• Job Description

  Req#: 530177

  Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender!

  The Defender Association Spanish Interpreter/Translator is an integral participant in the case preparation and representation of our Spanish-speaking client population. The Spanish Interpreter/Translator works closely with attorneys by interpreting attorney/client interviews and meetings, preparing letters and translating communication for our clients’ families and witnesses. The Interpreter/Translator will interpret family and witnesses’ conversations at court hearings, visit clients with attorneys in local prisons and participate in the office interviewing process to interpret conversations for attorneys.

  What You’ll Do

  • Develop and maintain English/Spanish letters for clients
  • Compile information and technical terms into glossaries and terminology databases to be used in translations
  • Respond to incoming calls and communication efforts made by clients, or on behalf of clients, and prepare reports and documentation informing attorneys of communication
  • Type all Spanish letters for clients and maintain library of English/Spanish client communications
  • Prepare accurate reports of attorney/client communication and provide reports of interpretations as needed
  • Maintain accurate records and prepare statistical reports of interpretation/translation services provided to clients
  • Maintain and update a daily calendar detailing office and prison interpretation/translation appointments
  • Visit area prisons with attorneys, on an as needed basis, to conduct interviews and assist attorneys in case preparation by interpreting attorney/client conversations
  • Be present in court, on an as needed basis, to conduct interviews, convey offers, and assist attorneys in case preparation by interpreting attorney/client conversations or conversations with clients’ family members or friends
  • Staff Defender Interview room and be available to assist attorneys by interpreting interoffice interviews of clients and witnesses;
  • Conduct thorough client/attorney conversation interpretation to convert concepts of the Spanish language to the equivalent concepts of the English language and vice versa;
  • Provide written, verbatim translations from Spanish to English or English to Spanish of documents, discovery, letters, emails, texts, radio tapes, audio or visual recordings, or any other communication as needed for the representation of clients.
  • Meet with client’s witnesses and family members and translate case facts and information to attorney for presentation on client’s behalf
  • Use verbatim techniques to ensure that attorney and client communicate effective and that both parties are informed of all details of the conversation
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of all communications with Defender Association attorneys, clients, their families and their witnesses

  What You’ll Need

  • Must be fluent in both Spanish and English languages and have the ability read, write and speak language required
  • Must be able to translate and prepare written reports of communication
  • Be able to travel to local courtrooms, prisons and community placements
  • Must be computer literate and have working knowledge of MS Office
  • Knowledge of and/or the ability to learn Defender computer programs
  • Ability to compose, type and edit correspondence
  • Excellent typing skills
  • Must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize assignments
  • Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and must be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders; communicating with clients and families in a professional, calm and compassionate manner
  • Must be flexible, independent, hardworking and positive, and display mature judgment
  • Ability to work well with others and handle a number of tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Must be able to deal with confidential information in an appropriate and responsible manner
  • Excellent telephone manner and the ability to take accurate messages

  Benefits & Perks

  • Generous and rich benefits plan offering 100% employer paid medical plan, dental, vision life insurance, long term disability insurance
  • Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
  • Retirement Savings Employer Match
  • Six weeks paid parental leave
  • Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
  • Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
  • Meaningful Work
  • Wellness Benefits
  • Ongoing Training and Development of You

  To apply

  Please apply online and include resume and cover letter

  Who is the Defender Association?

  The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers.

  The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.

• About the company

  The Defender Association of Philadelphia provides free legal representation to 70 percent of the people arrested in Philadelphia

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