Fukienese Interpreter

About the role

At LanguageLine, we strive for a world in which language and cultural barriers no longer exist. Use your language skills to dramatically improve the lives of limited-English speakers, as well as the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. Even better, you can do this while working from your own home. LanguageLine has been certified as a Great Place to Work, and is regularly listed as one of America’s top work-from-home employers. Our interpreters serve clients across numerous industries, including health care, 911, first responders, education, government agencies, and all walks of business.

Position overview

The Fukienese Video-Phone Interpreter is responsible for handling calls on demand and renders the meaning of conversations between Fukienese- and English-speaking parties. The interpreter breaks the communication barrier in a wide range of industries: Healthcare, Government, Insurance, Financial, Utilities, Travel & Hospitality, General Business, Law Enforcement, Court, and 911. The interpreter processes information quickly and concisely, recognizes sensitive cultural differences, and maintains professionalism and courtesy at all times. Sessions may involve simple or complex, technical or non-technical subjects. This position does not involve written translation; translators and other skilled linguists are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Respond to interpreting sessions promptly and conduct interpretation in a friendly and professional manner.
• Participate in online, video, and audio training sessions.
• Deliver audio and video interpretation services and expediently type data on a dedicated device (laptop, desktop, mobile phone, or tablet).
• Render correct concepts and meanings according to established interpretation protocol, avoiding omissions or additions.
• Speak clearly in both languages using proper pronunciation, enunciation, and polite expressions.
• Maintain a professional demeanor throughout interpreting sessions, remaining calm even when speakers are incoherent or upset, especially in emergency situations such as 911 calls.
• Maintain punctuality and availability during scheduled work hours.
• Follow client instructions and protocol to ensure client expectations are met with the Limited English-speaking Person (LEP), avoiding interaction with the LEP without client 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.
• Remain on calls for extended periods without breaks when required by call volume or nature; provide company-standard service within a dynamic environment.

Requirements

• Fluency in Fukienese and English and skilled in the associated cultural dynamics.
• Ability to provide cultural competency and assess regional and accent differences to communicate effectively with the LEP.
• Excellent listening, retention, and note-taking skills to maintain a high level of accuracy during interpretation.
• Ability to concentrate, stay detached from the conversation, remain neutral and objective at all times, and remain on calls involving sensitive subjects such as end-of-life conversations, pregnancy termination, vaccinations, and matters concerning sexual orientation and/or gender expression.
• Must be able to adapt to any LLS technology enhancements that improve service delivery and meet client demands.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States and with LanguageLine Solutions (e.g., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN visa or any other non-immigrant status).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Candidates who are currently employed by a client of LanguageLine Solutions or an affiliated business may not be eligible for consideration.
• Ability to read and write the requested languages—highly preferred.
• Based on location, a post-offer, pre-employment background check and/or drug screen may be required.

Technical requirements

• Dedicated personal device for business purposes.
• Desktop / Laptop Computers with Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS; tablets (iPadOS or Android) and smartphones (iOS or Android) are acceptable.
• Restricted brands: Kaspersky products; Huawei hardware.
• High-speed internet connection providing download ≥ 5 Mbps, upload ≥ 3 Mbps, ping ≤ 300 ms, jitter ≤ 30 ms.
• Access to a quiet space free from background noise or distraction.

Physical requirements

• Ability to operate a keyboard and mouse and remain in a stationary position in front of a computer and webcam the majority of the workday.
• Use a headset for prolonged periods.
• Operate company-provided software and systems to perform all aspects of the job.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to type or write.
• Ability to lift up to 26 lbs.
• May be exposed to moderate noise levels (e.g., computer, audio, telephone).

Pay

$23 – $25 per hour. Compensation will not be less than any applicable state or local minimum wage.

Benefits

• Paid professional interpreter training and continuous development.
• Incentives for meeting attendance targets.
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Accident, critical illness, and life insurance, including AD&D.
• Inpatient hospital and short-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee referral program.
• Advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Interpreter support.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment.