On-Call Interpreters/Translators

Mission Edge San Diego | Mid-City Community Advocacy Network

On-call Interpreters / Translators

Vietnamese - English

Mid-City Community Advocacy Network (Mid-City CAN), fiscally sponsored by Mission Edge San Diego, is a collaborative comprised of hundreds of partners and thousands of residents. Mid-City CAN’s mission is to build a safe, productive, and healthy community through collaboration, advocacy, and organizing. In its 31st year, Mid-City CAN plays an essential role in the community and San Diego Region by facilitating dialogue, identifying common issues, spearheading advocacy efforts, building power, and training residents to take leadership roles in affecting change. Recent campaign wins include $5.1 million towards two skate parks and a recreation center and the Halal school lunch program.

Reporting to the Associate Executive Director or their designee, Mid-City CAN On-Call Interpreters and Translators assist Mid-City CAN and its various program staff in communicating and building relationships with monolingual community members, their families, and organizational allies through the provision of interpretation and translation services as assigned and on an on-call basis. Duties include interpreting at Momentum Team meetings, community meetings, events, governmental meetings, workshops, trainings, and other various settings and modalities; virtual settings (such as Zoom or Teams) translating flyers, training materials, and various documents typically used by staff and partner organizations in their work. These positions are on-call, per organizational business needs and priorities and without any regular or scheduled hours.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide accurate, clear, and complete interpretation in a professional manner
• Provide interpretation at Momentum Team meetings, community events, trainings, workshops, conferences, and various settings, as assigned
• Render interpretation face-to-face or virtually, as assignment requires
• Interpret simultaneously or consecutively, in a conference, small group, or one-on-one setting
• Work within Mid-City CAN’s on-call interpretation and translation processes and procedures
• Respond promptly to service requests and assignments; proactively communicate with Mid-City CAN staff and all the parties involved in the interpretation assignment
• Manage the interpreting process at every stage: pre-session, interpreting session, post-session
• Facilitate pre-meeting communication with meeting organizers and recipients of interpretation to go over basic interpreting protocols, how interpretation will flow and be managed
• Communicate effectively with Mid-City CAN staff, meeting organizers, or recipients of interpretation regarding any interpretation issues that arise during the meeting or session
• Proactively prepare for interpretation assignment by gathering necessary background information, especially for simultaneous interpretation
• Be familiar with any equipment or online platforms that will be used for interpretation
• Accurately translate written materials from source to target language, maintaining or duplicating the structure and style of the original meaning while keeping the ideas and facts of the original meaning accurate; properly transmit any cultural references, including slang and other expressions that do not translate literally
• Observe basic ethical principles in interpreting such as accuracy and completeness, impartiality, respect for individuals and their communities, professionalism and integrity, confidentiality, and cultural responsiveness
• Provide “on the spot” sight translation of written materials, such as forms, application, and various documents, as needed or requested in the course of carrying out an assignment
• Receive and transmit translation materials electronically; use appropriate language software or application for translating from source to target language
• Compile information, commonly used words, terminologies and jargon to aid in improving accuracy and proficiency in translating and interpreting within the context of Mid-City CAN’s work
• Promptly enter timecards for each assignment
• Attend required onboarding and related trainings
• Other tasks as assigned

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Fluency in English and Vietnamese. For interpreter and translator, fluency in both speaking and writing in source and target languages is required
• Professional experience in interpreting and/or translating, or commensurate training and education required
• Possess basic interpretation and translation skills and knowledge of professional interpretation protocols
• Proficiency in some computer software applications such as Word, Adobe and communication technology tools such as Zoom, Teams, and similar platforms
• Familiarity working with interpretation equipment a plus
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced flexible environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to self-direct, take initiative, and work independently, while also being able to work as part of a team when assigned to do so
• Ability to work with and maintain positive relationships with diverse constituencies and sensitivity in dealing with diversity issues including race, gender, sexual orientation, economic status
• Flexible and ability to adapt to learning new ideas and concepts, responding to changes and last-minute requests
• Access to reliable transportation and willing to use it for job-related tasks
• Access to a cell phone or computer with internet connectivity and willing to use it for job-related tasks
• Ability to work from home when required by public health orders
• Ability to comply with health and safety protocols as required by public health orders
• Commitment to personal professional growth and development
• Exude professionalism on the job and maintain emotional composure
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to maintain etiquette in a professional environment, and exude a positive attitude

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: Work is performed in an office or community setting; employee regularly sits at a computer station and operates electronic equipment 6 to 8 hours per day; occasionally lifts, carries and positions objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Position involves regular use of a computer and keyboard, telephone, and face-to-face communications; employee should be able to communicate clearly and professionally in all of these manners. Position works in community settings, may be standing at even table, and walks neighborhood for several hours on as needed basis. The employee may spend periods of time sitting, standing, or walking. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation: The hourly wage for this on-call part-time nonexempt position is $35.00 per hour and $0.15 per word for translation.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter for this position through the Mission Edge San Diego job board at http://missionedge.org/careers. No phone calls, walk-ins or recruiters, please.

Mission Edge San Diego provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws