philadelphia. The FJD is part of the Unified Judicial System reporting in to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Job Description

This is professional work interpreting statements between two or more persons conversing in English and the employees' language specialty. The languages may involve terminology or idiomatic expressions that are difficult to translate.

Employees are able to question the speaker on any point that is not understood. A significant aspect of the work involves establishing effective working relationships and inspiring confidence of non-English speaking people. The employee is responsible for communicating in a manner most easily understood and preferred.

Work also requires a high degree of confidentiality and discretion. The interpreter must deliver services in a manner that is consistent with the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for judiciary interpreters promulgated by the First Judicial District and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

· Interprets in open court and other departments and agencies for non-English speaking individuals.

· Interprets, from English to language specialty, questions asked of non-English speaking person both in person and by telephone.

· Translates various correspondences such as documents, notices, pamphlets for non-English speaking clients.

· Interprets written or spoken instructions for a non-English speaking person.

· Gives information in language specialty to those inquiring about activities and facilities which the city makes available to the public.

· Maintains confidentiality of information acquired during interpretation session as required by professional code of ethics.

· Keeps a record of requests for interpreters as well as assignments.

· Prepares weekly reports and meets regularly with supervisor to discuss work progress.

· Directs other language needs to appropriate department.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard courtroom conditions. Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Extensive knowledge of language translation practices and techniques of language.

· Thorough knowledge of the grammar and use of language specialty and English.

· Considerable knowledge of colloquialisms, idiomatic expressions of language specialty.

· Considerable knowledge of accepted ethical standards, applicable statutes or rules governing

interpreters, and medical and legal terminology.

· Ability to convey content and effect of the communication transmitted using the language most

easily understood by the persons involved in the communication transaction.

· Ability to translate routine correspondence into language specialty.

· Ability to exercise judgment to assess whether or not communication is being understood.

· Ability to interpret for long periods of time.

· Ability to maintain impartiality with regard to the setting and/or persons involved.

· Ability to establish effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Qualifications

1. Certification from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), or certification from another State program is a requirement of this position.

2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferred.

AND

3. Four years of experience providing interpreter/translator services in a judicial setting preferred.

4. Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation.

5. After meeting minimum standards, successful completion of a panel review and interview process.

6. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

7. City residency is not required.

8. Covid-19 Vaccination is recommended.

Additional Information

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Salary Range: $78,724 - $87,723 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 4 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx