Spanish Interpreter - Military veterans preferred

The Maryland Judiciary offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, continuing education programs, employee assistance programs, and State Retirement and Pension plans.

Essential Job Functions:  

This position serves as a Court Interpreter in the courthouse during various types of proceedings, including bail reviews, trials, pleas, hearings, as well as many forms of criminal and civil matters for Prince George?s County District Court. Courtroom interpretation for interested parties, as deemed necessary by a presiding judge. The Court Interpreter sight translates documents varying in levels of difficulty and legal terminology.

Interprets during various Court proceedings including bail reviews, trials, pleas, preliminary inquiries, violation of probation, domestic violence, bonds, serious and minor traffic, and protective order hearings; civil motions, civil court matters, tort trials, landlord tenant hearings, municipal Infractions, large and small claims, and emergency moving matters.

Interpret, as directed by a Judge or Administrator, conversations, and conferences out of the courtroom for various agencies, which include but not limited to state?s attorney, public defender or counsel in plea negotiations, court order mediations, debt collection agreements, oral exams, etc.

Translates documents for use by the court as requested, e.g. Advice of Rights, Protective Order announcements, etc. Translates petitions or other documents from individuals not represented by counsel. Assists pro-se litigants with needed forms and assists Bailiffs by offering instructions in the courtroom. Assists with phone calls at the Clerks? Counter and with the public upon entering the courthouse to assists with court services.  Occasionally, may assists the Court Clerks with clerical duties, on a as needed basis only, when interpretation services are not being performed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:     High school diploma (or GED equivalent).

Experience:   One (1) year of experience providing interpreting services as a freelance or court interpreter.

Required:  Maryland State Certification or Member of State Certification in the Council for Language Access or Federal Certification as a Spanish Court Interpreter.

Knowledge of:

Legal terminology and the legal process. 

Maryland Judicial system. 

Knowledge and compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters. 

Skill in:

Native or near native knowledge of English and Spanish to provide interpretation with correct grammar, idioms, and pronunciation. 

Ability to:

Interpret in simultaneous and consecutive modes, to sight translate documents varying in levels of difficulty and legal terminology, and to team interpret effectively. 

Remain poised in stressful and pressured situations. 

Provide consistent, professional, and courteous service. 

Use tact in responding to staff, public officials, and the general public. 

Work independently. 

Operate a computer.

Perform all essential functions of the position.

Physical Requirements:

Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Equipment, Machinery and Tools:

Personal Computer. Copier. Scanner. Interpreter equipment provided by the court

Software and Computer Skills:

Microsoft office, Data Entry; Personal computer ? to enter and review information

Selection Process:

Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. If you have held more than one (1) position at the same employer, you must list each position that you held, the length of time that you held each position, and the corresponding duties. Description of duties that state, "see resume" will negatively impact consideration for this position. Applicants will not be contacted for additional information. Only applicants considered for this position will be contacted.

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

For further information please contact Talent Acquisition at aocta@mdcourts.gov.

The Maryland Judiciary is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, familial status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. Applicants who need an ADA Accommodation during the application and/or interview process should send their via email to or call 410-260-1732. The Maryland Judiciary is a drug-free workplace. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.

Please find the Maryland Judiciary's equal employment opportunity policy here: .