Interpreting Services Specialist

Job Summary

The Interpreting Services Specialist coordinates the day-to-day scheduling of interpreters across the 14 counties DCARA serves, directly aligning with DCARA’s mission statement: to empower Deaf clients with communication access that enables them to be an integral and contributing part of their community.*

This 100% virtual position requires high precision and exceptional attention to detail when scheduling interpreters and handling customer requests. The specialist ensures all details such as assignment timing, interpreter availability, and contract specifications are accurate and clear. Because oversights directly impact service delivery, the ideal candidate must demonstrate outstanding accuracy, thoroughness, and multi-tasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.

*Work Location Requirement: Only residents of California or Idaho will be considered.

Essential Job Functions

Scheduling and Service Coordination

• Required to work core operating hours aligned with Pacific Standard Time (PST / PDT).
• Handle high-volume calls and emails from customers, interpreters, and Deaf consumers with rapid response times (including 10-minute turnarounds on requests).
• Schedule qualified interpreters accurately by matching certifications, skills, availability, and geographic proximity.
• Communicate assignment details, preparation materials, and status updates to interpreters, Deaf consumers, and business clients.
• Use the scheduling platform to maintain interpreter availability and keep customer records updated.
• Notify the Interpreting Services Coordinator of outdated contracts or critical account changes.

Work Environment & Requirements

• 100% Remote: Position is fully virtual and performed from a home office during core Pacific Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Time PST/PDT operating hours.
• Stationary Work: Extended periods sitting or standing at a desk operating a computer, phone, and video conferencing tools (Zoom).
• Digital Records: Ability to organize, access, and maintain electronic files, databases, and scheduling systems.

Communication

• Communicate efficiently across electronic formats (email, Zoom, chat) and in-person using English, American Sign Language (ASL), and other signed communication methods.
• Collaborate closely with the Interpreting Services Coordinator on incoming requests and escalation needs.
• Work directly with hearing/business customers and Deaf consumers to confirm job details and ensure service quality.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with interpreters to effectively match skills to assignments.
• Communicate client feedback, screen/refer callers to appropriate departments, and provide timely follow-ups.

Administrative Activities

• Enter and maintain accurate information in scheduling databases and agency software.
• Monitor scheduling inbox and phone calls, completing daily handoffs for after-hours coverage.

Required Education and Experience

• Previous experience in scheduling, dispatching, interpreter services, or client service coordination.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals (using ASL, written, visual, or assistive technology) as well as hearing customers and business partners.
• Cultural competence and knowledge of rights, laws, and services affecting the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.
• Strong customer service, active listening, and detail-oriented administrative skills (including databases and office applications).
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse backgrounds and manage multi-tasking and time-sensitive priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Education and Experience

• Hands-on experience with scheduling platforms, customer databases, or case management systems.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and ability to resolve routine client, business, or scheduling concerns.
• Proven ability to build positive professional relationships with clients, hearing consumers, businesses, interpreters, and team members.

Benefits

• Employee Full Coverage: Health, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Optional to add members at competitive rates
• Life Insurance
• Paid Benefits
  • Twelve (12) Holidays 
  • Generous Sick and Vacation Leave  
  • Weekly Wellbeing Hour

Our Workplace Culture

Our workplace culture is a fun, challenging, and caring working environment where you can grow your career. We work together by being inclusive to everyone - including ideas, of people, of points of view. Individually, we are experts at what we do. Collectively, our impact is even greater. You’ll find some of the best and most satisfied staff working for the agency. At DCARA, you will be able to use your experiences, abilities, creativity, and energy to work and discover the talents within yourself as you enrich the lives of Deaf* (Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf with disabilities, hard of hearing, and late-deafened) community members.

Living in the Bay Area

DCARA is located in the beautiful Bay Area / North Coastal of California, known for its large Deaf* community, warm climate, highly educated communities, historic buildings, and an exciting array of activities for everyone, including cultural events, professional sports, trips up and down the Pacific coastline, wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma Valley, hiking around Redwood Giants, and many other community activities. You will also live near many of the world’s Global companies (Google, Apple, Facebook, for example) which are located in the Bay Area. There is no better place to live than California as the world’s fifth largest economy!

Equal Employment Opportunity
DCARA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.  DCARA is an at-will employer and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf with disabilities, hard of hearing, and late deafened people. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to https://dcara.org/careers/.

Join us in empowering Deaf* communities! Be a leader, an advocate, and a champion for change at DCARA.