French Freelance Telephone Interpreters

Exciting career opportunities in the language access industry are waiting for you at LanguageLine Solutions. Whether you work in the corporate office, in one of our satellite offices, at our Interpreting Call Centers, or work from home, you can help make a difference in someone’s life every second of every day.

Summary of position:

Renders accurate and complete meaning between source language and target language in the consecutive mode of interpretation; facilitates communication between a speaker of English and a speaker of another language.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Exhibits excellent interpreting skills and professional attitude whilst interpreting
• Demonstrates accuracy, excellent note-taking skills, objectivity and an ability to handle difficult situations
• Provides accurate and complete interpretations of verbal messages as uttered by LanguageLine Solutions' clients and their customers of limited English proficiency
• Remains impartial and unbiased while using correct protocol
• Displays deep understanding of the culture of both languages; recognises and is  sensitive to cultural differences
• Manages the flow of the call and avoids taking over the call
• Avoids interaction with the limited English speaker w/o client's permission
• Ensures the highest level of quality by following all interpreting guidelines and procedures as set forth by LanguageLine Solutions
• Exhibits knowledge of industry-specific terminology and protocol, i.e. medical/court/insurance/government agencies
• Provides excellent customer service  to client and limited English speaker, i.e. use of appropriate tone, patience and courtesy
• Maintains a positive working relationship with Contractor Liaison, the Interpreter Resource Centre and other departments as needed
• Demonstrates dependability

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Language Proficiency: 

• Demonstrates superior proficiency in English and second language
• Has in-depth understanding of the cultural dynamics of both languages
• Uses a large number of synonyms, idiomatic expressions, proverbs and quotations, as needed
• Expresses accuracy in both languages and comprehends various subjects at different levels of complexity
• Demonstrates mastery of correct word order in phrases and sentences, and use of proper grammar
• Displays good communication skills, i.e. clear enunciation, pronunciation, pleasant and professional tone of voice, and polite forms of expression in both languages
• Exhibits competency in the following key industries, i.e. Medical, Financial, Insurance, Courts & Tribunals, Police and/or Government Agencies to include familiarity with terminology, procedures and/or products in those industries

Interpretation Skills.

• Interprets in the consecutive mode with a high degree of accuracy and  processes information quickly and concisely
• Displays knowledge of interpretation methods and procedures
• Maintains neutrality towards client and limited English speaker
• Demonstrates ability to speak clearly without accent interference
• Understands common procedures and practices of industries served by LanguageLine Solutions
• Displays cognitive skills needed to effectively interpret, i.e. speed of understanding and expression
• Concentrates on and follows the thread of the conversation for an extended period of time; manages flow of call when necessary
• Remembers blocks of information and delivers same with accuracy
• Grasps the meaning of the message and anticipates direction of the dialogue
• Maintains confidentiality and upholds ethical standards at any time
• Adapts behaviour in response to varying situations and peoples' reactions while remaining flexible and professional at all times
• Maintains high performance, emotional composure and objectivity in all circumstances
• Assesses own skills and abilities, and identifies areas for improvement; willingly accepts constructive feedback, seeks developmental opportunities and works independently
• Demonstrates dependability, honesty, integrity and trustworthiness, and accepts responsibility for own actions

Customer Service skills:

• Maintains a professional demeanour throughout the interpreting assignment
• Demonstrates sensitivity and politeness to limited English speakers of different nationalities, backgrounds, cultures and educational levels
• Exhibits professionalism and courtesy towards the client and limited English speaker
• Follows the clients' instructions and exceeds their expectations

Educational Level: (preferred)

• Bachelors and/or Masters degree in Languages, Translation, Interpretation, Philology, Linguistics or related fields
• Ph.D. or Doctoral in Languages, Philology, Linguistic or related fields
• NRPSI (National Register of Public Service Interpreters)
• DPSI (Diploma of Public Service Interpreting)
• Metropolitan Police Test
• Community Level Interpreter 2 (CLI2)
• Community Level Interpreter 3 (CLI3)
• Certificate of Higher Education in Translation, Interpretation, Languages, Philology or Linguistics

Work Experience:

• Written translation and/or interpretation
• Localisation, bilingual publishing, media organisations, schools and/or similar bilingual settings
• Living and/or studying in a bilingual environment
• One year of work experience in industries for which LanguageLine Solutions provides interpretation (preferred)