Interpreter-Arabic

Church World Service - Winchester, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Winchester, VA

Social Assistance

About the position

At CWS, the Interpreter plays a crucial role in providing professional communication support and services to refugees. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those seeking refuge and who possess the necessary skills to facilitate effective communication. The Interpreter will be responsible for offering interpretation and translation services to refugee clients, ensuring that they can navigate their new environment and access essential services. This role may also involve providing transportation to interviews and appointments, with mileage compensation provided by CWS for the use of personal vehicles. Maintaining client confidentiality is paramount, and the Interpreter will advocate on behalf of refugees and refugee-serving voluntary agencies, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. In addition to direct client support, the Interpreter will document all contacts and services in client case files and maintain case note logs. Attendance at trainings and conferences is expected to stay informed about refugee and immigrant issues, as well as available services. The Interpreter will represent the program at relevant meetings and speaking engagements, performing all duties in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. Flexibility in working hours is required, as the position may involve some night and weekend work. This role is ideal for individuals who are committed to supporting refugees and who possess the necessary skills to communicate effectively across cultures.

Responsibilities

• Offer professional interpretation and translation services to refugee clients.
• Provide transportation to interviews and appointments as necessary, with mileage compensation for personal vehicle use.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent life experience.
• Previous work experience in interpretation and translation is desired.
• Cultural sensitivity is essential.
• Superior English verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Fluency in a refugee language is required (Arabic).
• Proficiency in MS Word.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with refugee populations.
• Knowledge of local resources available to refugees and immigrants.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Benefits

• Mileage compensation for personal vehicle use when providing transportation.
• Opportunities for professional development through trainings and conferences.