Kaqchikel - Remote Telephonic Interpreters

As a Kaqchikel - Remote Telephonic Interpreter at Language Services Associates (LSA), your primary responsibilities will include providing effective telephonic interpreting services, answering inbound calls promptly, and ensuring that each interaction is conducted with superior customer service. You will also need to adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct, maintaining strict confidentiality, and following all relevant policies and procedures related to interpretation. This role plays a key part in supporting the Limited English Proficient (LEP) community across various fields, including medical, legal, and customer service.

To apply for the Kaqchikel - Remote Telephonic Interpreter position at Language Services Associates, you must exhibit full fluency in both English and Kaqchikel. Additionally, it is required to have access to a landline phone for optimal sound quality and a quiet interpreting space. It is preferred that applicants possess over two years of professional interpreting experience, along with relevant industry certifications, such as CMI or CCHI. A 40+ hour medical interpreting training certificate is also highly encouraged, showing your commitment to maintaining high standards in interpreting.

Absolutely! Working from home is one of the key features of the Kaqchikel - Remote Telephonic Interpreter role at Language Services Associates. You'll be able to perform your interpreting duties in your own chosen setting, provided that it is quiet, secure, and free from distracting noises. This setup not only allows for flexibility but also ensures that you can provide focused and effective interpreting services to the Limited English Proficient (LEP) community.

As a Kaqchikel - Remote Telephonic Interpreter with Language Services Associates, you will need reliable access to technology that includes web-based platforms for audio connection and Microsoft Word for any documentation required. Furthermore, having a landline phone is essential to ensure quality sound during interpretation calls. It's also important to maintain a workspace that is designed for securing minimal distractions, ensuring that you can perform your duties to the best of your ability.

Language Services Associates places a high value on quality and professionalism in its interpreting services. As a Kaqchikel interpreter, you will participate in ongoing training sessions and quality assurance monitoring to keep your skills sharp and up-to-date. This commitment to continuous improvement not only enhances your own capabilities but also guarantees that the LEP community receives the best possible service through your interpreting work.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples from your past experiences. Discuss the types of situations you've interpreted in, such as medical or legal contexts, and emphasize your ability to handle various accents or dialects of Kaqchikel and English. Providing statistics or positive outcomes from your interpretings, such as increased understanding by the clients, can also strengthen your response.

You should express your understanding of the importance of confidentiality and detail the protocols you follow to ensure it is maintained. Mention adhering to the Code of Professional Conduct and any specific measures you take to keep clients' information private, such as avoiding conversations about calls after they conclude or utilizing secure technologies.

Explain the steps you take to ensure you are fully prepared for a call. This could include reviewing any provided background information, ensuring you are in a quiet space, testing your technology, and mentally rehearsing potential vocabulary or phrases related to the subject matter of the call.

Discuss strategies you use to deal with unclear communications, such as asking clarifying questions or repeating back what you've heard to confirm understanding. Emphasize the importance of patience and ensuring accurate communication while maintaining professionalism.

You should articulate your commitment to neutrality in interpretation, explaining the importance of not injecting your personal opinions or emotions into the conversation. Mention techniques such as focusing on the message rather than the speaker and using neutral language to convey the intended meaning accurately.

This is your opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges of telephonic interpreting, such as the inability to rely on visual cues. However, balance your answer by also mentioning how you adapt to these challenges through acute listening skills and asking clarifying questions to ensure the accuracy of the interpretation.

Share a story about a particularly impactful interpreting experience that showcases your skill, compassion, or effectiveness. Make sure to focus on how you made a positive difference in the situation and how it reinforced your choice to be an interpreter.

Express your commitment to professional growth by mentioning specific resources or organizations you follow, such as webinars, workshops, and online courses related to interpreting. Highlight any memberships in interpreter associations or certifications you pursue to remain knowledgeable in your field.

In your response, recount a specific example where cultural nuances impacted a conversation and how you navigated these differences. Discuss the steps you took to ensure effective communication while being sensitive to cultural contexts.

Reflect on your personal motivations for pursuing this work. Discuss your passion for helping others, facilitating meaningful communication, or your personal connection to the Kaqchikel community. Expressing genuine enthusiasm for your role can resonate well with interviewers.