FRENCH INTERPRETER

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION ALTA

ALTA Language Services is the only 100% employee-owned company in our field. As employee owners, we work hard and go beyond words to perform each and every task with integrity and a passion to stay innovative. We share three core values that guide our work: be kind, be resourceful, and get it done. We’re a diverse group of smart, creative people who love our work and what we learn about other languages, countries, and cultures. We offer a flexible work environment that allows us to work remotely from anywhere in the US and competitive benefits, including healthcare and company stock. ALTA participates in E-Verify

CATEGORY

Interpretation

DESCRIPTION
About the Job
Under the direction of the project manager, the interpreter relays oral information between speakers of two different languages in the consecutive, and/or simultaneous (if explicitly requested), and/or sight translation modes, in compliance with ALTA policies and procedures, particularly relating to client confidentiality. The interpreter understands and abides by all published Standards of Practice and Codes of Ethics for Interpreters.

Job Responsibilities

Render messages from one language to another accurately, without omissions and additions, and maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
Facilitate effective communication between two parties that do not speak the same language by converting one spoken language to another.
Maintain professional demeanor in presentation and communication style.
Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information, and maintain client confidentiality pursuant to protocols established by the contract, HIPAA and industry standards.
Act as cultural broker when/if necessary.
Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
Know industry specific terminology, referencing glossaries and training materials.
Ability to explain and interpret idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances.
Ability to interpret using consecutive and/or simultaneous (if explicitly requested) mode of interpretation.
Ability to perform sight translation reading aloud documents in a language other than that in which they were written.
Serve as a cultural and linguistic resource to contribute to successful outcomes.
Perform duties in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
Adhere to ALTA policies on customer relations.
Manage work schedules to meet deadlines.
Have access to communication tools for prompt responses with the coordinating team (including text, email, and voicemail).

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME Contingent

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Strong linguistic skills:

Possess native fluency of English and the language requested for this position (language requested appears in job title);
Understands variety of regional accents and linguistic styles and registers;
Selects appropriate mode of interpretation for each situation;
Interprets with highest degree of accuracy and completeness in consecutive, simultaneous (if explicitly requested) and sight translation modes;
Self-corrects, understands own linguistic limitations, seeks clarification and accepts correction;
Picks up cues from encounter participants regarding level of understanding and/or need for clarification.

Strong cultural awareness competencies:

Understands language as an expression of culture, recognizes the underlying assumptions of each party about the subject matter; uses this understanding to empower the LEP and the client to better understand each other;
Intervenes as intercultural mediator when communication is compromised by culture-bound messages;
Avoids generalizations and stereotyping;
Uses culturally appropriate behavior and is able to choose appropriate time to clarify or interject by respecting the goals of the encounter;
Is aware of own personal values, beliefs and cultural characteristics which may be a source of conflict or discomfort in certain situations, is able to acknowledge these and/or to withdraw from encounters when these may interfere with successful interpretation.

Strong interpreting skills:

Explains role of the interpreter to the LEP and the client during pre-session;
Recognizes the complexity of each encounter and added factor of linguistic barrier;
Sets tone of the LEP/client encounter to manage spatial configuration and flow of communication to preserve accuracy and completeness, and to assess and address potential areas of discomfort for the LEP (age, gender of interpreter, no previous experience with interpreters etc.); ;
Encourages and fosters direct communication between LEP and client
Maintains professional distance, impartiality, transparency, neutrality, and integrity;
Has excellent listening, retention and note-taking skills;
Diffuses conflict between parties by remaining calm and impartial;
Clarifies instructions, follow up steps in a diplomatic, effective manner.

Ethical competency:

Understands and abides by ALTA policies on client confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination and by interpreters’ code of ethics and standards of practice.

Interpersonal and customer service skills:

Projects positive attitude about ALTA, and offers services to ensure positive experience.
Works as a team with colleagues (if the case) and clients.
Addresses concerns raised during or after an encounter by communicating with ALTA immediately after the assignment.
Arrives to assignments 15 minutes prior to start time.
Abides by the dress code.
Submits invoice and project report in a timely manner.

Organizational skills:

Works well under pressure to manage stressful situations.
Flexible to meet scheduling needs and handle often unpredictable changes.
Sound judgment and confidence.
Detail-oriented and accurate.

Education/Training

Degree: Education in languages, translation, interpretation or related fields preferred. A combination of education and experience may be substituted for the degree.
Completion of an interpreting course: 40 hours minimum.
National certification preferred.
Computer Knowledge: Experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Experience
Any combination of training and experience which provides required knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of the position.

As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and in compliance with our responsibilities as a federal contractor, we are happy to make our Affirmative Action Plans (AAP) for Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans available to all candidates. If you would like to learn more about our dedication to equal opportunity and review these plans, please reach out to us at hr@altalang.com.

ALTA Language Services, Inc.

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