Interpreter -Somali
Church World Service, Inc.

About CWS

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose

The Interpreter offers professional communications support and services to refugees. This is an in-office position.

Responsibilities

• Offer professional interpretation and translation services to refugee clients, as well as transportation to interviews and appointments as necessary. (Compensation is paid by CWS for mileage when using personal vehicle.)
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times.
• Advocate on behalf of refugees, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies.
• Document all contacts and services in client case files and maintain case note logs.
• Attend trainings and conferences as requested by supervisor.
• Keep informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to refugees, using current information to better identify and serve refugee clients.
• Represent the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
• Perform all duties in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.
• Work varied hours, including some night and weekend work.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent life experience.

Experience: Previous work experience in interpretation and translation is desired. Cultural sensitivity is essential.

Competencies:

Communications: Listen carefully to assure clear understanding of instructions and requests. Communicate a positive, professional image of CWS, demonstrating respect, empathy and integrity. Ask appropriate questions in seeking explanations needed to perform job. Support "transparency of information" by sharing information and ideas with others to support effective performance. Understand staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job progress or activities. Recognize the particular needs of partners and use established channels to respond to those needs. Understand and be able to use appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWS. Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWS policy.

Constituent Relationships: Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious issues.

Job Knowledge: Understand the mission and values of CWS and faith-based organizations and how they apply to their work and relationships with others. Understand the work performed and how it supports CWS in achieving its goals. Understand how to work multi-culturally with sensitivity and integrity. Be able to use and willing to expand learning of applications or technology to perform job duties. Apply a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities. Interpret CWS's policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the "human" side in sight.

Leadership: Take responsibility for performance of own job duties. Model behaviors consonant with CWS's mission and values. Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties. Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance. Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance. Take initiative within area of responsibility. Respect the skills, needs and schedules of others in performing assigned duties and responding to others. Contribute ideas for implementing CWS's vision and strategic plan.

Problem Solving: Identify problems in procedures that affect program work and recommend changes in systems or procedures to address them, and then implement approved changes. Know whom to consult for assistance in solving non-routine problems. Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things. Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems. Share results of problem solving experiences with others. Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities.

Program Planning and Management: Anticipate workflow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities. Gather, analyze and make use of information and resources necessary to complete work. Successfully balance multiple activities, in support of program or departmental goals. Manage contacts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure flow of information and coordination of efforts. Verify the accuracy and quality of own work and the work of others.

Resource Building and Stewardship: Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information. Use financial and material resources provided by CWS to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies. Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities. Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS. Demonstrate respect for one another in work relationships.

Teamwork: Understand what a team is and what it does. Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team. Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced. Contribute skills, knowledge and ideas to team discussion and work. Accept accountability for assignments made within the team and for producing results on time. Keep team leader and members informed of work status. Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team. Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues. Understand organizational priorities and be willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks.

Special Requirements

• Superior English verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Fluency in a refugee language is required.
• Proficiency in MS Word
• Valid Drivers License is preferred

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