Minimum Qualifications:

• For the certified hourly rate: Certification by the Illinois Supreme Court or the certifying body of a sister state recognized by the Illinois Supreme Court, as a foreign language court interpreter.

• Strong commitment to Access to Justice for all, particularly court users with limited English proficiency.
• Understanding of and demonstrated adherence to the Interpreters’ Code of Conduct.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse coworkers and court users.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and spoken and written second language.
• Two years of experience as a court interpreter preferred.
• High school diploma or CED certificate; college degree preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel to all Circuit Court of Cook County courthouses and court annexed locations; access to personal transportation required.
• Proficiency in the use of a smart phone, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and internet browser.

 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an interpreter to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• speak and hear
• stand, walk, sit, and use hands and feet.
• communicate clearly on the telephone and with the public and other staff.
• use a telephone, keyboard, and video display terminal.
• lift and/or move objects up to 15 pounds such as files, stacks of papers, reference materials.
• intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies
• perform simple grasping and fine manipulation

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.  Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. 

BENEFITS:  Session interpreters hired after January 1, 2011  are in the Tier 2 Plan with the Cook County Pension Fund:  Tier 2 Explanation of Benefits - Tier 2 Benefits | Cook County Pension Fund.

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.


Revised: January 2026