Interpreter (Washington D.C.)

About Prisma International, Inc.

Prisma is a dynamic and growing language services provider committed to delivering exceptional interpretation solutions to clients worldwide. We pride ourselves on our dedication to linguistic excellence and client satisfaction. We are expanding our independent contractor team and seeking experienced Interpreters (OPI, VRI and OSI) with a minimum of 3 years experience and current documentation of ILR 3+ test scores in reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension in both English and non-English languages.

Language Combinations - English to and from the following. If your language is not listed, you are encouraged to apply if you possess the minimum qualifications and skills listed further below.

Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, Filipino (Tagalog), French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian (Farsi), Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Provide accurate (verbatim) interpretation of spoken words between incarcerated individuals, their visitors, various federal law enforcement, court officials, etc.
• On-demand and prescheduled over-the-phone (OPI), video remote (VRI) and onsite (OSI) in-person appointments (consecutive, simultaneous).
• Sight translation of written forms and other documents (as needed).
• Monitor third-party interpreters for accuracy and quality assurance. 
• Comply with professional ethics and quality standards.
• Ensure the interpretation of spoken words is conveyed in a cultural style and register appropriate for the subject matter. This requires accurate conveyance of slang expressions, linguistic nuances, and idioms.

• Communicate in a timely and professional manner with Prisma team members.

• Participate in quality management processes, e.g. Corrective Action Reports (CAR), Root Cause Analyses (RCA), solution implementation.
• Take all measures necessary to protect and keep private any sensitive information shared with you to carry out interpretation projects (e.g. PHI, PII, SBU).
• If onboarded, you will adhere to the policies and processes defined in the Master Service Agreement (MSA), Addendums, and Prisma Vendor Guide.

Minimum Requirements - ALL are required

• At least 18 years of age.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must reside in the United States or a U.S. territory.
• You must agree to undergo a federal government background check at Public Trust level, which includes a screening process and fingerprinting.
• ILR level 3 (or higher) proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension in English and a non-English language as measured by the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR), the US federal government’s language-related oversight agency.
• Test score documentation must be from an authorized ILR testing entity such as: LTI, NCLA, DLS, ACTFL, etc.
• 3+ years of professional interpretation experience.
• At minimum, a high school diploma.
• Native or near-native level proficiency in English and the other language
• Abide by the ATA code of ethics.
• Computer or laptop with a wired headset plus a mobile phone as a back-up device, and secure (non-public) high-speed internet connection.
• Quiet, private workspace.

Essential Skills

Deep understanding of the cultures associated with the source and target languages.

Subject matter expertise in legal terminology, law enforcement and courts content.

Excellent writing, reading, speaking and listening skills.

Meticulous attention to detail.

Desired Skills / Attributes

• ATA Certification
• Other certifications or memberships, e.g. NAJIT, AIIC, etc.
• Advanced or specialized degree(s) in a non-English language, Translation, Interpretation, Linguistics, Legal/Courts.
• Experience interpreting for U.S. federal government agencies including the Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, etc.
• After business hours and weekend availability is a plus.