What are the responsibilities and job description for the Interpreter/Translator position at Lutheran Social Service?
Join a Mission-Driven Team
Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota (LSS) is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of communities across the state. Our mission: Inspired by God's love, we care for, support, and strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Each year, LSS impacts the lives of South Dakotans over 27,000 times through a diverse range of programs and services. As one of South Dakota’s largest private nonprofit human service agencies, LSS serves individuals of all ages, faiths, races, and economic backgrounds with professional, confidential, and affordable services.
Our values form the foundation of who we are and how we operate. At LSS, we prioritize a whole-person, family-centered approach to care within a continuum of services.
Do you enjoy part-time, on-call work? Enjoy excellent income by assisting non-English speakers with obtaining medical, legal, and community services. #YouareLSS
HOURS: Part-time, on-call position. This position offers flexible scheduling for applicants who are currently employed, those attending school, retired, or seeking part-time work.
BENEFITS:
- 401k Match
- Employee Recognition
- Employee Assistance Program
SALARY: Variable, based on appointment.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide professional, verbal, and/or written interpretation to organizations throughout the Tri-State area. Interpreting services must be provided in person. Residency near the Sioux Falls area is required. Provide pre-session information to client and non-English speaker prior to beginning the session. Receive briefing on subject discussed prior to interpreting session. Listen to complete statements in one language, interpret to a second language, and then interpret responses from second language into first language. Render oral interpretation of material at time it is being spoken, usually hearing face-to-face interpretation.
QUALIFICATIONS: Successful candidates will meet fluency standards with both oral and written communications. Prefer candidates with a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Seeking all languages with specific interest in: Ukrainian, Russian, Swahili, and Kunama. Requires updated vaccination and medical examinations to be eligible for medical interpretation assignments. Must successfully complete all agency background checks. Requires valid auto insurance, driver’s license, and/or the ability to obtain approved driver status.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- High School diploma or GED; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must have bi-lingual skills.
- Willingness to submit to record checks to detect criminal convictions of behavior harmful towards children, spousal abuse, distributing drugs or sex crimes.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet agency auto insurance requirements.
COMMUNICATIONS
- Fluent in written and verbal English and target language. Effective interpretive skills.
- Must have excellent listening ability to understand words and meanings intended.
- Needs good written and verbal skills with the ability to be an active listener.
- Expected to project a caring and professional manner in all agency contacts. Must be sensitive to special needs and cultural differences.
*Hiring bonus available to external candidates only.
SERVICE: Multi-Cultural Center
LSS Expectations & Core Values
At LSS, we are committed to upholding the following values in all aspects of our work:
✔ Compassionate – We engage with empathy and provide non-judgmental services.
✔ Appreciative – We recognize and develop the strengths of our clients and employees.
✔ Respectful – We build professional and collaborative relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues.
✔ Ethical – We uphold high standards of integrity and quality in all actions.
✔ Strategic – We anticipate and respond proactively to community needs.
LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
