Interpreter - Spanish Language - PDD Worcester

Overview

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

This role supports attorneys, staff, and Spanish speaking clients, witnesses, and others throughout the agency. 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, the Staff Interpreter may be required to meet with clients and witnesses on short notice and is expected to be flexible with their schedule, including availability outside normal business hours. The Staff Interpreter will report to the Public Defender Division Worcester Office’s Attorney in Charge.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

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

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 Master’s Degree in a field of languages, preferably linguistics, translation, English or Spanish, is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Diverse cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Capability to interact effectively with many kinds of individuals in various settings
• Excellent listening skills and auditory recall for accurate reproduction of spoken words
• Ability to understand and respond to culturally sensitive situations and perspectives
• Ability to work well under pressure and in intense situations

Responsibilities

• Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation services in legal subject matters
• Interpret for attorneys and staff with Spanish speaking clients in offices, courthouses, jails, and custodial facilities, ensuring services are rendered only in the presence of a CPCS attorney, social worker, investigator, or other CPCS employee representing clients
• Ensure accurate communication between CPCS staff and clients, witnesses, and others, taking into account cultural and linguistic differences
• Translate and translate legal documents, discovery, and other materials
• Transcribe and translate 911 calls, video and audio recordings, etc.
• Accompany attorneys, social workers, investigators, or other staff in need of interpreting services to correctional facilities or other work locations
• Assist CPCS staff and administration with special projects and assignments related to interpreting for indigent clients
• Provide interpretation services outside normal business hours as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

EEO Statement:
The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes.