Interpreter - Spanish Language - PDD Boston

Overview

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Job Description:

Staff Interpreter - Spanish Language - PDD Boston - ( 260000RI )

The Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Massachusetts public defender agency, seeks 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 will be based in the Boston Office but is 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.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

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 across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well 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 conveniently located in the downtown area of Boston. It 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.

Other amenities include restaurants, retail businesses, and historic landmarks.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Committee for Public Counsel Services 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.

The duties of a Staff Interpreter include, but are not limited to:

• Providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation services in legal subject matters;
• Providing interpretation services for attorneys and other staff with Spanish-speaking clients in offices, courthouses, jails and custodial facilities. Any interpreting services will be rendered only in the presence of a CPCS attorney, social worker, investigator, or other CPCS employee representing clients;
• Ensuring accurate communication between CPCS staff and clients, witnesses, etc., taking into consideration cultural and linguistic differences;
• Translating and translating legal documents, discovery, and other materials;
• Transcribing and translating 911 calls, video and audio recordings, etc.;
• Accompanying attorneys, social workers, investigators, or other staff in need of interpreting services to correctional facilities or other work locations;
• Going into the field with investigators,…