Colorado Judicial Branch
Interpreter Scheduler
Job Title
Interpreter Scheduler
Job Code
R41651
Job Series
Interpreter Scheduler
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
Directs the work of language interpreters and provides accurate and clear interpretation services between English and the target (foreign) language for the courts and probation departments of the Colorado Judicial Department. Members of this class have not yet attained interpreter certification from the Colorado Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Certification Program or other recognized credential, but are pursuing certification through training and testing. Employees in this class are in good standing with the Colorado Court Interpreter Certification Program and can remain in this class while pursuing certification up to a maximum of two (2) years.
Distinguishing Factors
Positions in this classification may require occasional travel. This classification is distinguished from a Managing Interpreter classification due to the non-certified status of the Interpreter Scheduler. Interpreter Schedulers may perform their duties in more than one judicial district. Interpreter Scheduler positions will be allocated in accordance with the Interpreter Staffing Allocation Policy. Supervision is received from the Chief Judge or the District Administrator.
This classification is not intended for occupancy by one candidate for more than a two year period. Incumbents in this classification must actively pursue certification by sitting for all offered certification exams recognized by the Court Interpreter Program or submit written justification as to why s/he was unable to take the exam. This classification may only be used when no certified interpreter in good standing with the Colorado Court Interpreter Program is living in a 40 mile radius of the office and who demonstrates interest in the Managing Court Interpreter vacancy.
Essential Functions Of the Position
Arranges interpreter coverage of all hearings, proceedings or conferences needing interpretation services.
Assigns and schedules work of staff interpreters or free-lance interpreters and maintains lists of free-lance interpreters for other languages to ensure coverage for all linguistic and interpretation needs of the courts or probation.
Participates in recruiting, selecting, evaluating interpreter qualifications and in terminating employees from the interpreter unit.
Provides high-quality interpretation for interpreter assignments by interpreting accurately and completely between English and the interpreter’s working foreign language.
Utilizes the three modes of interpretation in accordance with accepted methods of practice and standards as prescribed by the Colorado Judicial Department Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters.
Fills in for interpreters by providing interpretation services when necessary and may provide or facilitate telephonic interpretation services or assistance where required.
Provides professional linguistic assistance and demonstrates a high level of proficiency and knowledge of linguistic idioms, regional phrasing, and appropriate language matches for legal and general.
Serves as a liaison for internal and external communications regarding activities and operations of the interpreter’s office.
May perform limited translation services in the managing interpreter’s working (foreign) language or may proofread translations provided by accredited ATA translators if the individual is not ATA certified. If ATA certified, may perform translation services as per the ATA certification.
Provides guidance regarding statewide and local policies and procedures affecting interpreters, professional standards of interpretation and educational requirements for interpreters.
May assist in evaluating ethical concerns consistent with professional standards of interpreter ethics.
Provides necessary resources for interpreters such as simultaneous audio equipment, dictionaries, glossaries, reference materials, web resources, court forms and pertinent information such as case File/S, police reports or statements to interpreters prior to hearing.
Some positions may travel to courts in other jurisdictions as assigned to provide interpreter services.
Some positions may maintain data as to the number of interpretation contacts for statistical purposes or may perform file maintenance or clerical duties related to interpreter services.
Serves on interpreter committees and attends meetings and training as required and networks with other Interpreter Schedulers and Managing Court Interpreters regarding resources and interpreter issues.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Directly supervises interpreters in a unit which may include directing and supervising the work of free-lance or contract services interpreters in locations which do not have on-staff interpreters. Supervisory decisions are made in accordance with interpreter guidelines, Judicial Branch policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, examining and training interpreters; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining interpreter employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Minimum Education
All interpreters 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 the interpreter’s working language. The interpreter’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. All candidates must be in good standing with the Colorado Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Certification Program and must further qualify as follows:
Graduation from high school or equivalent and four years of paid experience working in a professional capacity as an interpreter with non-English speaking persons.
OR
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) in linguistics, cultural issues, public or court administration or related field and three years of experience interpreting in judicial, law enforcement, legal or related field working in a professional capacity with non-English speaking persons in a complex organization where assignments and clients vary. Desired qualifications include an advanced degree in interpretation or translation and accreditation by the American Translation Association (ATA) in addition to the above.
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 interpreting services under demanding and noisy circumstances. Must have the ability to adjust to differing voices, tones, accents and speed of speech in performing interpretation duties. 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 simultaneous audio equipment, telephone, or personal computer may be used. Frequent work day and overnight travel may be required.