Interpreter Services Administrative Specialist

Interpreter Services Administrative Specialist

Salary

$37.28 - $43.20 Hourly

Location

Seattle Justice Center, 600 5th Ave., Seattle, WA

Job Type

Temporary - Non-Benefit Eligible

Job Number

2026-01247

Department

Seattle Municipal Court

Opening Date

09/15/2026

Closing Date

9/22/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

Position Description

The Seattle Municipal Courts (SMC) mission is to provide a forum for people to resolve alleged violations of the law in a respectful, independent, and impartial manner. The Court is dedicated to advancing social justice issues by supporting personal, structural, and systemic change in our community, and building a diverse workforce. The Court works collaboratively to realize the Citys vision of racial equity by participating in the City of Seattles Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI). SMC is a highly innovative and progressive court with a community-based approach to judicial administration.

SMC provides services to Limited English Proficient (LEP), deaf or hearing-impaired individuals in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and RCWs 2.42 and 2.43. In one of the most diverse cities in the nation, SMC Interpreter Services has scheduled interpreters in 130 languages and currently schedules interpreters for over 8000 events a year.

Interpreter Services is currently accepting applications from qualified candidates for a temporary, part-time Interpreter Services Administrative Specialist position that reports to the Interpreter Services Strategic Advisor. The Interpreter Services Administrative Specialist is responsible for scheduling interpreters for LEP or hearing-impaired participants in judicial proceedings at SMC. The person in this role will support Interpreter Services in scheduling interpreters for court hearings, trials, Customer Services, Day Reporting, Probation, and attorney-client interviews.

• Please note that this is a part-time position expected to work 20-30 hours per week. This temporary assignment is expected to last at until August 2027. This role may also provide support in other areas of the Courts Operations Department. Work performed for the Interpreter Services Department is expected to be performed in person.

You will be successful in this role if you can:

• Provide excellent customer service
• Accurately navigate and update databases
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and language abilities
• Stay organized and adapt to shifting priorities
• Communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally

Job Responsibilities

Process Requests

• Organize and prioritize interpreter requests received from the Municipal Court Information System
• Complete online interpreter request forms, submitted via email, telephone or in person.
• Respond to and process same-day interpreter requests and changes using the web-based interpreter scheduling system.
• Contact interpreters to schedule them for same day and future events.

Schedule Interpreters

• Arrange assignments using the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) list of credentialed interpreters. When necessary, review qualifications of other non-credentialed court interpreters.
• Verify interpreters clearance status when scheduling for interviews at the King County Jail.
• Communicate with the court as needed regarding availability of interpreters.
• Contact interpreters by telephone, email or in person for new, rescheduled or canceled assignments. Document calendar changes and updates.
• Monitor progress of all outstanding requests and track interpreters availability.

Provide Clerical Support

• Answer phones and advise interpreters of any walk-in or add-on cases requiring immediate attention.
• Promptly answer email requests for interpreter services.
• Receive, date stamp and file interpreter invoices.
• Enter processed invoices information into the AOC Interpreter Web application.
• Assist with conference calls or video calls between parties, when an interpreter is involved.
• Maintain adequate supplies. Maintain interpreter equipment properly charged, cleaned and stored.
• Bring recommendations and/or issues to the Interpreter Services Strategic Advisor for review and resolution.
• Review incoming mail and take appropriate actions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

2+ years of office clerical support experience (or a combination of education, training, and/or experience which provides evidence of the ability to perform work of the class).

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree;
• 3+ years of experience providing clerical support and excellent customer service.
• Strong written, oral, active listening and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with and serve interpreters, court personnel, attorneys, and investigators;
• Is professional and culturally sensitive when working with people from various cultural backgrounds and individuals who speak with strong accents;
• Highly organized with the ability to plan and coordinate complex schedules and handle multiple deadlines;
• Capacity to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
• Experience updating and navigating databases and an aptitude for learning new systems;
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• Able to exercise discretion and maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
• Washington State registered or certified court interpreter.

Additional Information

Who may apply

This position is open to all individuals whose experience; skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Why Work at the City

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services. If you share these values and meet the qualifications for this position, we invite you to apply.

Hiring Process

In addition to completing your online application, the following attachments are required for your application to be considered complete:

• Resume

• Cover Letter describing how your skills and experience align with stated job responsibilities and qualifications and how you would apply them to advance and support the court's RSJI mission.

Salary

The full salary range for this role is $37.28 - $43.20 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $37.28 hourly.

Work Environment

This position will berequired to work onsite everyday downtown Seattle at the Municipal Court. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their manager. This position may allow for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their manager.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Additional Information

• A job offer is contingent upon successfully passing the courts background check. The background check includes a criminal history background review, fingerprinting, and reference checks.

• This is a part-time position, working up to 30 hours per week.

• For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/courts.

If you have any questions, please contact Pharez Freeland at Pharez.Freeland@seattle.gov

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at:

Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Employer City of Seattle

Address Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs