(Cedar Rapids) ON-SITE Arabic Spoken Language Interpreter - Independent Contractor

JOB TITLE:  ON-SITE Arabic Spoken Language Interpreter - Independent Contractor

FLSA STATUS:   Independent Contractor

JOB SUMMARY:  Qualified Foreign Language Interpreters are responsible for facilitating on-site, online, and phone interpreting in a professional and accurate manner. Interpreters will make use of the necessary platforms (Boostlingo, Zoom, etc.) and equipment (as needed) to provide accessible, clear, and articulate interpretations. Interpreters must possess and maintain competence, proficiency, and professionalism in English and their other working languages. Due to the sensitive nature of much of the information processed during an interpretation session, interpreters must adhere to ethical and confidential standards at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate many kinds of face-to-face conversations for customers, settings may include emergency rooms, medical, legal, social services, and educational.
• Effectively interpret between people who speak different languages, accurately repeating critical information from one person to another.
• Perform translations that are grammatically and syntactically accurate.
• Punctuality and attendance are expected; timeliness is necessary as it directly reflects on the agency as well as the interpreter. If an issue arises it is the interpreter’s responsibility to inform the scheduling staff as soon as possible. 
• Interpreters are expected to work collaboratively with other internal or external interpreters.
• As a representative of Hands Up Communications interpreters should exhibit professional behavior including attire, timeliness, attitude, manner, and overall behavior.
• Interpreters are expected to adhere to ethical standards, procedures, and protocols specific to interpreting context (i.e. hospitals, courts, schools, etc.).
• Confidentiality is required for all interpreting assignments unless specific circumstances arise that would cause the interpreter to violate the law. The content learned while on assignment is considered confidential. Additional information can be found in Hands Up Communication’s confidentiality/HIPAA agreements.
• Effectively represent the Hands Up Communications brand when interacting with customers in the field.
• Utilize the necessary technology for accurate reporting for billing, scheduling, and service evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Arts degree (preferred); Associates of Arts degree accepted or 3+ years of experience in lieu of formal degree.
• Knowledge of the community, culture, and values of the people and language to be interpreted.

• Facilitate communication between English and the language(s) listed in the proficiency self-assessment.

• Possess or have the ability to obtain local, regional, or national credentials. Maintain, as applicable, compliance with any national, state, or local licensure and/or certification requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently while meeting performance and customer service expectations.
• Credentialed in medical interpreting completed or in progress with Hands Up Communications.
• Ability to apply code of ethics and standards of practice.
• Ability to interpret for extended periods of time.
• Possess the ability to work in various settings, both indoor and outdoor, with variable lighting and temperatures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
When assigned to on-site appointments, interpreters may work in a variety of environments and locations, medical office, school, court, outside, etc.

EEO STATEMENT:  Hands Up Communications provides equal employment/contracting opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, belief, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.  Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants and employees are treated without regard to any of these characteristics.  Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.