Job Duties
Position Summary: The Staff Court Interpreter serves as a professional court interpreter and language access specialist within the Foreign Language Services Division of the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Office of the Executive Secretary. The position may be filled at either the certification-eligible or certified appointment level, depending on the selected applicant’s qualifications and certification status.
In addition to providing courtroom interpretation, the Staff Court Interpreter supports essential program functions, including coordinating language access services and interpreter resources; supporting contractor relationships; reviewing invoices; maintaining operational systems; assisting with interpreter development and certification initiatives; supporting translation projects; and participating in statewide language access initiatives.
The Staff Court Interpreter adheres to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, accuracy, impartiality, and confidentiality.
Appointment Levels and Compensation
The appointment level determines the employee’s compensation and may affect the scope and complexity of assigned duties.
Staff Court Interpreter – Certification-Eligible
This level applies to an individual who has demonstrated the proficiency necessary to perform assigned interpreting duties and has substantially completed the Virginia Court Interpreter Certification Program but has not yet obtained full certification. An employee appointed at this level must continue progressing toward full Virginia court interpreter certification within the timeframe and under the conditions established by the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Certified Staff Court Interpreter
This level applies to an individual who holds current Virginia court interpreter certification or qualifying certification eligible for Virginia reciprocity. Compensation at the certified level is determined based on applicable human resources policies and compensation practices, including the selected individual’s qualifications and experience. Employees appointed at this level may be assigned the full range of duties described in this position description.
Upon obtaining full Virginia court interpreter certification, an employee appointed at the certification-eligible level may be considered for advancement to the certified appointment level in accordance with applicable human resources policies, compensation practices, and available authorization.
See Certification Requirements | Virginia Court System.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Employees appointed at the certification-eligible level perform interpreting assignments appropriate to their demonstrated proficiency and qualification status and may work under the guidance of a certified staff court interpreter or other designated Foreign Language Services employee. Certain complex interpreting, mentoring, training, and quality-assurance responsibilities may be reserved for employees appointed at the certified level.
Court Interpretation
- Provide accurate and impartial interpretation using simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and sight translation.
- Interpret in court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and jury trials.
- Provide video remote and telephonic interpretation services as assigned.
- Maintain compliance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters and all applicable Foreign Language Services policies and procedures.
- Participate in continuing education and professional development.
Language Access Coordination
- Coordinate language access requests and interpreter services for assigned courts and Office of the Executive Secretary programs.
- Serve as a liaison among courts, judges, clerks, contractors, vendors, and Foreign Language Services.
- Provide guidance regarding language access procedures.
- Support statewide language access operations and provide backup assistance to other Foreign Language Services staff as needed.
Administrative and Program Support
- Coordinate interpreter assignments and maintain accurate operational records.
- Review interpreter invoices for accuracy and compliance with applicable payment requirements.
- Assist with data collection, reporting, and program analysis.
- Maintain and update Foreign Language Services systems, including scheduling platforms, SharePoint, Electronic Voucher System, and other operational tools.
- Support the implementation of policies, procedures, technology improvements, and process enhancements.
Interpreter Development and Certification Support
- At the certified level, mentor Language Access Assistants and interpreters pursuing qualification and certification.
- Provide guidance regarding interpreter ethics, courtroom procedures, and professional expectations.
- Participate in interpreter training, orientation, recruitment, and professional development initiatives.
Translation and Special Projects
- Participate, when qualified and assigned, in the translation and review of written materials in the applicable non-English language; perform quality-assurance responsibilities when authorized for the employee’s appointment level.
- Coordinate translation services through approved vendors.
- Participate in statewide initiatives, committees, workgroups, and special projects that support language access.
Additional Duties
This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, or abilities required. The position may perform other duties and special assignments as needed to support the objectives of Foreign Language Services, the Department of Judicial Services, and the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Minimum Qualifications
The most competitive candidates will possess:
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
- Professional experience providing consecutive and simultaneous interpretation and sight translation services.
- Professional interpreting experience in legal, judicial, governmental, medical, community, or comparable professional settings.
- Demonstrated oral and written proficiency in English and at least one non-English language.
- Ability to use technology systems, databases, scheduling platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.
Certification-Eligible Level
To be considered for appointment at the certification-eligible level, an applicant must have:
- Completed the required orientation and written examination;
- Completed the Oral Proficiency Interview;
- Completed the required courtroom observation;
- Taken the oral certification examination and achieved a score of at least 60 percent in each section; and
- Satisfied any other qualification requirements established by Foreign Language Services.
Certified Level
To be considered for appointment at the certified level, an applicant must possess one of the following:
- Current certification as a court interpreter through the Supreme Court of Virginia; or
- Current certification through another state or federal court interpreter certification program and eligibility for Virginia reciprocity under standards recognized by the National Center for State Courts Consortium for Language Access in the Courts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Courtroom interpreting experience, including trials and complex proceedings.
- Experience coordinating language access services.
- Experience mentoring or training interpreters.
- Experience with translation projects and translation quality assurance.
- Experience using interpreter scheduling, payment, or case management systems.
- Knowledge of court procedures and professional responsibility standards applicable to court interpreters.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of court interpreting principles, techniques, ethics, and the Code of Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters.
- Demonstrated proficiency in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and sight translation.
- Demonstrated oral and written proficiency in English and the applicable non-English language.
- Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
- Ability to remain impartial and maintain confidentiality in sensitive or high-pressure proceedings.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to analyze operational issues and recommend solutions.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with judges, court personnel, interpreters, vendors, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to mentor and support developing interpreters.
- Commitment to providing equitable access to justice.
Other Requirements
Ability and willingness to travel throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia as needed.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
