Court Interpreter: Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen, American Sign Language (Asl)

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is pleased to offer employment opportunities for staff Court Interpreter positions in the following languages: Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen, American Sign Language (ASL).
This is professional work providing interpreter services for court proceedings in the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
These positions are classified as Court Interpreter and will be members of either the Scheduling/Interpreters Team managed within the Fourth Judicial District, or the statewide Minnesota Interpreter and Scheduling Specialist Team (MISST) managed within the Third Judicial District.
Standard business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. These positions work in a hybrid arrangement. Approximately two-thirds of all interpreter events statewide are conducted remotely. Onsite interpreting is performed as necessary to meet business needs. Court Interpreters with the Third District may be required to travel throughout the State of Minnesota, with travel primarily expected in the First, Second, Seventh and/or Tenth Judicial Districts. Court Interpreters with the Fourth District may be required to travel within Hennepin County. Required travel is eligible for reimbursement, per Minnesota Judicial Branch policy.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health and wellness benefits, eleven paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, professional development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement. To learn more about the benefits we offer, go here and click on the Employee Benefits tab.
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.The following are examples of job duties expected for this position to perform:

• Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting services, remotely or in-person, for court proceedings including pre-trial conferences, sworn statements, interviews, hearings, arraignments, plea bargains, motions, jury, and bench trials, sentencing, domestic violence proceedings, court calendars, and other court related events in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Minnesota State Court System.
• Provide interpreting services to the public at a public counter or over the phone to answer questions and provide information.
• Translate documents and forms used by judges, attorneys, defendants, and the public as requested.
• Participate in local and/or statewide workgroups related to interpreter use, policies, and procedures.
• Provide training to judges and staff regarding interpreter use and/or cultural perspectives; may assist and/or participate in training provided by the Court Interpreter Program.
• Maintain current knowledge of language for which translation services are provided.
• Assist contract interpreters with locating courtrooms and using relevant courtroom technologies.
• Perform other administrative and/or clerical work as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school, or equivalent
• Considerable experience providing professional interpreting services, preferably in a court or legal setting.
• Successful applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to appointment.

Minimum License/Certification

• Designation as a Certified Court Interpreter in Minnesota for language of assignment.

OR

• Designation as a Certified Court Interpreter in any state for language of assignment and have passing scores from the National Center for State Court's (NCSC) certification exam.

OR

• Included on the Minnesota Statewide Roster, meeting the employee Court Interpreter competency standards established by the State Court Administrator.

AND

• For applicants to be ASL Court Interpreters: Verification of special certification "Legal" from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the organization, operation, function, and jurisdiction of the court
• Knowledge of court proceedings and legal and forensic terminology
• Knowledge of remote interpreting technology and computerized office programs, including Microsoft Suite
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer and other courtroom remote interpreting technology
• Demonstrated ability in navigating difficult situations and resolving issues in a respectful and courteous manner, including using alternative approaches to achieve outcomes
• Ability to understand and follow instructions
• Ability to be flexible and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to make work-related decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including the ability to apply the Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters to specific situations that occur during the course of work
• Experience and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside of the Judicial Branch
• Ability to effectively work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with little experience with the judicial system
• Ability to successfully participate in project initiatives related to enhancing interpreter services
• Access to reliable internet

Instructions to Apply:
This is an open, continuous posting. Applications will be reviewed regularly, beginning February 7, 2024, and continuing until positions are filled. Applicants interested in working for either the Fourth District or the statewide team in the Third District are encouraged to apply and indicate their interest in the supplemental questions.
Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply link near the top of this page (For instructions on creating and submitting your online application, click on the How to Apply link at the top of this page).
These AFSCME-represented positions are posted for bidding, internal and external application simultaneously. Initial salary for external candidates may be offered up to mid-point of the pay range, based on qualifications.
If you have questions about this position, please contact Human Resources at 3rdDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us.
It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting HR, 3rdDistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us
Employment Type: Full Time