What You'll Do:
Support: Provides assistance to judges, court administrators, interpreter coordinators, clerks, local staff, justice system partners, and advisory committee through information dissemination, technical assistance, education, rules, business processes, and projects.
Compliance: Assists the Office of Court Services in matters related to language access and equal justice, including conformity with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 as related to linguistic minorities, and deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the courts. Manages the complaint resolution process adopted to monitor appointment of interpreters.
Testing: Manages and directs the Office of Court Services’ interpreter certification program; training, testing and compliance; administers exams for the certification of foreign language interpreters; supervises the application and compliance progress for the certification of sign language interpreters; develops program policies as needed.
Trend Monitoring: Monitors innovative trends and identifies effective practices related to trends, needs, and other influences on courts and language services disseminating information to judges, court staff, and justice system partners.
Committees and Boards: Works with and provides administrative support to advisory committees/commissions; acts as staff liaison for court policy projects and recommendations. Serves as a liaison to the Advisory Committee on Language Services. Participates in outside agency boards, task forces, or workgroups; reports court-related topics to manager/director.
Program Development & Financial Management: Develops resources and training aids to assist courts statewide in the use of qualified court interpreters; train court personnel, bilinguals, attorneys, and other stakeholders on the proper use and role of the court interpreter; offer courses on the nexus between language, culture, and the judicial system. Prepares budgets, monitors expenses, and manages financial resources.
Coordination & Training: Coordinates consultations, seminars, and meetings with experts; coordinates continuing education trainings for interpreters; serves as a presenter for local court training; participates in regional/national associations and trainings.
Relationship Building: Develops and maintains relationships with judges, court staff, justice system partners, and relevant agencies at national, state, and local levels. Coordinate with the National Center for State Courts committees to represent Ohio’s interest in the development of tests and resources for court interpreter certification.
Rules & Standards Development: Develops rules and standards to support the use of qualified interpreters in Ohio courts; expand the credentialing process to other languages where certification exams are not available and establish standards for the use of interpreters in rare languages. Assists in rule drafting, contract review, and preparation of written documents.
Evaluation & Research: Directs and participates in the evaluation and research on interpreter usage in Ohio’s courts.
Program Support: Assists local courts in assessing interpreting needs and assist in the coordination of services; encourages collaboration with agencies and community resources. Responds to constituent calls, suggests resources, and maintains ethical standards in providing information. Facilitates roundtable meetings for judges and staff; attends related committees and public discussions.
Staff Supervisory Responsibilities
This position directly supervises a Program Coordinator. As a supervisor, this position is responsible for overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes, providing coaching and feedback to team members, managing performance issues, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment to ensure team success.
Why Work for the State of Ohio
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
- Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Qualifications
What We're Looking For:
Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in relevant field and demonstrated experience, typically acquired through up to two (2) years of progressive professional experience. A master’s degree or juris doctor is preferred. Experience in multiple areas of court interpreter services; certification, qualifications or credentialing; fluency, comprehension and extensive knowledge of both English and another language; experience with program development and policy analysis highly preferred.
Competencies:
- Program Management Acumen (Proficient): Ability to independently apply program management principles across office function–specific programs. Resolves routine and moderately complex operational challenges and escalates strategic issues with clear analysis and recommendations. Ensures program activities align with established goals, timelines, and governance requirements.
- Communication: Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess complex issues logically.
- Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot, think critically, and solve issues independently.
- Conflict Management: Ability to manage conflict effectively and handle difficult people and conversations effectively.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with all levels of the Court and its constituents.
- Public Speaking: Ability to speak in public and/or deliver engaging presentations.
- Data Analysis: Skill in interpreting and leveraging data insights.
- Legal & Policy Interpretation: Ability to write, interpret, analyze, and apply laws, rules, case law, and policies, ensuring compliance and understanding within the context of judicial and governmental frameworks.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position operates in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. This is a largely stationary role; however, the employee may also be required to move about the office and building, and other locations while traveling on Court business. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to communicate and exchange information.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The ability to work nonstandard hours and to travel on Court business is required, including overnight travel. Valid drivers’ license is required.
COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE
Employees may be regularly exposed to sensitive information and the employee is expected to keep any such information strictly confidential.
In completing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Court expects the employee will:
- Adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures;
- Act as a role model both inside and outside the Court;
- Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others;
- Work to maintain constructive working relationships;
- Maintain a positive and respectful approach with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court;
- Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management, prioritize workload, and perform duties in a timely, accurate and thorough manner;
- Communicate regularly with the employee’s supervisors about work-related issues and
- Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Supplemental Information
This is an exempt unclassified position that reports to the Deputy Director, Court Services. The salary range is $90,000 - $103,000.
Application Process
To be considered for this position, candidates must submit an application online at www.careers.ohio.gov or deliver an application by August 6, 2026, to the Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215 and attach or enclose all of the following:
1. Complete application
2. Resume or CV
3. Cover letter with salary requirements
Only completed applications will be considered. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as practical. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview. Additional details are available to candidates interested in applying, by contacting the Office of Human Resources – Recruiting at [email protected].
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
