Language Specialist

Job Description

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 22 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF LANGUAGE SPECIALIST WORK: The Language Specialist will provide interpretation services to the IRC and agencies requesting interpretation through the IRC. They may also conduct cultural orientation, translate documents and perform other tasks as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide high quality, culturally competent interpretation services for refugees, asylees and other LEP receiving services through Baltimore Resettlement Center and partner agencies. Provide interpretation services to outside clients that request interpretation through the IRC Community Interpreter Program. May need to conduct cultural orientation trainings to newly arrived Refugees and Asylees with the existing curriculum. This may include assistance with pre-training logistics, administration of training evaluations and providing information to the Cultural Orientation Coordinator. Other administrative, linguist and resettlement-related tasks as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Fluency in English and at least one common interpreting language (Amharic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Pashto, Swahili, Tigrinya, Nepali, etc.). Short-listed candidates may be asked to complete language testing. Completion of “The Community Interpreter” 40 hour training by Cross Cultural Communications (CCC) preferred. Training may be completed with the IRC, CCC or any other licensed training agency. Minimum 3 hour training required (if candidate has solid interpretation skills) to start working with the IRC in Baltimore. Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member in a multicultural environment. Organized with great attention to detail and great flexibility. Previous experience with US Refugee Resettlement system strongly preferred.

This position reports to the Interpreter Manager.