MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Title: Court Interpreter - Middlesex County Pay Grade: Grade 17 Starting Pay:$79,771.83 Departmental Mission Statement: The Massachusetts Trial Court Language Access and Court Records Department is responsible for overseeing court programs and services related to spoken language access to interpreters and translators for the limited English proficient (LEP), low literacy court users, and American Sign Language (ASL) or Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals with court matters. The office also provides access to administrative records and trial transcripts of digitally recorded court proceedings for the bench, the bar, the public, and pro se, self-represented litigants (SRL). https://www.mass.gov/orgs/language-access-court-records-department Notes: This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6. The posting will be used to fill various positions based on location and language need. **New hires for Interpreter positions are required to either have the NCSC Interpreter Certification of successfully complete the NCSC Interpreter Certification program during the first 2 years of employment. Failure to pass the written and oral certification examinations during the first 2 years of employment shall result in separation from employment. Interpreters must have the ability to travel to court locations in Middlesex County. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Position Summary: Employees are hired at the entry level position title and are eligible for reclassification to the higher level position titles within this series consistent with the specifications for the higher level positions. The position title reverts to the entry level when there is a vacancy. Court Interpreter I - This is the entry level position title within the series. Employees are expected to perform the full range of entry level duties and to train for the next higher level. Court Interpreter II - This is the second level position title within this series. Employees at this level are expected to perform higher level duties which require more advanced language proficiency, greater knowledge of court policies and procedures, and the ability to exercise more independent judgment. POSITION SUMMARY: Court Interpreters serve as certified staff interpreters who interpret legal proceedings for non-English speaking persons involved in court matters in accordance with regulations established by the Office of Court Interpreters (OCIS). The position title above the entry level requires the performance of more complex and varied work. Employees are hired at the entry level position title and are eligible for reclassification to the higher level position title within this series consistent with the specifications for the higher level position title. The position title reverts to the entry level when there is a vacancy. Supervision Received: Receives moderate direction from the Manager of Interpreter Services of the Trial Court and her/his designee and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy and established procedures. Duties: Court Interpreter I Duties: • Interprets simultaneously and consecutively for defendants, witnesses, and victims in court, for persons seeking assistance in court or from Probation Officers, for persons filing petitions, for prosecutors and for defense attorneys in interviewing defendants, witnesses, parents, plaintiffs, or victims, and for persons completing forms as specified in section 8.01 of the Standards and Procedures of the OCIS. • Produces initial drafts of translations of official forms, documents, public signs, letters and correspondence and other written material from English into a specified foreign language and vice versa as needed by OCIS. • Attends ongoing training provided or funded by OCIS or the Trial Court as part of continuing education requirements. Maintains records of interpreting and translating activities. • Must be willing to travel to the various divisions of the Trial Court as determined by the Manager, Court Interpreter Services. • Performs related duties as required. Court Interpreter II Duties: • Translates and review translations of official forms, documents, public signs, letters and correspondence and other written material from English into a specified foreign language and vice versa as needed by OCIS. • Oversees the activities of all interpreters assigned to them by OCIS, including supervising their interpreting and translating activities within his/her work unit. • Performs linguistic evaluations of per diem interpreters assigned to them by OCIS, including determining deficiencies, progress, and training needs. • Performs various training activities, including determining subjects/topics for training, developing training materials and serving as a trainer. • Performs various public relations activities such as addressing other agencies. • Performs related duties as required. Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas: Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Human Resources Department and the Trial Court. Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Support Services Department missions. Applied Knowledge Demonstrates language proficiency, interpreter skills, and understands court policy and procedure. Problem Solving Accurately assesses interpreter problems in the Trial Court and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions. Customer Service Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public. Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals. Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of cross cultural awareness and diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development. Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Court Interpreter I: • Bachelor's degree in a human services field, plus a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in legal, technical, medical, literary translation and/or interpretation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Fully proficient in English and a foreign language. With Cross-cultural awareness. • Applicants are required to pass the State Court Interpreter Certification test as a pre-requisite for appointment to this position. • Certification pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 221C through the Office of Court Interpreter Services is an absolute requirement. • Ability to interpret in the simultaneous mode and the consecutive mode in court related proceedings. • Ability to maintain accurate and timely records including, but not limited to, data entry and collection of data. • Will generate monthly or other reports as needed. • Ability to establish work priorities and to work independently. • Ability to serve the public and others with business before the court in a courteous and professional manner. • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to perform work and communicate in a highly visible and public setting. • Ability to travel to court locations. • Must have a valid Massachusetts Driver's License or possess or have access to other reliable methods of transportation. • Must possess a general understanding of the operations of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Court Interpreter II Requirements: • A minimum of four (4) years’ service as a Court Interpreter I. • Advanced interpreter skills, advanced language proficiency, and an advanced understanding of and ability to explain of court proceedings. • Must exhibit full compliance with the Interpreter Code of Professional Conduct. Closing Date/Time: 2024-07-26
Title: Court Interpreter - Middlesex County Pay Grade: Grade 17 Starting Pay:$79,771.83 Departmental Mission Statement: The Massachusetts Trial Court Language Access and Court Records Department is responsible for overseeing court programs and services related to spoken language access to interpreters and translators for the limited English proficient (LEP), low literacy court users, and American Sign Language (ASL) or Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals with court matters. The office also provides access to administrative records and trial transcripts of digitally recorded court proceedings for the bench, the bar, the public, and pro se, self-represented litigants (SRL). https://www.mass.gov/orgs/language-access-court-records-department Notes: This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6. The posting will be used to fill various positions based on location and language need. **New hires for Interpreter positions are required to either have the NCSC Interpreter Certification of successfully complete the NCSC Interpreter Certification program during the first 2 years of employment. Failure to pass the written and oral certification examinations during the first 2 years of employment shall result in separation from employment. Interpreters must have the ability to travel to court locations in Middlesex County. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Position Summary: Employees are hired at the entry level position title and are eligible for reclassification to the higher level position titles within this series consistent with the specifications for the higher level positions. The position title reverts to the entry level when there is a vacancy. Court Interpreter I - This is the entry level position title within the series. Employees are expected to perform the full range of entry level duties and to train for the next higher level. Court Interpreter II - This is the second level position title within this series. Employees at this level are expected to perform higher level duties which require more advanced language proficiency, greater knowledge of court policies and procedures, and the ability to exercise more independent judgment. POSITION SUMMARY: Court Interpreters serve as certified staff interpreters who interpret legal proceedings for non-English speaking persons involved in court matters in accordance with regulations established by the Office of Court Interpreters (OCIS). The position title above the entry level requires the performance of more complex and varied work. Employees are hired at the entry level position title and are eligible for reclassification to the higher level position title within this series consistent with the specifications for the higher level position title. The position title reverts to the entry level when there is a vacancy. Supervision Received: Receives moderate direction from the Manager of Interpreter Services of the Trial Court and her/his designee and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy and established procedures. Duties: Court Interpreter I Duties: • Interprets simultaneously and consecutively for defendants, witnesses, and victims in court, for persons seeking assistance in court or from Probation Officers, for persons filing petitions, for prosecutors and for defense attorneys in interviewing defendants, witnesses, parents, plaintiffs, or victims, and for persons completing forms as specified in section 8.01 of the Standards and Procedures of the OCIS. • Produces initial drafts of translations of official forms, documents, public signs, letters and correspondence and other written material from English into a specified foreign language and vice versa as needed by OCIS. • Attends ongoing training provided or funded by OCIS or the Trial Court as part of continuing education requirements. Maintains records of interpreting and translating activities. • Must be willing to travel to the various divisions of the Trial Court as determined by the Manager, Court Interpreter Services. • Performs related duties as required. Court Interpreter II Duties: • Translates and review translations of official forms, documents, public signs, letters and correspondence and other written material from English into a specified foreign language and vice versa as needed by OCIS. • Oversees the activities of all interpreters assigned to them by OCIS, including supervising their interpreting and translating activities within his/her work unit. • Performs linguistic evaluations of per diem interpreters assigned to them by OCIS, including determining deficiencies, progress, and training needs. • Performs various training activities, including determining subjects/topics for training, developing training materials and serving as a trainer. • Performs various public relations activities such as addressing other agencies. • Performs related duties as required. Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas: Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Human Resources Department and the Trial Court. Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Support Services Department missions. Applied Knowledge Demonstrates language proficiency, interpreter skills, and understands court policy and procedure. Problem Solving Accurately assesses interpreter problems in the Trial Court and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions. Customer Service Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public. Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals. Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of cross cultural awareness and diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development. Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Court Interpreter I: • Bachelor's degree in a human services field, plus a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in legal, technical, medical, literary translation and/or interpretation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Fully proficient in English and a foreign language. With Cross-cultural awareness. • Applicants are required to pass the State Court Interpreter Certification test as a pre-requisite for appointment to this position. • Certification pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 221C through the Office of Court Interpreter Services is an absolute requirement. • Ability to interpret in the simultaneous mode and the consecutive mode in court related proceedings. • Ability to maintain accurate and timely records including, but not limited to, data entry and collection of data. • Will generate monthly or other reports as needed. • Ability to establish work priorities and to work independently. • Ability to serve the public and others with business before the court in a courteous and professional manner. • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to perform work and communicate in a highly visible and public setting. • Ability to travel to court locations. • Must have a valid Massachusetts Driver's License or possess or have access to other reliable methods of transportation. • Must possess a general understanding of the operations of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Court Interpreter II Requirements: • A minimum of four (4) years’ service as a Court Interpreter I. • Advanced interpreter skills, advanced language proficiency, and an advanced understanding of and ability to explain of court proceedings. • Must exhibit full compliance with the Interpreter Code of Professional Conduct. Closing Date/Time: 2024-07-26
MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Title: Staff Attorney - Court Service Center- (Lowell) Pay Grade: Grade 17 Starting Pay:$79,771.83/Yr. Departmental Mission Statement: The Court Services and Law Libraries Department is responsible for providing key court services to support the administration of justice and advance access to justice in the Trial Court. These services include the Court Service Centers, the Trial Court Law Libraries. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/court-services-law-libraries-department Notes: This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6. Cover Letter letter inclusion with application preferred. Position Summary: Working within the Court Services and Law Libraries Department of the Office of Court Management, a Court Service Center Staff Attorney provides accurate legal information and court assistance for self-represented litigants and other members of the public to achieve better access to the Massachusetts justice system. All Court Service Center Staff Attorneys use professional legal experience and knowledge of social service agencies and organizations to provide self-represented litigants with the resources they need to navigate the court system and best address their issues. This position is responsible for assisting on an array of court information, forms, resources, and referral. The Staff Attorney also answers questions, reviews documents, and directs self-represented litigants and members of the public to the proper court office for additional assistance as appropriate. The Staff Attorney responsibilities will also include an educational component and other outreach activities in areas of family law, housing law, small claims, record sealing, and a variety of other court related matters. A Staff Attorney will also be expected to host workshop for assisting self-represented litigants in communities as needed. Through collaboration with local legal service providers and other social services, litigants seeking assistance at the Court Service Center are put in contact with the proper resources external to the court by the Manager and staff, achieving the goal of improving the lives of the public being served. Supervision Received: Receives general direction from the Court Service Center Manager in performing duties in accordance with established guidelines. Duties: Assists in the daily operations of a Court Service Center including: Assists self-represented litigants to gain access to Trial Court services by providing legal and procedural information; Under the direction of the Court Service Center Manager, implements strategies to increase the impact and efficiency of all court related services made available at the Court Service Center; Assists in the development, management, and evaluation of new initiatives to enhance the services provided to self-represented litigants; Contributes to the development of service related, user-friendly informational materials and online content to supplement the support provided at the Court Service Center; Provides information and explanations about a variety of court processes, court rules, official documents, and forms; Reviews completed court forms and papers being submitted to court divisions for adherence to court rules and protocols; Triages visitors to the center and makes referrals as appropriate; Ensures access for limited English proficient litigants and members of the public; Participates in regular meetings with the staff of the Court Service Center, as well as court officials from local area court divisions representing all Trial Court Departments in an effort to improve coordination and effectiveness; Assists in initiating data driven best practices to improve efficiencies and meet metric related benchmarks and goals; Ensures that data is captured, and statistical evaluation is conducted, including updating intake spreadsheets, performing data backup, and assisting in the preparation of statistical reports; and Performs other related duties as required. Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas: Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the Court Services and Law Libraries Department mission. Applied Knowledge: Ability to provide accurate legal information and court assistance for self-represented litigants other members of the public for improving access to justice. Problem Solving: Accurately can assesses operational and administrative problems in the Court Service Center and develop feasible solutions. Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner to users of the Court Service Center. Responsive to the needs of self-represented litigants. Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, accepts feedback, demonstrates a willingness to be a team player, and contributes to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals. Communications: Excellent oral and written communication skills to maximize the effectiveness of the Court Service Center; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, judges, and community resources is critical. Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development. Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Court Service Center Staff Attorney: A Law Degree and admission to the Massachusetts Bar at the start of the position. Individuals who have passed the bar exam but are waiting to be sworn in may apply. Skills and abilities acquired through a minimum of Two (2) years of relevant work experience such as case related experience within a Trial Court division, with legal service providers, social service agencies, and related allied service resources; Considerable knowledge of relevant state statutes, court rules and case law that prescribe the authority of the court and an ability to interpret and apply them to the cases before the court; Considerable knowledge of court procedures, legal documents, and laws pertaining to the court; Considerable knowledge of the work and role of legal service providers, social service state agencies, and related community resources; Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related business software such as Microsoft Office; Bilingual skills are preferred; Knowledge of the organization, functions, jurisdiction and authority of the court; Ability to maintain effective working relationships with Judges, court officials, attorneys, court employees and the general public; Demonstrate ability to remain responsive to local court departments and ensure multi-lingual access to court related services; Ability to identify and resolve customer service and queuing issues experienced at the Court Service Center; Ability to utilize data to monitor trends operational efficiency of a customer service operation; Demonstrated ability to independently initiate action, complete assignments and to handle multiple assignments simultaneously; Exceptional skills in using multi-media techniques: social media, web-based initiatives and digital resources to access and use local resources for referrals; Knowledge of procedures the types of resources and services available to librarians and library users; Ability to reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, climb stairs, and lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds; Considerable knowledge of court policies and procedures and demonstrated ability to apply those policies to inquiries; Demonstrated ability to independently complete assignments and to handle multiple assignments; and Demonstrated ability to identify problems and to develop feasible solutions; and to properly route them for appropriate resolution when necessary; and Ability to exercise judgment and to work without close supervision. Closing Date/Time: 2024-07-26
Title: Staff Attorney - Court Service Center- (Lowell) Pay Grade: Grade 17 Starting Pay:$79,771.83/Yr. Departmental Mission Statement: The Court Services and Law Libraries Department is responsible for providing key court services to support the administration of justice and advance access to justice in the Trial Court. These services include the Court Service Centers, the Trial Court Law Libraries. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/court-services-law-libraries-department Notes: This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6. Cover Letter letter inclusion with application preferred. Position Summary: Working within the Court Services and Law Libraries Department of the Office of Court Management, a Court Service Center Staff Attorney provides accurate legal information and court assistance for self-represented litigants and other members of the public to achieve better access to the Massachusetts justice system. All Court Service Center Staff Attorneys use professional legal experience and knowledge of social service agencies and organizations to provide self-represented litigants with the resources they need to navigate the court system and best address their issues. This position is responsible for assisting on an array of court information, forms, resources, and referral. The Staff Attorney also answers questions, reviews documents, and directs self-represented litigants and members of the public to the proper court office for additional assistance as appropriate. The Staff Attorney responsibilities will also include an