Somali Interpreter Office Support Specialist

Interpreter Office Support Specialist

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS SEPTEMBER 1ST

The Interpreter Office Support Specialist is responsible for their own work, and for performing at a high level of discretion. Follows NCICH Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care). The incumbent is expected to engage in regular contact within the department and other departments, outside agencies and public (supplying or seeking information) on specialized matters.

The Interpreter Office Support Specialist assists and supports others, or individually provides data, or facilitates services for use by others. Contacts include clients, general public, visitors from other agencies, housing managers, vendors, department staff, and various County departments.

• Provides accurate, objective and first-person interpretation services between staff, Somali speaking clients and their families, to ensure understanding of information being conveyed.
• Greets non-English speaking clients at reception desk, answers agency's language specific telephone extension, and directs to the appropriate intake/case worker.
• Assists agency staff by interpreting during client intake interviews with non-English speaking clients.
• Provides document translation services between English and Somali; communicating accurate meaning including cultural references and other expressions that do not translate literally.
• Provides a variety of administrative support duties for Social Services Department, as available and/or assigned.
• Performs recording keeping and filing responsibilities, as available and/or assigned.
• Performs special assignments and other miscellaneous support duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. Qualifications include fluent bilingual skills with English/Spanish languages, experience in providing language interpretive services, and one to three years of office experience or equivalent. Successful score of advanced-low or higher on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) performed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) or national certification by the Certification Commission of Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) or similar certification.

A valid driver's license.

The Interpreter Office Support Specialist must speak clearly in the language(s) they are conveying, and be able to write clearly and effectively in the language(s) they translate, and be aware of cultural aspects that may affect communications. Key job characteristics include skills, knowledge of and experience with computers, application of mathematics, Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet. The incumbent must be able to demonstrate the ability to maintain professional demeanor and appearance at all times, ability to listen carefully, maintain confidentiality and professionalism, ability to provide excellent customer service skills and excellent phone and video conferencing etiquette, and the ability to interact effectively with emotionally distraught callers and in a supportive manner with persons of diverse backgrounds.

Excellent communications skills are also used to de-escalate concerned and frustrated clients.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates degree or interpreting credits from an accredited institution, or Certification in Translation and Interpreting or Healthcare Interpreting, and/or completion of a 30-40 hour Interpreter skill based training such as Bridging the Gap or Community Interpreter Equivalent program or degree. Clerical experience in a setting where children are present is required.

HIRING RANGE / UNION: $24.17 - $33.83 per hour / SS Unit – Grade 6

HOURS:

Normal working hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Full-time hours equal 40 hours per week.

Rice County offers a complete benefit package including medical, dental, life insurance, pension, holiday, vacation, sick leave and long-term disability insurance. County employees are eligible for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For additional information, please follow the link to the Rice County website.