Somali 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. 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 healthcare, 911, first responders, education, government agencies, and all walks of business.

About the role

The Somali Video-Telephone Interpreter is responsible for handling calls on demand, rendering the meaning of conversations between Somali and English speakers. The interpreter breaks the communication barrier in a wide range of industries, including Healthcare, Government, Insurance, Financial, Utilities, Travel & Hospitality, General Business, Law Enforcement, Court, and 911. This position does not involve written translation, though translators and other skilled linguists are encouraged to apply.

This is a remote position. The interpreter works from a home office in a quiet and secure environment. Some calls may be highly emotional and/or stressful in nature, requiring the ability to remain on a call for extended periods without breaks or handle high call volumes while maintaining company standards of service.

Responsibilities

• Respond to video and audio interpreting sessions promptly and conduct interpretation in a friendly and professional manner.
• Participate in online, video, and audio training sessions.
• Deliver interpretation services via video 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 at all times.
• Remain calm during sessions where a primary speaker is 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 Medical, Insurance, Finance, and Law.
• Demonstrate commitment to cultural sensitivity and working in a diverse environment.

Requirements

• Fluency in Somali and English, including cultural dynamics.
• Ability to provide cultural competency and assess regional and accent differences to communicate effectively with LEPs.
• Excellent listening, retention, and note-taking skills to maintain accuracy during interpretation.
• Ability to concentrate, remain neutral and objective, and handle calls involving sensitive subjects (e.g., end-of-life conversations, pregnancy termination, vaccinations, sexual orientation, or gender expression).
• Education or work experience in language-related fields (e.g., teaching, language assessment, translation, or interpretation) preferred.
• Ability to adapt to technology enhancements that improve service delivery.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and write in 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, tablet, or smartphone).
• Acceptable operating systems: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, iPadOS, or Android.
• 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 stationary in front of a computer and webcam for the majority of the workday.
• Must use a headset for prolonged periods.
• 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).

Qualifications

Candidates who are currently employed by a client of LanguageLine Solutions or an affiliated business may not be eligible for consideration.

Pay

$18 - $21 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, Vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Accident, Critical Illness & Life, AD&D Insurance Package.
• Inpatient Hospital, Short Term Disability, and 401K Retirement.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Interpreter support and an inclusive, diverse work environment.