Staff Interpreter - Spanish Language - PDD Boston

Overview

The Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking applications for a Staff Interpreter position in the Boston Office of the Public Defender Division. This position will provide interpreting and translating services for Spanish speaking clients and be based in the Boston Office but will be expected to provide interpreter services throughout Suffolk County. This is a full-time position (35 hours/week) and is benefits eligible.

 

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.

 

Our Values

 

Courage   •   Accountability   •   Respect   •   Excellence

 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

 

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation.  We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs.  It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.

 

AGENCY OVERVIEW

 

CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one.  The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters.

 

The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.

 

OFFICE OVERVIEW

 

The Public Defender Division Boston Office provides public defense services for Suffolk County.  The Boston Trial Unit is conveniently located in the downtown area of Boston.  It is accessible by MBTA subway and buses, Amtrak Commuter Rail, and ferry services.  The Boston Trial Unit shares space with CPCS Administration, and other divisions and units on two floors of a modernized office building.  Other amenities include restaurants, retail businesses, and historic landmarks.

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

 

The Committee for Public Counsel Services is creating a new Staff Interpreter position to provide interpreting and translating services for attorneys and other staff and Spanish speaking clients, witnesses, and others in Suffolk County. This position will be based in the Boston Office but will be expected to support CPCS staff and clients throughout Suffolk County. The Staff Interpreter is part of the defense team and must adhere to the rules of confidentiality under the attorney-client relationship.

 

Due to the nature of the work, there will be times when the Staff Interpreter is required to meet with clients and witnesses on short notice and there is an expectation that the Staff Interpreter is flexible with their schedule and available to meet outside of normal business hours.

 

The Staff Interpreter will report to the Public Defender Division Boston Office’s Attorney in Charge. 

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

 

The successful candidate must have:

• A minimum of one year of interpreting and translating experience in the legal or similar field;
• Fluent in written and speaking English and Spanish