SUMMARY

The Spanish Speaking Interpreter is responsible for interpreting verbal and written information between Spanish-speaking clients and their English-speaking instructor while clients learn independent travel with a long white cane or a guide dog. This position will provide interpretation between clients and other team members, volunteers, and the public. This is a contract-based position, supporting approximately 3-week increments of time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBISITIES

• Provide verbal interpretation during class cycle between clients and GDMIs and/or COMS; may provide interpretation support to other Leader Dog programs.
• Ensure interpretation accurately represents each party without intervention.
• Interpret during difficult situations and on sensitive and emotional topics.
• Interpret communications by telephone, letter, email, etc. between clients and team members.
• Provides interpretation in various locations and all-weather conditions.
• Work effectively in teams with other sign language interpreters.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Fluency in Spanish speaking and interpretation required.

Must have and maintain fluency in Spanish, as demonstrated by one or more of the following:

• • Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Listening and Speaking rating of Level 3 General Professional Proficiency or higher.
  • American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Listening and Speaking rating of Advanced Low or higher.
  • Certification as a Spanish Language Interpreter by an accredited body.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes non-traditional business hours.
• An understanding of Spanish, Mexican, and/or other Latin American cultures.
• Understanding and use of discretion, sound judgment and confidentiality.
• Comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
• Ability to interact with blind and visually impaired clients with courtesy and professionalism.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or crouch, talk, hear, and smell. They are frequently required to drive. They occasionally are required to sit and use the phone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions and walk distances consistent with training program needs for clients and dogs.

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.