COURT INTERPRETER COORDINATOR

The salary for this position is: $5,405 \- $7,189 monthly.

Thurston County is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Court Interpreter Coordinator in Superior Court.

This position is responsible for the contact, assignment, and confirmation of interpreter services for all language access needs to include all Limited English\-Proficient (LEP) persons and persons with hearing loss accessing the services of Thurston County Courts. Serves as the primary liaison between interpreters, Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Interpreter Services, court staff, attorneys, corrections, and the public as it relates to interpreter services. A Court Interpreter Coordinator is distinguished by the degree of independent action, judgement, and direction required to perform job functions. Positions in this classification support the efforts of the Thurston County Courts through managing interpreter services and ensuring all interpreter needs for the County are met.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Contact, assign, confirm, and expand the pool of interpreters providing services to the Courts. Manage requests for interpreter requests as they relate to services provided by the Courts. Make determination of most appropriate interpreter for assignment, including contacting potential interpreters, assigning interpreters to cases, confirming assignments, and responding to questions or requests. Coordinate translation of documents as needed.
• Provide direct interpreting and/or translation support, both in\-person and virtual, to each court level.
• Conduct periodic orientation sessions for interpreters to review ethics of court interpreting, court forms, and court procedures. Continued communication with interpreters to discuss changes in court rules, procedures, or policies.
• Monitor work of contracted interpreters, ensuring appropriate forms and information are provided, interpreter services are utilized efficiently, payment procedures are clear and concise, and ongoing communication is established with interpreter services. Identify and resolve issues concerning interpreter services.
• Attend to general needs of interpreters, to include provision of case/document information or courtroom equipment necessary to conduct a proceeding, as requested and available.
• Serve as liaison between contract interpreters, attorneys, court staff, justice partners, and community agencies. Receive, approve, and log interpreters’ billing information. Maintain communication with Court Accounting Clerks and follow procedures for invoicing interpreters’ payments.
• Develop and maintain an up\-to\-date handbook and information relating to interpreter services provided through the court interpreter program and supporting services from contract interpreters and agencies.
• Develop and maintain interpreter information and resource materials to include in informational packets and handouts detailing requirements and procedures of interpreter assignments.
• Prepare interpreter service agreements and contracts.
• Develop and maintain a system for case tracking and interpreter scheduling for Courts. Maintain records for reporting including all relative data. Track the scheduling of cases and interpreters, considering cross\-court collaboration on overlapping assignments, availability, and cost\-efficiency issues.
• Develop and maintain data and log for reporting to AOC. Supporting information maintained regularly in support of the AOC Interpreter Reimbursement Program. Act as primary liaison to Interpreter Reimbursement Program, remaining up\-to\-date and compliant on all requirements provided by the program.
• Serve as member of county and state committees as requested, providing information, input, and recommendations for consideration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Court Interpreter Coordinator duties are mostly performed indoors in an office or courtroom setting. Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, fine finger manipulation, talking, hearing, and seeing. Incumbents in this position may require close contact with individuals as well as interpreting in the jails. Physical effort is required at the work location due to occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.
• Schedule \- Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May be required to respond to various incidents outside regularly scheduled shifts.
• Travel Requirements \- Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings

Customer Interactions \- Daily interactions via phone, in\-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

*

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values.

HAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

* Work\-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.

* Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre\-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.

* Paid Leave: Full\-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays .

* Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.

* Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.

* Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.

* Flexible Spending Account (FSA ) : Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out\-of\-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre\-tax dollars.

* Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full\-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year\-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com .

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Court interpreter certified by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts within one year from hire date.
• Ability to communicate in English AND Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, or ASL language clearly and effectively.
• Ability to use word processing and other computer equipment and programs.

Ability to meet the travel requirements of the position.

*

DESIRED SKILLS:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Washington State Certified Interpreter – Certified in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, or ASL language.
• Three years of experience interpreting in a court or legal setting.
• Ability to translate written documents.
• Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of cultural diversity.
• Ability to work independently and make responsible decisions in accordance with court policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of office practices and the ability to operate office equipment used in the department.
• Knowledge and understanding of RCW 2\.42, RCW 2\.43, and GR 11 – 11\.4\.
• Knowledge of, and skill in, written and verbal communication with justice partners, interpreter services, and members of the public.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of organization.
• Skilled in complex scheduling and procedural continuity.
• Knowledge of the court system, court rules, regulations and practices, Washington Administrative Code, court procedures, and legal terminology.
• Knowledge of the interpreter code of conduct, its appropriate application, and interpreter certifications.

Ability to work under extreme pressure in a fast\-paced work environment to handle deadlines and emergencies.

*

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Ashley Dunlap at 360\-754\-4405

This position is:

• Not represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits

Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

*

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

Supplemental Questions

*

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360\) 786\-5498\. Those who are deaf, deaf\-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7\-1\-1 (or 1\-800\-833\-6388\) to connect with Washington Relay.