Interpreter​/Translator II; English​/Spanish

Position Information

Bring your fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) skills to the County of Sonoma's Public Defenders' Office as an Interpreter/Translator II - Extra Help! Starting salary up to $35.10/hour and an additional $1.50/hour bilingual premium.*

Please Note: This extra-help (temporary) position requires English and Spanish skills at the fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) level. Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual positions must indicate their proficiency level in the required supplemental questionnaire. An examination will be conducted prior to appointment to a bilingual designated position to confirm the level of skill in this area.

The Public Defender's Office has the mandated responsibility of defending persons who are not financially able to employ counsel and who are charged with any offense triable in the superior or municipal courts. The Office also represents qualified individuals in probate, welfare proceedings, and matters relating to the nature of detention prior to adjudication.

Public Defender Interpreter/Translators work as a team to assist clients in person and over the phone, supporting the mission of the Public Defender’s Office. The position is office‑based and requires business‑appropriate attire. Work hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one‑hour lunch. Telework is not available for this position.

• Interpreting between attorneys and clients during jail visits
• Translating text messages, letters, medical documents, petitions, and inmate request forms from Spanish to English and vice versa
• Reviewing body‑worn camera footage or other case‑related videos and translating interactions
• Audio and video transcriptions and translations

Experience and

Education:

A combination of experience, training, and education that would provide the knowledge and abilities listed herein. A typical path to qualify is:
One (1) year of full‑time experience (or equivalent lived experience) providing interpreting and/or translation services requiring fluent English and another specified language.
AND
Experience and/or training that demonstrates competency to interpret for hearings, interpret medical terminology, explain medical procedures in clinical settings, and/or translate difficult regulatory or legal guidelines.

License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level, including any special endorsements required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment.

Note:

This announcement does not require a California driver’s license.

Thorough knowledge of English and other specified language syntax, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and terms. Ability to retain and quickly interpret/translate information into English from one or more specified languages, and vice versa, accurately, clearly, concisely, and understandably for individuals with various educational and social backgrounds. Accurately interpret/translate idioms and linguistic characteristics. Understand and carry out written and oral instructions. Establish and maintain harmonious work relationships with employees and the public.

Interpret legal or medical terminology and explain related procedures with minimal reference to resource materials. Comprehend and interpret or translate information rendered in lengthy sentences with numerous multi‑syllable words and clauses. Work in a variety of environmental settings, such as urgent care, detox centers, detention, mental health, social services facilities, residences, and legal or business offices; and work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

• Application and supplemental questionnaire appraisal (weight 100%) is evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications.
• Applicants should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section and provide detailed responses to supplemental questions.
• Information beyond ten years may be included if related to the position.
• Failure to follow instructions may impact competitiveness or result in…