Foreign language interpreter job description
Updated March 14, 2024
6 min read
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Example foreign language interpreter requirements on a job description
Foreign language interpreter requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in foreign language interpreter job postings.
Sample foreign language interpreter requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in foreign language or equivalent experience
- Native-level fluency in two or more languages
- Excellent speaking, reading, and writing skills
- Strong comprehension and interpretation abilities
- Knowledge of linguistic theories and practices
Sample required foreign language interpreter soft skills
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong ability to concentrate and pay attention to detail
- Ability to make quick decisions in difficult situations
- High level of professionalism and diplomacy
- Ability to work well under pressure
Foreign language interpreter job description example 1
Kelly Services foreign language interpreter job description
Job Title: Language Interpreter
Location: Work at Home position in the US
Position: Video-Phone Interpreter
Position Overview:
The Language Video-Telephone- Interpreter is responsible for handling calls on demand and renders the meaning of conversations between Burmese, Hmong, Karen, Khmer, Laotian, Pashto and English speakers. The interpreter breaks the communication barrier in various industries: Healthcare, Government, Insurance, Financial, Utilities, Travel & Hospitality, General Business, Law Enforcement, Court, and 911. The interpreter processes information quickly and concisely and recognizes sensitive cultural differences. The interpreter is professional and courteous and uses appropriate, terminology and understands standard industry procedures and practices. The video and audio interpreting sessions may involve simple or complex, technical or non-technical subjects. However, this position does not involve written translation; translators and other skilled linguists are encouraged to apply. The interpreters translate verbally.
**This is a remote position. The Interpreter works from his/her home office. It is essential to
ensure a quiet & secure environment. **
Essential Job Functions
+ Respond to video and audio interpreting sessions promptly and conduct interpretation in a
friendly and professional manner.
+ Participate in online, video and audio training sessions.
+ Deliver interpretation services via video and expediently type data on a company-provided device, such as a laptop, to perform the job's essential functions.
+ Render correct concepts and meanings according to the conventions of established interpretation protocol, avoiding omissions or additions.
+ Speak clearly in both languages using proper pronunciation, enunciation, and polite expressions.
+ Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the video and audio interpreting sessions.
+ Remain calm during video and audio interpreting sessions if one of the speakers is incoherent or upset, especially in emergencies such as 911 calls.
+ Maintain punctuality and availability during scheduled work hours.
+ Follow client instructions in compliance with protocol to ensure client expectations are met with the Limited English-speaking Person (LEP), avoiding interaction with the LEP without the client's permission.
+ Understand protocol and terminology for various industries including, but not limited to, Medical, Insurance, Finance and Law.
+ Demonstrate commitment to cultural sensitivity and working in a diverse environment.
Qualifications
+ Fluency in the language and English and skilled in the associated cultural dynamics.
+ Ability to provide cultural competency and assess regional and accent differences to find ways of communicating with the LEP.
+ Excellent listening, retention, and note-taking skills to maintain a high level of accuracy during interpretation.
+ Education or work experience in language-related fields such as teaching, language assessment, translation or interpretation preferred.
+ Must be able to adapt to any Kelly technology enhancements that improve service delivery and meet client demands.
+ Must be at least 18 years of age.
+ Legally authorized to work in the US.
+ High school diploma or equivalent.
+ Ability to read and write the requested languages - highly preferred.
PERKS:
+ • Paid hourly vs by the minute
+ • W2 vs 1099
+ • Paid weekly (every Friday)
+ • Kelly-sponsored Affordable Care Act health care coverage available for eligible employees
+ • Weekly electronic pay options
+ • Employee Perks
+ • Free online training campus available
+ • Employee assistance program (EAP) available at no cost
**Based on your location, a post-offer, a pre-employment background check and/or drug screen may be required**
Technical Requirements:
+ High-speeded Internet connection for work-related electronic communication. This internet connection should provide download speeds of no less than 5 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps.
+ Your home office should provide space for a backdrop of 5 ft by 7 ft and; a desk and chair.
+ A direct connection from the modem to the desktop or laptop must be used. Cable or fibre optic services are preferred. For optimal connectivity: Satellite service is not permissible.
+ Must have access to a quiet space free from background noise or distraction.
Physical Requirements:
+ Must be able to operate a keyboard and mouse and remain in a stationary position in front of a computer and webcam for most of the workday.
+ Must use a headset for prolonged periods. Must be able to operate company-provided software and systems to perform all aspects of the job.
+ Must have sufficient manual dexterity to type or write.
+ May be exposed to moderate noise levels, i.e. computer, audio, telephone.
Kelly Services is an equal opportunity employer, meaning that employment opportunities are made and offered to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law or local ordinance. Kelly will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities if the person is otherwise qualified to perform all of the position's essential functions safely. Please let us know immediately if you require accommodations to complete this application and the interview process.
You should know Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A Kelly recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.
**You should know:** Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A Kelly recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.
**Why Kelly** ** ** **?**
As a worker today, it's up to you to take charge of your career and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve your potential. Helping you find what's next is what we're all about. We know what's going on in the evolving world of work-just ask the 440,000 people we employ each year. Connecting with us means getting the support, guidance, and opportunities needed to take your career where you may have never imagined.
**About Kelly** ** **
At Kelly, we're always thinking about what's next and advising job seekers on new ways of working to reach their full potential. In fact, we're a leading advocate for temporary/nontraditional workstyles, because we believe they allow flexibility and tremendous growth opportunities that enable a better way to work and live (plus, did we mention we provide a ton of benefits ?). Connecting great people with great companies is what we do best, and our employment opportunities span a wide variety of workstyles, skill levels, and industries around the world.
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center.
Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.
Location: Work at Home position in the US
Position: Video-Phone Interpreter
Position Overview:
The Language Video-Telephone- Interpreter is responsible for handling calls on demand and renders the meaning of conversations between Burmese, Hmong, Karen, Khmer, Laotian, Pashto and English speakers. The interpreter breaks the communication barrier in various industries: Healthcare, Government, Insurance, Financial, Utilities, Travel & Hospitality, General Business, Law Enforcement, Court, and 911. The interpreter processes information quickly and concisely and recognizes sensitive cultural differences. The interpreter is professional and courteous and uses appropriate, terminology and understands standard industry procedures and practices. The video and audio interpreting sessions may involve simple or complex, technical or non-technical subjects. However, this position does not involve written translation; translators and other skilled linguists are encouraged to apply. The interpreters translate verbally.
**This is a remote position. The Interpreter works from his/her home office. It is essential to
ensure a quiet & secure environment. **
Essential Job Functions
+ Respond to video and audio interpreting sessions promptly and conduct interpretation in a
friendly and professional manner.
+ Participate in online, video and audio training sessions.
+ Deliver interpretation services via video and expediently type data on a company-provided device, such as a laptop, to perform the job's essential functions.
+ Render correct concepts and meanings according to the conventions of established interpretation protocol, avoiding omissions or additions.
+ Speak clearly in both languages using proper pronunciation, enunciation, and polite expressions.
+ Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the video and audio interpreting sessions.
+ Remain calm during video and audio interpreting sessions if one of the speakers is incoherent or upset, especially in emergencies such as 911 calls.
+ Maintain punctuality and availability during scheduled work hours.
+ Follow client instructions in compliance with protocol to ensure client expectations are met with the Limited English-speaking Person (LEP), avoiding interaction with the LEP without the client's permission.
+ Understand protocol and terminology for various industries including, but not limited to, Medical, Insurance, Finance and Law.
+ Demonstrate commitment to cultural sensitivity and working in a diverse environment.
Qualifications
+ Fluency in the language and English and skilled in the associated cultural dynamics.
+ Ability to provide cultural competency and assess regional and accent differences to find ways of communicating with the LEP.
+ Excellent listening, retention, and note-taking skills to maintain a high level of accuracy during interpretation.
+ Education or work experience in language-related fields such as teaching, language assessment, translation or interpretation preferred.
+ Must be able to adapt to any Kelly technology enhancements that improve service delivery and meet client demands.
+ Must be at least 18 years of age.
+ Legally authorized to work in the US.
+ High school diploma or equivalent.
+ Ability to read and write the requested languages - highly preferred.
PERKS:
+ • Paid hourly vs by the minute
+ • W2 vs 1099
+ • Paid weekly (every Friday)
+ • Kelly-sponsored Affordable Care Act health care coverage available for eligible employees
+ • Weekly electronic pay options
+ • Employee Perks
+ • Free online training campus available
+ • Employee assistance program (EAP) available at no cost
**Based on your location, a post-offer, a pre-employment background check and/or drug screen may be required**
Technical Requirements:
+ High-speeded Internet connection for work-related electronic communication. This internet connection should provide download speeds of no less than 5 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps.
+ Your home office should provide space for a backdrop of 5 ft by 7 ft and; a desk and chair.
+ A direct connection from the modem to the desktop or laptop must be used. Cable or fibre optic services are preferred. For optimal connectivity: Satellite service is not permissible.
+ Must have access to a quiet space free from background noise or distraction.
Physical Requirements:
+ Must be able to operate a keyboard and mouse and remain in a stationary position in front of a computer and webcam for most of the workday.
+ Must use a headset for prolonged periods. Must be able to operate company-provided software and systems to perform all aspects of the job.
+ Must have sufficient manual dexterity to type or write.
+ May be exposed to moderate noise levels, i.e. computer, audio, telephone.
Kelly Services is an equal opportunity employer, meaning that employment opportunities are made and offered to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law or local ordinance. Kelly will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities if the person is otherwise qualified to perform all of the position's essential functions safely. Please let us know immediately if you require accommodations to complete this application and the interview process.
You should know Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A Kelly recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.
**You should know:** Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A Kelly recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.
**Why Kelly** ** ** **?**
As a worker today, it's up to you to take charge of your career and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve your potential. Helping you find what's next is what we're all about. We know what's going on in the evolving world of work-just ask the 440,000 people we employ each year. Connecting with us means getting the support, guidance, and opportunities needed to take your career where you may have never imagined.
**About Kelly** ** **
At Kelly, we're always thinking about what's next and advising job seekers on new ways of working to reach their full potential. In fact, we're a leading advocate for temporary/nontraditional workstyles, because we believe they allow flexibility and tremendous growth opportunities that enable a better way to work and live (plus, did we mention we provide a ton of benefits ?). Connecting great people with great companies is what we do best, and our employment opportunities span a wide variety of workstyles, skill levels, and industries around the world.
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center.
Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.
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Updated March 14, 2024
Updated March 14, 2024