Job Summary Provides sign language interpreting services, including assignments for departments, court hearings, small and large group situation, Commissioners Court, formal, highly technical situations. Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the second in a series of three interpreter-related job classifications within the Administrative Support job family. This is specialized professional work providing sign language interpreting services.
This classification is distinguished from the Interpreter in that incumbents provide more demanding technical and complex interpreting services and typically have more experience. This classification is limited to individuals who are qualified and certified by the State of Texas to interpret in court. Duties and Responsibilities Provides sign language interpreting services, which may include assignments for, but not limited to, consumers, staff, one-on-one appointments, small or large group meetings, and telephone calls.
Documents court and other legal situations (probation, jail, counseling, Commissioners Court, televised meetings) and other highly technical and complicated meetings and hearings. Provides advocacy services regarding access by people who are deaf according to applicable Federal, State and Local laws. Conducts outreach and education to members of the community, staff, other departments, and the general public.
Provides independent living skills training for one-on-one or small groups, job development or search to deaf people, including those with multiple disabilities. Provides back-up assistance in scheduling/coordinating interpreter services and other office duties, as required. Mentors other team interpreters.
Creates and maintains service records of activities and participants. Prepares reports and statistics. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Deaf Education, Interpreting, Linguistics, Communications, Liberal Arts, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND five (5) years interpreting services experience in a variety of community, health, governmental, and social situations, including highly technical or legal situations. Must have at least an additional three (3) years of court interpreting experience. Experience should include interpreting for deaf individuals with special communication issues, including individuals with additional disabilities, mental retardation, mental illness and those with limited formal communication.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Court Interpreter Certification (CIC) from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or Special Certificate: Legal (SC: L) from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf to interpret court proceedings for a hearing-impaired individual AND one of the following: Interpreter Certification at Level III or III from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or the Comprehensive Skills Certificate (CSC), Reverse Skills Certificate (RSC), Certificate of Transliteration (CT), Certificate of Interpretation (CI), Oral Interpreting Certificate (OIC) or Certified Deaf Interpreter-Provisional (CDI-P) from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent; OR, Interpreter Certification at Level Advanced, IV or IV from the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or Master's Comprehensive Skills Certificate (MCSC), Certificate of Transliteration (CT) AND Certificate of Interpretation (CI) or National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent; OR, Interpreter Certification at Level V or VI from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) or National Interpreter Certification (NIC) at Advanced Level from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent; OR, Interpreter Certification at Master Level from the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or National Interpreter Certification (NIC) at Master's Level from National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of: Manual communication in American Sign Language. Methods of expressive and voice interpreting and their applications (e.g., Simultaneous and Consecutive)
Issues and terminology of the interpreting profession. Standard practices and ethical standards in interpreting. Legal terminology, procedures and court decorum.
Court interpreter training. Computer software applications, including word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, and other related applications. Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
Skill in: Assessing and matching the communication needs of the client(s) and the situation utilizing various interpreting techniques, which may include gestures, other sign systems/languages, formal American Sign Language, etc. to ensure effective communication. Coordinating and prioritizing the work and activities of self.
English language vocabulary. Dealing with hostile, abusive or irrational individuals. Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
Both verbal and written communication. Ability to: Respond appropriately to crisis situations. Interpret accurately in court proceedings.
Listen attentively for long periods of time. Prepare accurate and complete records, reports and statistics. Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner. Continue professional growth through continuing education. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with deaf and hearing clients, departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, attorneys, children, judges and the general public.
Work Environment & Other Information Working conditions may be determined by the situation requiring interpreting and may vary from the usual office or meeting room environment. Physical requirements may include the ability to lift/carry up to 5-10 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to reaching, twisting, handling and walking to perform the essential job functions.
Involves contact with clients in possible stressful situations. Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
Work Hours: 8am - 5pm, Monday -Friday. May work some holidays, some nights, some weekends Location: 2201 Post Road, #134 Austin, TX 78704 Department: Health & Human Services Criminal background check, Driving, Education, Employment verification required. This job description is intended to be generic in nature.
It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
