Sign Language Interpreter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TransPerfect Is More Than Just a Job...
Our greatest asset is our people, and nothing is more important to us than ensuring that everyone knows that. Each of our 100+ offices has its own individual identity, and each also has its own unique rewards.

TransPerfect Connect (TPC) is seeking highly fluent, professional bilingual speakers (English <> Mandarin) with experience using their language skills in a professional call center-style setting. We offer comprehensive, paid training to launch your career as an Over-the-Phone (OPI) and Video Remote Interpreter (VRI), helping clients across industries such as healthcare, legal, and financial services.

If you're excited by meaningful work and thrive on purpose, this role gives you the chance to use your language skills to make a real difference!

Interpreters at TPC play a vital role in facilitating accurate and culturally appropriate communication for limited-English speakers. Whether you're supporting a patient during a medical appointment or assisting someone in accessing essential services, your bilingual fluency directly contributes to meaningful, real-world impact.

This is a structured, call center-style role that goes beyond casual or conversational bilingualism. Ideal candidates bring professional-level command of both English and Mandarin and must be able to interpret complex conversations with speed and precision. This includes idiomatic expressions, specialized terminology (e.g., medical, legal, financial), and emotionally nuanced content.

Success in this role requires strong active listening, emotional control, professionalism, empathy, and adaptability. Interpreters manage continuous live calls, often under pressure, while strictly following interpretation protocols to maintain neutrality, accuracy, and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide consecutive interpretation services between English and Mandarin across various industries (medical, legal, customer service, etc.)
• Ensure complete accuracy, clarity, and neutrality in interpretation-preserving tone, intent, and emotion
• Maintain confidentiality and impartiality at all times
• Manage call flow professionally, including respectfully intervening when clarification is needed
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence, especially in high-pressure or emotionally charged interactions
• Apply short term memory retention, active listening, and note taking techniques to manage longer exchanges
• Remain strictly within the interpreter's role without offering personal opinions or advice
• Participate in ongoing training, coaching, and feedback sessions to maintain and enhance performance
• Utilize basic computer tools (MS Office, internal platforms) to effectively manage calls and log activity

What We Offer:

• Four weeks of paid training (on-site or remote) covering interpretation techniques, note-taking, memory retention, call management, and emotional control
• Hands-on role-play simulations and coaching led by certified interpreters
• Ongoing development opportunities, including advanced training for complex call types
• A meaningful opportunity to use your language skills to empower others, support critical conversations, and make a lasting impact
• Career advancement opportunities across interpreting, QA, training, and leadership roles

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, company-sponsored life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and flexible spending account options
• Private health insurance and access to a collaborative, supportive team environment
• A proactive and accessible HR department that focuses on the staff's health and happiness

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required); college education preferred
• Fluency in English and Mandarin, with B2+ proficiency or higher
• Ability to pass a language and interpreting skills assessment
• Minimum of 6 months of call center, customer service, or interpreting experience
• Strong verbal communication, bilingual accuracy, and ethical decision making
• Proven ability to think clearly and act professionally in fast moving, emotionally complex situations
• Strong sense of professional responsibility, integrity, and time management
• Comfortable with assertive communication and session control
• Basic computer skills, including typing and MS Office navigation
• Quiet, distraction-free workspace conducive to active listening and sustained concentration
• Stable home internet connection (cable, DSL, or fiber; cellular data and hotspots not permitted)
• Identity Qualification: Throughout the recruiting and training process, candidates and new hires are required to provide valid, government-issued photo identification. Failure to provide a valid photo ID when requested will result in removal from consideration and disqualification from training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in medical, legal, or community interpreting (strong plus)
• Experience with remote work tools and communication platforms

Remote Work Requirements:

• Quiet, comfortable, and distraction free work environment
• Desktop or laptop computer (Windows or Mac) with at least 16GB RAM
• Broadband internet connection (minimum 30 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload) - no cellular data or hotspot connections
• Computer no older than 5 years with a functioning webcam
• Windows 10 or newer / macOS Big Sur (OS 11) or newer

Who We Are:
TransPerfect Connect is the world's leading provider of interpreting services, including Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) and Video Remote Interpretation (VRI). We support communication in over 170 languages and are committed to upholding the highest standards of linguistic accuracy, professionalism, and client care.

Please Note: While this is a remote/work-from-home position, it is not a flexible or "work-at-your-own-pace" role. This is a structured, call center style environment conducted from your home. Interpreters are expected to remain at their workstation and be fully available to handle continuous, back-to-back calls throughout their scheduled shift. Multitasking or attending to personal responsibilities during working hours is not permitted.

Interpreters are expected to follow a pre published, variable schedule. Breaks and lunch periods may vary daily and are assigned by our Workforce Management team based on operational needs.

We're Looking for Individuals Who:

• Stay focused and attentive during high-volume, back-to-back call periods
• Handle pressure and emotionally complex conversations with calm and professionalism
• Welcome regular feedback and coaching as opportunities to grow and improve
• Thrive in clearly structured, schedule-driven work environments rather than informal or loosely managed remote roles
• Can follow strict interpretation protocols, maintain neutrality, and preserve confidentiality
• Are eager to use their bilingual fluency to support essential services in real time
• Bring strong emotional intelligence, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to their work

Equal Opportunity Employer:
TransPerfect is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.