Position Description

The Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office represents adults accused of crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and children in Davidson County charged with being delinquent and unable to hire a lawyer. Cases range from the simplest misdemeanor to complex capital murder cases. Our mission is to defend the liberty, honor and constitutional rights of the individuals, of all ages, whose cases have been entrusted to us. Through zealous advocacy, we strive not only to deliver excellence in our representation of each and every client, but also to stand with our clients and the community in working to create a more just, fair and compassionate legal system. The guiding principle of the Office is that each client is entitled to quality representation that recognizes the client's dignity and achieves the best possible outcome for the case. Our attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers and legal assistants take great pride in providing a high level of service.

This is a Non-Civil service announcement. Provision of Court-Certified quality Spanish language Interpretation and Translation services in support of the mission of the Office of the Metropolitan Public Defender

Typical Duties

Provides Spanish Interpretation for staff of the Public Defender’s Office to enable clear communication with clients, visitors, and community members for whom Spanish is their most comfortable language
Ability to travel to the Courthouse, jails, and into the community with Public Defender colleagues to assist in interpretation for client and case-related meetings and interviews
Ability to assist with interviews and/or meetings that may take place in person, over the phone, or via video conference
Demonstrated commitment to client confidentiality and respect for our mission to provide excellence in client-centered representation
Provides Spanish translation of documents and materials created and/or used to accomplish the mission of the Public Defender’s Office
Continually develops knowledge of legal and other related terminology
Prepares and maintains accurate documentation as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Certified Court Interpreter with the State of Tennessee
High School Diploma or GED
Knowledge of basic legal terminology
Must demonstrate an acceptable level of written and oral proficiency in Spanish through an interview process with Spanish-speaking staff of the Public Defender’s Office
Knowledge of basic principles of law
Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Knowledge of legal interpreter’s ethics and protocols

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No.SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA accommodation for the recruitment process should be directed to Courtney Bonner at 615-862-5565 or courtneysbonner@jisnashville.gov

Full-time, Civil Service positions -
10 Vacation Days per year (increasing after 5 years of service)
1 Sick Day per month
12 Paid Holidays per year

Public Safety - Sworn and Civilian positions -
20 vacation days per year
3 Personal days per year
1 Sick Day per month
12 paid holidays per year

Part-time, Non Civil Service positions - Visit HR and Benefits webpages for more information.

Full-time, Non Civil Service positions - contact hiring department for benefits information

Seasonal/Temporary positions - no benefits offered.

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