educational component and other outreach activities in areas of family law, housing law, small claims, record sealing, and a variety of other court related matters. A Staff Attorney will also be expected to host workshop for assisting self-represented litigants in communities as needed. Through collaboration with local legal service providers and other social services, litigants seeking assistance at the Court Service Center are put in contact with the proper resources external to the court by the Manager and staff, achieving the goal of improving the lives of the public being served. Supervision Received: Receives general direction from the Court Service Center Manager in performing duties in accordance with established guidelines. Duties: Assists in the daily operations of a Court Service Center including: Assists self-represented litigants to gain access to Trial Court services by providing legal and procedural information; Under the direction of the Court Service Center Manager, implements strategies to increase the impact and efficiency of all court related services made available at the Court Service Center; Assists in the development, management, and evaluation of new initiatives to enhance the services provided to self-represented litigants; Contributes to the development of service related, user-friendly informational materials and online content to supplement the support provided at the Court Service Center; Provides information and explanations about a variety of court processes, court rules, official documents, and forms; Reviews completed court forms and papers being submitted to court divisions for adherence to court rules and protocols; Triages visitors to the center and makes referrals as appropriate; Ensures access for limited English proficient litigants and members of the public; Participates in regular meetings with the staff of the Court Service Center, as well as court officials from local area court divisions representing all Trial Court Departments in an effort to improve coordination and effectiveness; Assists in initiating data driven best practices to improve efficiencies and meet metric related benchmarks and goals; Ensures that data is captured, and statistical evaluation is conducted, including updating intake spreadsheets, performing data backup, and assisting in the preparation of statistical reports; and Performs other related duties as required. Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas: Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the Court Services and Law Libraries Department mission. Applied Knowledge: Ability to provide accurate legal information and court assistance for self-represented litigants other members of the public for improving access to justice. Problem Solving: Accurately can assesses operational and administrative problems in the Court Service Center and develop feasible solutions. Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner to users of the Court Service Center. Responsive to the needs of self-represented litigants. Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, accepts feedback, demonstrates a willingness to be a team player, and contributes to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals. Communications: Excellent oral and written communication skills to maximize the effectiveness of the Court Service Center; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, judges, and community resources is critical. Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development. Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Court Service Center Staff Attorney: A Law Degree and admission to the Massachusetts Bar at the start of the position. Individuals who have passed the bar exam but are waiting to be sworn in may apply. Skills and abilities acquired through a minimum of Two (2) years of relevant work experience such as case related experience within a Trial Court division, with legal service providers, social service agencies, and related allied service resources; Considerable knowledge of relevant state statutes, court rules and case law that prescribe the authority of the court and an ability to interpret and apply them to the cases before the court; Considerable knowledge of court procedures, legal documents, and laws pertaining to the court; Considerable knowledge of the work and role of legal service providers, social service state agencies, and related community resources; Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related business software such as Microsoft Office; Bilingual skills are preferred; Knowledge of the organization, functions, jurisdiction and authority of the court; Ability to maintain effective working relationships with Judges, court officials, attorneys, court employees and the general public; Demonstrate ability to remain responsive to local court departments and ensure multi-lingual access to court related services; Ability to identify and resolve customer service and queuing issues experienced at the Court Service Center; Ability to utilize data to monitor trends operational efficiency of a customer service operation; Demonstrated ability to independently initiate action, complete assignments and to handle multiple assignments simultaneously; Exceptional skills in using multi-media techniques: social media, web-based initiatives and digital resources to access and use local resources for referrals; Knowledge of procedures the types of resources and services available to librarians and library users; Ability to reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, climb stairs, and lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds; Considerable knowledge of court policies and procedures and demonstrated ability to apply those policies to inquiries; Demonstrated ability to independently complete assignments and to handle multiple assignments; and Demonstrated ability to identify problems and to develop feasible solutions; and to properly route them for appropriate resolution when necessary; and Ability to exercise judgment and to work without close supervision. Closing Date/Time: 2024-07-26