Career Opportunities

Court Interpreter

Job Location

South County Courthouse, Venice; travel to other court locations may be required

Position Type

Full-time, salaried

Position Available

July 1, 2024

Salary

$72,004.80 (non-negotiable); State employees are paid on the last workday of each month. The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary. Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums. 

Details

A few of your daily responsibilities:

• Interpret legal proceedings and translate forms from English to Spanish/Spanish to English; 
• Schedule contractual interpreters to cover court events; 
• Maintain statistics and prepare statistical reports concerning the number and type of interpreting tasks performed.
  

Job

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has an opening for a Court Interpreter in the South County Courthouse. The essential function of the Court Interpreter is to interpret legal proceedings, and translate forms and documents, from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English for non-English speaking persons and limited-English-proficient persons in court proceedings to ensure due process. The position requires fluency in both English and Spanish, and the proficiency to read and write both Spanish and English. Some travel may be required between Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Court Operations Manager. 

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Some of the skills, knowledge and abilities needed:

• Effective and concise written and oral communication;
• Strong computer skills and ability to use computer applications such as Microsoft Office products and Microsoft Outlook;
• Must be able to work independently;
• Ability to interact professionally with Judges, judicial assistants, the public, other interpreters, Clerk’s office personnel, OSCA, local agencies, State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and court staff in Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties;
• Ability to learn court system software such as Benchmark and aiSmartbench. 

Education

•    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university in either English, Spanish, or any subject closely related to the field of law is preferred. 
• Two years of court interpreting experience is required. 
• Years of interpreting experience and/or legal related experience may substitute for the recommended educational level, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Interpreters are required to be familiar with the Florida Rules for Certification and Regulation of Spoken Language Interpreters and must adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct. 

Preference will be given to applicants who already possess a valid Certified Court Interpreter designation issued by the Florida State Courts System, Office of the State Courts Administrator, as defined in Rule 14.205. 

Applicants who hold the Provisionally Approved designation as defined in Rule 14.215 will be considered; however, if selected for the position, Interpreter must become certified within one year of being employed in a court interpreter position pursuant to Rule 14.205(c).

Benefits

For more information on the State of Florida benefits please click here!

Apply

Interested applicants must submit a current State of Florida Application to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. A cover letter and current resume are encouraged. Application materials may be submitted electronically or via mail delivery.

Email: Human Resources Manager
Or mail to: Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Human Resources Manager
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call 941-861-7811.

Pursuant to 110.205(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System and all employees of the State System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.