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. Proficiency in consecutive and simultaneous communications is required, including familiarity with geographically based dialects. Candidates must be highly motivated, detail oriented, and deadline 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.