Job Description

Posting number: 2026-SSC-2600

Department: Superior Court

Division: Superior Court Operations

Job classification: COURT INTERPRETER, CERTIFIED

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal, Professional, Miscellaneous, Customer Service, Translation

Superior Court is seeking an experienced Washington State Court Certified Spanish Interpreter to join our team. This position provides professional interpretation and translation services that ensure meaningful access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The successful candidate will provide accurate, impartial, and confidential language access services in a variety of court proceedings while upholding the highest standards of interpreter ethics and professionalism.

Please note: This recruitment is limited to applicants who are currently certified by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) as a Spanish language Court Interpreter. Please provide a letter of interest and resume when applying for this position.

BASIC FUNCTION
Provide professional interpretation and translation services to support Superior Court operations and ensure meaningful access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Current certification as a Court Interpreter through the State of Washington’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and three (3) years of experience as a court certified interpreter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification from the American Translators Association (ATA).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required for employment.
Applicants are required to pass a criminal background check.

Supplemental information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Court systems, rules, regulations, practices, procedures, and legal terminology.
• Interpreter code of conduct (General Rule 11.2), RCW 2.43, and Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Interpreting methods and professional standard, including accurate use of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary in English and the interpreter’s certified or otherwise qualified language(s).

Ability to:

• Provide accurate translation and proofreading of written materials in English and the interpreter’s certified or otherwise qualified language(s).
• Work within established timelines while complying with court regulations, policies, procedures, and Washington State interpreter standards and ethical guidelines.
• Maintain complete and faithful interpretation without summarizing, omitting, or altering meaning.
• Understand complex legal terminology, informal language, and regional linguistic variations within the interpreter’s certified language(s).
• Adhere to interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in GR 11.2 Code of Conduct for Court Interpreters.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with all individuals encountered while performing job duties.
• Operate court-provided transmitter and receiver equipment to perform simultaneous interpretation.
• Provide relay interpretation services in collaboration with other qualified interpreters when necessary.

SUPERVISION
This position reports to the Deputy Superior Court Administrator or a designated supervisor. Work is performed under general supervision within established court policies, procedures, and ethical standards governing court interpretation services. Once assignments, priorities, and schedules are established, the employee is expected to organize and carry out their work with a high degree of independence in the application of interpretation services in court proceedings and related settings. Work requires independent professional judgment in real-time interpretation; however, administrative direction is provided regarding work assignments, operational priorities, and compliance requirements. Performance is reviewed through observation, feedback, reports, and evaluation of service quality, accuracy, professionalism, and adherence to court standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work is performed in courtroom, office, and public service environments with prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer workstation using standard office equipment. Duties may involve physical activities such as walking, bending, reaching, and occasionally lifting or moving files, case materials, or office supplies (typically up to 25 pounds), with reasonable accommodation provided as needed. The position requires regular interaction with court participants, justice system partners, and members of the public, including individuals who may be confused, distressed, emotional, or occasionally upset or confrontational due to the sensitive or high-stress nature of legal proceedings. The ability to communicate clearly, remain professional, and de-escalate tense situations when necessary is important. Work schedules generally follow standard business hours, though occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support court operations. Limited local travel may be necessary for hearings, trainings, or meetings.