Interpreter - Spanish Language - PDD Boston

Overview

Overview The Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking applications for a Staff Interpreter position in the Boston Office of the Public Defender Division. This position will provide interpreting and translating services for Spanish speaking clients and be based in the Boston Office but will be expected to provide interpreter services throughout Suffolk County. This is a full-time position (35 hours/week) and is benefits eligible.

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all. Our Values:
Courage, Accountability, Respect, Excellence.

CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters.

The clients we represent are diverse and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. CPCS staff must be culturally competent and able to work with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.

The Public Defender Division Boston Office provides public defense services for Suffolk County. The Boston Trial Unit is located in downtown Boston and is accessible by MBTA subway and buses, Amtrak Commuter Rail, and ferry services. The Boston Trial Unit shares space with CPCS Administration and other divisions and units on two floors of a modernized office building with nearby amenities.

The CPCS is creating a new Staff Interpreter position to provide interpreting and translating services for attorneys and other staff and Spanish-speaking clients, witnesses, and others in Suffolk County. This position will be based in the Boston Office but will be expected to support CPCS staff and clients throughout Suffolk County. The Staff Interpreter is part of the defense team and must adhere to the rules of confidentiality under the attorney-client relationship.

Due to the nature of the work, there will be times when the Staff Interpreter is required to meet with clients and witnesses on short notice and there is an expectation that the Staff Interpreter is flexible with their schedule and available to meet outside of normal business hours. The Staff Interpreter will report to the Public Defender Division Boston Office’s Attorney in Charge.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Successful Candidate Must Have

• A minimum of one year of interpreting and translating experience in the legal or similar field;
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Spanish and mastery of specialized legal vocabulary for both languages;
• Proven ability to provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting and translating;
• A Massachusetts Office of Language Access interpreter certification or NCSC Interpreter Certification;
• A valid and active Massachusetts driver’s license and full access to a dependable automobile and a willingness to travel to a variety of locations both during and outside of normal working hours; and
• Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Interpreter Studies or a certificate of completion of an Interpreter Training Program may be substituted for the required experience. A Masters’ Degree in a field of languages, preferably linguistics, translation, English or Spanish preferred.

The following attributes are preferred in a successful candidate:

• A demonstrated awareness and sensitivity of cultural differences;
• Capacity to interact effectively with many kinds of…