Colorado Judicial Branch
Court Translator- Spanish
Job Title
Court Translator- Spanish
Job Code
R41623
Job Series
Court Interpreter
FLSA Status
Exempt
OCC Group
Professional Services (PS)
Signature of the State Court Administrator approval available on file in the Human Resources Division.
General Statement Of Duties
Provides accurate and clear Spanish<>English translation for the Colorado Judicial Department. Translators are responsible for the conversion of written materials from one language into another. Members of this class have attained the professional translation certificate or credential recognized by the Colorado Judicial Department’s Office of Language Access and are in good standing with the Office of Language Access. Employees in this class must maintain such certification or credentialing throughout their employment with the Colorado Judicial Department.
Distinguishing Factors
Positions in this classification are distinguished from other classifications by the professional translation certification or credential recognized by the Colorado Judicial Department’s Office of Language Access. Positions in this classification may require occasional travel.
Essential Functions Of the Position
Serves as translator from English to Spanish, and vice versa.
Reviews documents to determine impediments to translatability and advises the Translation Department Manager of the issues that require addressing so that the original owners/authors may clarify language before the translation process begins.
Completes initial draft translations, works with reviewer or team of reviewers, and submits final translation to the Translation Department Manager.
Maintains a database of all translated documents, signage, etc.
Creates and maintains a glossary of translated legal terms for the Translation Department.
Maintains website translations and related online documents.
Performs urgent document translations through prioritization process, including possible translation of Spanish language narratives on official court forms with an expedited turn-around time.
Assists in the creation of best practices for translation protocols and a style manual for the Translation Department.
Works with translation resources to resolve linguistic issues and concerns.
Participates in committee work regarding language access as needed.
If certified as an interpreter, performs interpreting on occasion to enhance the translator's understanding of court operations and the court experience for any individual with limited English proficiency. If not certified, shadows court interpreters to enhance said understanding.
Serves as a linguistic resource for Spanish court interpreters in the field, researching and providing linguistic support.
Attends ongoing professional improvement training provided or funded by the Office of Language Access as part of continuing education requirements to maintain the highest language abilities.
Maintains accurate records of translating activities and schedules.
Performs various public relations activities such as addressing other agencies as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisor Responsibilities
No formal supervisory responsibility. Responsible for one's own work product and may provide lead function, give advice or may explain work instruction to other interpreters, bilingual court staff or interns.
Minimum Education
All translators must be fluently bilingual in that they must possess a college level vocabulary in both languages and the ability to communicate complex information in both English and Spanish. The translator’s application and written responses to any subsequent interview questions will be reviewed in light of this requirement and fluency level may be subject to examination.
Candidates must be in good standing with the Colorado Judicial Department’s Office of Language Access and must further qualify as follows:
Graduation from high school or equivalent and two years of paid translation experience; a certification from a professional translator’s association (e.g., ATA certification) is preferred.
OR
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (preferably in language translation or another related field) and one year of translation experience; (a certification from a professional translator’s association (e.g., ATA certification) is preferred.
Ability to use software such as MS Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Access), Adobe desktop publishing.
Skill in translating complex and lengthy legal documents from English to Spanish and documents from Spanish to English.
Knowledge of the U.S. legal system, primarily so as to ensure comprehension prior to translating; the specialized vocabulary and terms used in the judicial environment; standard grammar for English and Spanish.
Ability to manage projects according to guidelines and quality standards, with ability to meet established court timelines.
Ability to maintain accurate and timely records including, but not limited to, data entry and collection of data.
Ability to establish work priorities and to work independently.
Ability to serve the public and others with business before the court in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to accept feedback and maintain flexibility in terminology choices.
Excellent communication and writing skills in English and Spanish and stringent attention to detail.
Ability to travel to court locations throughout Colorado.
Preferred experience: three or more years of legal translation experience. Experience in translation project management is also preferred.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific speech requirements include ability to speak audibly, to hear and to stand or sit for extended periods of time. This position often requires the ability to concentrate and to deliver translation services under demanding and moderately noisy circumstances. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and high precarious places. Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; frequently subject to interruptions, and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Interpreting equipment such as assisted listening devices, telephone, or personal computer may be used. Occasional travel may be required.