Reports to
Resettlement Assistance Program Coordinator
Languages
Fluent in English and Arabic; additional languages are an asset.
Position
Part-Time (20 hours per week)
Annual Salary
$18,720.00 - 20,800.00
POSITION SUMMARY
The Community Interpreter provides accurate, impartial, and culturally appropriate interpretation services to support newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and service providers. The interpreter facilitates effective communication between clients and settlement staff, government agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, employers, and community organizations. The position plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to services while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical interpretation standards.
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Interpretation Services
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Provide accurate and complete verbal interpretation between clients and service providers.
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Interpret in individual and group settings, both in person and virtually.
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Facilitate communication during appointments related to settlement, healthcare, education, employment, housing, legal matters, and social services.
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Convey messages faithfully without omission, addition, or alteration.
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Clarify cultural and linguistic nuances when appropriate and necessary for understanding.
Client Support
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Assist newcomers in understanding information, procedures, and available services while reducing communication barriers.
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Support clients during intake, assessments, orientation sessions, and service referrals.
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Promote client independence and self-advocacy while maintaining professional boundaries.
Documentation and Reporting
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Maintain accurate records, timesheets, and service statistics in accordance with organizational policies and record-keeping standards.
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Report concerns, service gaps, and emerging client needs to supervisors.
Professional Standards and Ethics
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Adhere to interpreter codes of ethics, including confidentiality, impartiality, accuracy, and professionalism.
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Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential concerns to management.
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Participate in ongoing professional development and training activities.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
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Work collaboratively with settlement staff and other agency personnel.
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Build positive relationships with community partners and service providers.
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Support outreach, workshops, and community events when required.
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Assist in identifying language access needs within the community.
Education, Knowledge and Experience
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Experience providing interpretation services in community, healthcare, legal, educational, or social service settings.
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Experience working with newcomers, immigrants, refugees, or diverse populations is an asset.
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Knowledge of settlement and integration services is preferred.
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Fluency in English and at least one additional language (Arabic) commonly spoken by MAGMA clients.
Skills and Qualifications
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Ability to accurately interpret complex information and terminology.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
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Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity.
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Ability to remain neutral and professional in challenging situations.
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Strong organizational and time-management skills.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual communication platforms.
Working Conditions
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Combination of office, community, and virtual work environments.
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May require travel within the service area.
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Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
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Ability to accompany clients to appointments and community services when necessary.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be expected to perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.
MAGMA values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Diversity at MAGMA means fostering a workplace where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. In alignment with these values, diversity within departmental teams may be considered as one of several factors in the hiring process, alongside qualifications and experience.