NYCDS Spanish Language Interpreter

New York County Defender Services (NYCDS) is a nonprofit criminal defense law firm for the City and State of New York. What began in 1997 as a small but ambitious criminal defense firm has grown into the second largest criminal defense firm in Manhattan. The goal of NYCDS has always been to provide the highest quality criminal representation for those ensnared in the criminal justice system. A mission like this requires an unyielding desire to serve. With a staff of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative professionals, we strive to provide the greatest good for our clients which not only includes legal representation but also assisting clients with an array of social services. The office employs a team-based client centered representation model that incorporates outstanding interdisciplinary work and strategic decision-making. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.nycds.org.

Job Overview:

A Spanish Interpreter facilitates communication between Spanish-speaking individuals and English speakers by accurately translating spoken language in real time. The interpreter ensures that both parties clearly understand each other while maintaining confidentiality, neutrality, and professionalism. The interpreter must possess strong interpersonal skills to work well with a range of clients, attorneys and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide consecutive or simultaneous interpretation between Spanish and English accurately during meetings, interviews and appointments.
Ensure messages are conveyed without adding, omitting, or altering meaning.
Frequently translate during client meetings with incarcerated clients at Rikers, corrections, Horizons, Crossroads or a medical facility.
Transcribe audio and video recordings.
Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics when handling sensitive information.
Clarify cultural or linguistic differences when necessary.
Prepare for assignments by reviewing terminology and context relevant to the subject matter.

Scheduling & Coordination & Communication

Schedule interpreter assignments for meetings, appointments, hearings, or events.
Coordinate and communicate with attorneys, social workers, advocates and clients to confirm dates and times.
Send confirmations, reminders, or updates about schedule changes when appropriate.
Arrange backup interpreters if someone becomes unavailable.
Keep records of interpreted sessions, including hours worked and/or assignments completed.

Qualifications:

New York State Interpreting Certification or Federal Court Interpreting Certification.

Possess high-level of proficiency using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Adobe. Ability to learn case management system as well as transcription software.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

A commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the unit and the office at large.
Strong engagement, interpersonal, communication and analytical skills.
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people with various backgrounds, gender and sexual identities, ethnicities, experiences, and areas of expertise.
Aptitude to meet stringent deadlines.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, be proactive and resourceful, and remain calm under pressure.

Salary Range

This position has a salary range of $70,000-90,000.

Tenure & Benefits:

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter addressed to Executive Director Stan German & Founding Director Carolyn Wilson and a resume.

New York County Defender Services

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NYCDS Spanish Language Interpreter