English​/Spanish Court Interpreter - Houston

The U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas is one of the largest district courts among the country's 94 federal judicial districts. The district courts, combined with the appellate courts and the Supreme Court, make up the judicial branch of the federal government. The Southern District of Texas consists of the following seven divisional offices:
Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, Laredo, McAllen and Victoria.

We are seeking qualified applicants for an English/Spanish Court Interpreter in the Houston division. In proceedings initiated by the United States, court interpreters are responsible for interpreting communications for defendants and defense witnesses who primarily speak a language other than English, or who do not have sufficient command of the English language to understand and communicate with the court, counsel, and probation/pretrial service officers.

Interpreters' work allows defendants to hear the evidence, assist in their own defense, confront witnesses, and to communicate effectively with the court, counsel, probation and pretrial services officers, and others. Interpreters provide the means for non-English speaking defendants and defense witnesses to testify, and for defendants to be informed of the charging documents, bail forms, reports, including the pre-sentence report. When testimony is given in a foreign language, court interpreters protect the accuracy of the court record in English for consideration by the court and the jury.

The use of competent interpreters in proceedings involving speakers of languages other than English is critical to ensure that justice is carried out fairly for the defendants and other stakeholders. The incumbent's work is an integral part of the efficiency with which the case flows through the court. Errors in judgment could cause legal consequences for the defendant and others involved in the case.

Salary Range: JSP 11-14 ($86,123 - $145,052), depending on qualifications.

• Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting (Spanish/English) and sight translation services (trials, hearings, etc.) by transferring the message from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English. Interpretation may occur in both in-person settings and remotely via video or telephone, as ordered by the Court.
• Provide interpretation and translation services for out-of-court proceedings for Probation/Pretrial Services.
• Provide interpretation and translation of case-related documents, including legal documents, medical, and other forensic reports and records.
• Prepare for interpreter assignments, including reading case files and conducting terminology research, as necessary.
• Interpret in the relay mode with interpreters of indigenous languages from Central America and Mexico.
• Maintain functional knowledge of the proper use and maintenance of the Court’s built-in and portable interpreting equipment.
• Remain impartial and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Schedule contract interpreters for the division.
• Verify contract interpreter invoices with the Deputy-in-Charge for final approval.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Additional assignments must not detract from the interpreter’s ability to concentrate fully on interpretation tasks and responsibilities.
• Travel to adjacent divisions and operate within the established organizational framework unique to that division.
• Follow set procedures, comply with organizational protocols, and respond to shifting priorities as directed.
• Demonstrate reliability, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively within established structures and expectations.

• Successful completion of the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE).
• Ability to fluently speak, understand, read, and write English and Spanish. Advanced knowledge of idioms, slang, and regionalisms in both languages. Skill in simultaneous or consecutive interpretation and sight translation with a high degree of accuracy and at high speed of delivery.
• Ability to reproduce language register when dealing with both formal and informal speech, to listen to and retain lengthy segments of speech in both…