Interpreter

Kansas Federal Public Defender 

Position Announcement 

Part-time or Full-time Interpreter, Topeka or Kansas City, Kansas 

Posted September 19, 2024 

Deadline: October 11, 2024 (or until filled) 

The Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and dignity are central to our work. We hire without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual  orientation, gender identity or expression, age, height, weight, veteran status, military obligations, or marital or parental status. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in any personnel decisions or employee interactions. 

About Us. We work to keep people out of prison through holistic representation, collaboration, and education. Our clients  are people accused of federal crimes who cannot afford private lawyers. We protect their rights and center their humanity  at every stage of the criminal case and beyond. We value hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness. 

The Job. We are looking for an interpreter/ translator to play  an integral part of our defense team. They will interpret and  translate all forms of oral and written communication. Profi ciency in consecutive and simultaneous communications is re quired, including familiarity with geographically based dialects.  Candidates must be highly motivated, detail oriented, and dead line driven. They must schedule their time to accommodate the  needs of clients and staff members in and out of the office. Travel is required for jail visits, field work, witness interviews,  and client meetings. Commitment to public defense is required. 

You must: 

• Pass an interpreter/translator proficiency exam  • Residency requirements can be found here 
• Be organized and manage time well 
• Be committed to client confidentiality 
• Be comfortable working with a diverse set of clients and  their families 
• Be available to travel 
• Have a valid driver’s license 

You should: 

• Demonstrate cultural competency and have experience or  interest in working with marginalized communities • Have strong writing skills 
• Have knowledge of the Federal criminal justice system • Be willing to work after hours, weekends and holidays as  needed. 

Salary & Benefits. The full-time salary ranges from $73,000 to $136,000, depending on experience and on  written and oral examinations. The FPD also offers generous benefits: 

• 11 paid holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s  birthday and Juneteenth 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness, if qualified • Federal Employees Retirement System 
• Thrift Savings Plan – up to 5% Employer Match • Health (100+ options)  
• Dental (16 options) 
• Vision (10 options) 
• Life Insurance (basic, standard, additional, family) • Flex Spending Accounts 
• Commuter Benefit Program 
• Long Term & Short Term Disability 
• Long Term Care 
• Transportation Subsidy 
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling  and assistance) 
• WorkLife4You (living well) 
• Sick Leave 
• Annual Leave 
• Nationwide leave transfer program 
• Worker’s Comp 
• Disability Retirement 
• Family and Medical Leave 
• 12-weeks paid parental leave 
• Bring your infant to work (up to 6 months) • Awards (cash, time-off) 
  

Apply. Send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references in a single pdf document to ksfpd@fd.org.  Preference will be given to applications received by October 11, 2024. We may fill current and future positions from this  position announcement. This is an in-office position located in Topeka or Kansas City, KS, with some option for remote  work, and is subject to funding. No phone calls, please.