<p>Summary:</p> <ul> <li>The Public Defender Interpreter is responsible for providing accurate, impartial, and confidential interpretation and translation services for indigent clients involved in criminal proceedings. This position plays a vital role in facilitating effective communication between clients, attorneys, investigators, and other justice system stakeholders, ensuring meaningful access to legal representation and the protection of clients' constitutional rights.. </li></ul> <p>Essential Duties:</p> <ul> <li>Provide accurate, impartial interpretation (consecutive and sight translation) for attorney-client meetings, jail visits, court proceedings, hearings, interviews, and case preparation. </li><li>Translate written legal documents, correspondence, and case-related materials as needed. </li><li>Facilitate clear communication between non-English-speaking clients and Public Defender's Office staff, including attorneys, investigators, social workers, and mitigation specialists. </li><li>Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with attorney-client privilege and office policies. </li><li>Use appropriate legal terminology and ensure faithful interpretation without omission, embellishment, or advocacy. </li><li>Coordinate interpretation services for in-custody and out-of-custody clients, including travel to correctional facilities and court locations. </li><li>Maintain accurate records of interpretation services provided. </li><li>Comply with ethical standards governing court and legal interpreters. </li><li>Perform related duties as assigned </li></ul> <p>Supervisory Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>The Lead Court Interpreter has supervisory responsibility for approximately 0 direct reports. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Fluency in English and Spanish, both oral and written. </li><li>Demonstrated experience providing interpretation services, preferably in a legal, court, or criminal justice setting. </li><li>Knowledge of legal terminology and criminal court processes, or the ability to learn quickly. </li><li>Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations, including vulnerable and incarcerated individuals. </li><li>Ability to remain neutral, professional, and composed in high-stress or emotionally charged situations. </li><li>Excellent listening, comprehension, and communication skills. </li><li>Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. </li><li>Reliable transportation and ability to travel within Lehigh County. </li></ul> <p>Education & Experience:</p> <ul> <li>Certification as a court or legal interpreter (state or nationally recognized) or otherwise qualified. </li><li>Prior experience in criminal defense, public defense, or indigent defense settings. </li><li>Familiarity with Pennsylvania criminal courts and procedures. </li></ul> <p>Language Skills:</p> <ul> <li>Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present inf </li><li>(Each sentence from the level specified should have a separate bullet point) </li><li>(Include any specific language skills listed at the end of this section) </li></ul> <p>Mathematical Skills:</p> <ul> <li>Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance. </li><li>(Each sentence from the level specified should have a separate bullet point) </li></ul> <p>Reasoning Ability:</p> <ul> <li>Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. </li><li>(Each sentence from the level specified should have a separate bullet point) </li></ul> <p>Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:</p> <ul> <li>Certification as a court or legal interpreter (state or nationally recognized) preferred. </li><li>Drivers license and ability to travel within Lehigh County. </li></ul>