The IRC is the largest resettlement agency in New Jersey, resettling approximately 70% of refugees who arrive in the state. Operating since 1983, IRC in NJ serves nearly 1,000 refugees and other immigrants annually through resettlement, economic empowerment, education and learning and immigration legal services.
As IRC in New Jersey expands to resettle new refugee populations, it seeks community members with fluency in the following languages to serve as interpreters and translators, both over the phone and in-person:
Haitian Creole
Kinyarwanda
Kiswahili
Kirundi
French
Tigrinya
Luba Kasai
Lingala
Dari/Farsi
Pashto
Arabic
Spanish
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Complete designated online learning module series on interpretation in resettlement prior to beginning of volunteer position
Provide interpretation and occasional translation services for clients and IRC staff as needed for meetings in the office and/or home visits. Topics for discussion include, but are not limited to: intakes, assessments, social services, cultural orientation, employment programs, general client welfare, etc.
Communicate effectively in person and by telephone
Provide clerical support and assist participants to complete basic forms
Participate in ongoing interpreter trainings as scheduled
Report regularly to the casework supervisor on program activities and issues of concern.
Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be over 18
Must have good written and verbal English language skills
Ability to fluently speak at least one of the languages outlined above
Must be willing to work varied hours
Experience working with immigrants or refugees or in social services preferred
Basic computer skills (Microsoft Access and Word, E-mail)
Be able to pass a background check
Adhere to professional standards of confidentiality and boundary-setting
Interpretation Certification preferred ( Culture Connect, US military, College/University)
Applicant must be located within the northern New Jersey or NYC metro area (in person interpretation is required)
Click here to apply.