Interpreter Clerk

Position Summary

Perform Spanish interpretation as well as a full range of office clerical, reception, and courtroom administrative support services to assist Superior Court. Services in the Clerk’s Office include, but are not limited to, preparing dockets and case files for trials and hearings, performing courtroom clerk responsibilities, including service to the general public, attorneys, outside agencies and judges. Assist with collection of legal financial obligations established by judgments of the Superior Court per RCW 36.18.190. Responsible for maintenance and retention of court records as directed by the Clerk and the Secretary of State.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This position combines the functions of Spanish interpretation with the full range of in-office, courtroom clerk, and collection duties of the Clerk’s Office. The position is distinguished from any other deputy clerks by its requirement for performing interpreting and enforcement of court ordered legal financial obligations by assisting defendants/payors in setting up payment schedules and assisting with collection of payments.

The County Clerk’s office provides administrative support to four Superior Court departments covering criminal, civil, domestic and juvenile matters. These court activities involve a large volume of documents which must be processed through the Clerk’s Office, many of which contain confidential information. For each Superior Court department, the Clerk’s Office provides a courtroom clerk, prepares files and dockets, and provides administrative support services needed for day-to-day operation of Superior Court. In the office, there is a high volume of phone calls, general public, outside agencies, and attorneys who require Clerk’s Office services for such matters as passports, looking up case information, conforming/certifying pleadings, opening new case files, issuing writs/letters testamentary and ensuring that judgments are correctly entered and tracked in a statewide case management system.

New incumbents must successfully complete a six month introductory/probationary period. The timeframe for training in the office and in the courtroom depends on the level of experience the incumbent brings plus the time needed for additional on the job training.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interpreting. The incumbent must have conversations in both Spanish and English for all customers in the Clerk’s Office or by phone and performs interpretation in both simultaneous and consecutive modes. Common legal terms are used and explained to the public as needed. Care is given to interpreting oral and written information as closely as possible to the exact words.
• Collections. This accountability may include such actions as: maintaining Legal Financial Obligation (LFO) billing data; meeting one-on-one to interview defendants to obtain complete personal and financial history to set up payment schedules; contacting payors by phone or by letter for monitoring payments against obligations; assisting with restitution collection efforts; and, modifying payment schedules, when necessary. When payors are delinquent in their payments, this position may assist the Superior Court Judges and/or Prosecutor’s office with enforcement of the Court’s orders. This may include testifying in court regarding contact with payors. Additional duties include data entry, review of statutory changes affecting collections, and preparing reports.
• Preparing dockets and case files for trials and hearings. This function involves setting the schedule of cases to be heard in an assigned courtroom using computer based and manual case information such as dates set by the judges, prosecuting attorneys and other attorneys, and/or calendar dates from court orders and statutes. The function also requires assembling all documents from case files and organizing them together with forms, applications, motions and other pleadings to be presented in court. These are required to be in proper sequence and format according to each judge’s preference.
• Office operations. This position performs the administrative support services required by the Superior Court including: docket and case file preparation and maintenance for eight categories, which includes 16 different types of cases; prepare or complete documents such as motions, orders of dismissal and writs; review file for ability to issue, sign and process bench warrants, writs, garnishments, subpoenas, and letters testamentary; examine legal documents submitted to court for adherence to procedures and/or format; route documents to the appropriate judge/department; enter case related data into statewide case management systems; collection of restitution and other fees paid into the Court; process and transmit passport applications; administer oaths; prepare and submit forms/reports for transmittal to various state agencies; explain procedures and/or forms to parties in cases; filing; answering phones; screening public as to whether or not they are allowed to come inside the Clerk’s Office (such as attorneys, law enforcement, legal secretaries); review files/documents to determine if a judgment should be entered into statewide computer system; print and process daily reports; make regular, certified and authenticated copies; process appeals as assigned; other duties as assigned by the Clerk or Chief Deputy Clerk.
• Support services after court. These services include: processing files once out of the courtroom in a timely manner; processing courtroom exhibits and documents after trials or hearings for safekeeping and according to court orders; tracking the appeal period and then returning exhibits once the appeal period has run, data entry, and assistance to attorneys and citizens in the courtroom regarding protocol.
• Serving as courtroom clerk. This includes such in-court tasks as: transporting files between courtrooms and/or judges’ chambers and the Clerk’s Office, as needed, announcing the judge, furnishing the judge with documents and/or files in proper sequence, receiving, marking and safekeeping of exhibits and documents presented in court, taking accurate minutes of court proceedings, marking future calendar dates for docketing cases according to court orders, and in certain courtrooms, courtroom clerks are responsible for starting and stopping audio recordings of court proceedings on behalf of Superior Court.

• Ability to fluently speak, read and write in both Spanish and English
• Office Administrative Support Practices
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, the internet and intranets; Data Entry
• Clerk’s Office Policies and Procedures
• File Preparation and Management
• Courtroom Clerking
• Recordkeeping
• Scanning/Imaging software
• Confidentiality and Ethics
• Courtroom Terminology and Protocols
• Superior Written and Verbal Communication
• Customer Service
• Issuing Passports
• Interpersonal and Teamwork Abilities
• County Clerk’s Handbook, Statutes, case management manuals

• Grant County Policies and Procedures

Education, Experience, and Licensing

• Consecutive interpretation in Spanish and English including use of legal terms and their equivalents in both languages;
• Ability to fluently speak, read and write in both Spanish and English;
• Office administrative support practices including data entry, receipting payments, file preparation and management, basic bookkeeping, safekeeping of confidential information and courtroom exhibits;
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the internet;
• Typing - minimum 45 WPM;
• Minimum of two years customer service experience working with the public;
• High school diploma or GED; and
• Minimum 18 years of age or older.

• Two years of experience working in a judicial system, or work related to judicial or legal practices and involving the preparation of pleadings, reports and/or formal correspondence;
• Courtroom procedures and protocols;
• Associates degree in business, office administration, or related field; and,
• Proficient in programs used by Clerk’s Office, e.g., statewide case management systems, and imaging software.

• Valid Driver’s License with proof of automobile insurance.
• Background Check: Must be able to pass a background check.
• Driving Abstract: Must be able to prove an acceptable driving record.
• Federal passport agency requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.

• Trustworthy, reliable, and accountable along with a professional demeanor and appearance.
• Quick learner.
• Excellent interpersonal and sound judgment skills.
• Works efficiently in an extremely fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to public service, quality performance, and attention to detail.
• Good coping skills to work in an extremely stressful environment.
• Able to handle multiple projects at one time with continuing changing priorities.
• Conducts work under pressure, long hours on occasion, and deadlines.
• Exhibits strong initiative, organization, memory, time management and problem solving skills.
• Understands the effects of actions on others.
• Works well individually or in a team environment.
• Embraces change as an opportunity for growth.
• Able to accept and follow specific directions.
• Flexible, dedicated, tactful, and diplomatic.
• Capable of processing a variety of tasks and high volumes of work in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to separate personal issues from the workplace.

• Language Skills: Ability to read, write, speak, and interpret legal documents in both English and Spanish, such as court rules, operating and maintenance instructions, as well as policy and procedure manuals.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form. Able to respond effectively in a crisis situation.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Demonstrate the ability to interact with others in a cooperative and effective manner. Provide guidance or assistance to others when appropriate.
• Communication: Professionally and tactfully communicate with co-workers, public, outside agencies, attorneys and judges both verbally and in writing. Good spelling and handwriting skills. Communicate clearly and succinctly with judges. Openly communicate with supervisor(s).
• Guidance Required: Must be able to follow directions and take constructive criticism. Must be able to follow County policies and County Clerk’s Office policies and procedures.
• Impact of Decisions: Decisions typically impact other jobs within the employee’s work group and/or the daily routine of others. Decisions also impact information provided to the public.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions

WORKING CONDITIONS: