The Court Interpreter provides consecutive, simultaneous and sight translation services between English and Arabic that are accurate and unbiased in matters that are pending before the court for those who do not speak fluent English. Court Interpreters may work with either witnesses or defendants to interpret everything that is said while preserving the same tone and connotation as the original language without adding or deleting anything from the conversation.
About the Superior Court:
The Superior Court of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing a safe, fair and impartial forum for resolving disputes, enhancing access to our services, and providing innovative, evidenced-based practices that improve the safety of our community and ensure the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. The Superior Court in Maricopa County, one of the largest, most innovative and progressive trial courts in the nation, seeks innovative individuals to join our team who will embrace our vision of excellence and the principles inherent in the Rule of Law...every person, every day, every time. We fulfill these principles through a culture that values fairness, respect, integrity, innovation, and safety.
Position Qualifications
We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:
Education:
Experience:
- Two (2) years of professional interpreting experience in a position defined as an official interpreter in the English/Arabic language preferably in a municipal, general jurisdiction or United States District Court; or in a medical environment in a clinic or hospital; or experience as an escort interpreter or conference interpreter for a government official or dignitary.
OR
Combined education and experience qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in Arabic, or related Translation/Interpretation program may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.
Specialized training, certifications, and/or other special requirements:
Our Preferred Candidate has:
- The ability to speak several Arabic sublanguages and/or dialects for each sub-category (Arabian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Juba, Sudanese and Levantin)
- Post-graduate education in Interpreting
- B.A. from an accredited University in Arabic in which a certificate of completion has been granted in Court Interpreting or any comparable academic program with a concentration in Translation and Interpreting.
- A specialized certificate from a post-graduate program in conjunction with a degree.
- Experience as a professional interpreter in a general or limited-jurisdiction court.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Written and spoken English and Arabic at an in-depth level and familiarity with the various socio-dialects of both languages.
- Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in all three modes of interpretation: simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation.
Skill in:
- Verbally communicating with others to convey information accurately and effectively.
- Time management and organizational techniques.
- Completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to:
- Interpret and translate from Arabic to English and vice versa.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Effectively communicate both in written and verbal form.
- Work with confidential and sensitive information.
- Multitask and cope with a high volume of work in a time critical environment.
Essential Job Tasks
(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)
- Interprets simultaneously and consecutively from English to Arabic and Arabic to English during court interviews, hearings, and proceedings.
- Makes sight translations during interviews, hearings, and court proceedings of documents such as court petitions, reports, notices and agreements.
- Performs case-related and law-related research to prepare for in-court interpreting appearances.
- Maintains caseload, updating department as to movement of case, based on individual assignment.
- Maintain schedule and update iCIS for Arabic matters
- Communicate with Judicial divisions on coverage of Arabic matters
Working conditions:
In-person and virtual appearances before a court of law, utilizing electronic equipment to facilitate intervention among participants (judicial officers, attorneys, parties, witnesses, and other individuals, taking into account the pragmatics of a judiciary setting without disrupting the proceedings held). Assignments will be made based upon the needs of the department and may require travel to various locations throughout Maricopa County.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may need to communicate clearly, perceive details of objects that are close by, and maintain various physical positions for extended periods, such as sitting, standing, or walking. The job may involve using hands for tasks such as typing, handling objects, or operating tools, as well as reaching with hands and arms. Occasionally, the employee may be required to move or lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Judicial Branch facilities are located throughout Maricopa County. This position may be reassigned to other court locations. Assignments will be made based upon the needs of the department.
