Kunama Interpreter

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, while working from your own home. We are certified as a Great Place to Work and regularly listed as one of America's top work-from-home employers. Our interpreters serve clients across numerous industries, including healthcare, 911, first responders, education, government agencies, and business sectors. We provide industry-leading training, opportunities for advancement, and a supportive environment with access to a Senior Language Specialist and help desks.

About the role

The Kunama Telephone Interpreter is responsible for handling calls on demand, rendering the meaning of conversations between Kunama and English speakers. The interpreter breaks communication barriers in industries such as healthcare, government, insurance, financial, utilities, travel & hospitality, general business, law enforcement, court, and 911. This role requires quick and concise information processing, cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and adherence to industry protocols. Interpreting sessions may involve simple or complex, technical or non-technical subjects. This is a remote, independent contractor position.

Responsibilities

• Respond to interpreting sessions promptly and conduct interpretation in a friendly and professional manner.
• 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 at all times.
• Remain calm during sessions, especially in emergency situations such as 911 calls when a primary speaker may be incoherent or upset.
• Maintain punctuality and availability during work hours.
• Follow client instructions and protocol to meet expectations, avoiding interaction with the Limited English-speaking Person (LEP) without client permission.
• Understand protocol and terminology for industries including medical, insurance, finance, and law.
• Demonstrate commitment to cultural sensitivity and working in a diverse environment.
• Handle highly emotional or stressful calls, remain on calls for extended periods without breaks, and manage high call volumes while maintaining company service standards.

Requirements

• Fluency in Kunama and English, with an understanding of associated cultural dynamics.
• Ability to provide cultural competency and assess regional and accent differences to facilitate communication with LEPs.
• Excellent listening, retention, and note-taking skills to maintain accuracy during interpretation.
• Ability to concentrate, remain detached and neutral, and handle sensitive subjects such as end-of-life conversations, pregnancy termination, vaccinations, and matters concerning sexual orientation and/or gender expression.
• Education or work experience in language-related fields such as teaching, language assessment, translation, or interpretation preferred.
• Must adapt to LLS technology enhancements that improve service delivery and meet client demands.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship requirements.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Candidates currently employed by a LanguageLine Solutions client or affiliated business may not be eligible.
• Ability to read and write the requested languages is highly preferred.
• Post-offer, pre-employment background check and/or drug screen may be required based on location.

Technical Requirements

• Dedicated personal device for business purposes (desktop/laptop with Windows, MacOS, or ChromeOS; tablets or smartphones are acceptable).
• Restricted brands: Kaspersky products and Huawei hardware.
• High-speed internet connection with minimum download speeds of 5 Mbps, upload speeds of 3 Mbps, ping value of no more than 300 ms, and jitter value of no more than 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 for the majority of the workday.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to type or write.
• Able to lift up to 26 lbs.
• May be exposed to moderate noise levels (e.g., computer, audio, telephone).

Pay

$1.25 - $1.40 per minute.

Benefits

• Employee Referral Program.
• Advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Interpreter support.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment.

Note: This is an independent contractor position and therefore not eligible for employee benefits.