Somali Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $24.17 - $33.83 Hourly
Location : Faribault, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-046
Department: Social Services
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
**FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS SEPTEMBER 1ST
The Interpreter Office Support Specialist is responsible for their own work, and for performing at a high level of discretion. Follows NCICH Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care). The incumbent is expected to engage in regular contact within the department and other departments, outside agencies and public (supplying or seeking information) on specialized matters. The Interpreter Office Support Specialist assists and supports others, or individually provides data, or facilitates services for use by others. Contacts include clients, general public, visitors from other agencies, housing managers, vendors, department staff, and various County departments.
Examples of Duties

• Provides accurate, objective and first-person interpretation services between staff, Somali speaking clients and their families, to ensure understanding of information being conveyed.
• Greets non-English speaking clients at reception desk, answers agency's language specific telephone extension, and directs to the appropriate intake/case worker.
• Assists agency staff by interpreting during client intake interviews with non-English speaking clients.
• Provides document translation services between English and Somali; communicating accurate meaning including cultural references and other expressions that do not translate literally.
• Provides a variety of administrative support duties for Social Services Department, as available and/or assigned.
• Performs recording keeping and filing responsibilities, as available and/or assigned.
• Performs special assignments and other miscellaneous support duties.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. Qualifications include fluent bilingual skills with English/Spanish languages, experience in providing language interpretive services, and one to three years of office experience or equivalent. Successful score of advanced-low or higher on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) performed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) or national certification by the Certification Commission of Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) or similar certification. A valid driver's license.
The Interpreter Office Support Specialist must speak clearly in the language(s) they are conveying, and be able to write clearly and effectively in the language(s) they translate, and be aware of cultural aspects that may affect communications. Key job characteristics include skills, knowledge of and experience with computers, application of mathematics, Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet. The incumbent must be able to demonstrate the ability to maintain professional demeanor and appearance at all times, ability to listen carefully, maintain confidentiality and professionalism, ability to provide excellent customer service skills and excellent phone and video conferencing etiquette, and the ability to interact effectively with emotionally distraught callers and in a supportive manner with persons of diverse backgrounds. Excellent communications skills are also used to de-escalate concerned and frustrated clients.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Associates degree or interpreting credits from an accredited institution, or Certification in Translation and Interpreting or Healthcare Interpreting, and/or completion of a 30-40 hour Interpreter skill based training such as Bridging the Gap or Community Interpreter Equivalent program or degree. Clerical experience in a setting where children are present is required.
Supplemental Information
HIRING RANGE / UNION: $24.17 - $33.83 per hour / SS Unit - Grade 6
HOURS: Normal working hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday. Full-time hours equal 40 hours per week.
Rice County offers a complete benefit package including medical, dental, life insurance, pension, holiday, vacation, sick leave and long-term disability insurance.
County employees are eligible for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
For additional information, please follow the link to the Rice County website:
01
Answers to the Supplemental Questions must be supported by the "Education," "Work Experience" or "Skills" section of the job application. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided on your application. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during a hiring interview. By completing this supplemental evaluation, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal.

• I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.
• I do not agree to the above information.

02
Are you bilingual in ENGLISH/SOMALI? You must be fluent/highly proficient to answer "yes" to this question.

• Yes
• No

03
Which best represents your level of education by the date of the job closing?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Certificate/Diploma in Clerical/Business Administration or related
• Associate Degree in Secretarial/Business Administration or related
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related
• None of the above

04
How many years of interpreting experience do you have?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 4 years or more

05
How many years of clerical office or receptionist experience do you have?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 4 years or more

06
Which best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Word?

• No experience
• Beginner (ex: create document, edit by locating/modifying text, format text/paragraphs, add tables/graphic elements, control page setup/overall appearance, proof for accuracy)
• Intermediate (ex: Manage lists, customize tables/charts/styles/themes, modify pictures in document, create graphic elements, insert using Quick Parts, control text flow, use templates, mail merge, use macros to automate)
• Advanced (ex: Use Word with other programs, collaborate on documents, manage document versions, add reference marks/notes, make long documents easier to use, secure document)

07
Which best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Outlook?

• No Experience
• Beginner (ex: Identify components of Outlook, create messages, use folders to organize, manage contacts, schedule appointments/meetings, create/edit tasks)
• Intermediate (ex: Customize the Outlook environment, calendar and messages; track work activities using the Journal, assign/track tasks, share folder information, locate items, work with public folders)
• Advance (ex: Personalize email, organize Outlook items, manage Outlook data files, work with contacts, save/archive messages, create a custom form, work offline/remotely)

08
Which best describes your professional experience working in a human services agency.

• No experience.
• Less than one year of experience.
• 1 - 2 years of experience.
• 3 or more years of experience.

09
Please select your years of experience responding to questions and providing detailed information. This would be in a customer service role communicating information either electronically, telephonically, or in-person.

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 3 or more years

10
Do you have professional experience providing customer service for persons whose primary language is not English and working in a multicultural environment?

• Yes
• No

11
Which best describes your proficiency in reading and writing Somali?

• No ability to read and write Somali
• Beginner skill level
• Intermediate skill level
• Advanced skill level

12
Do you have experience working with office business machines including multi-purpose copier, printers and document scanning equipment?

• Yes
• No

13
Are you currently a Certified Interpreter or have you taken a 30 or 40 hour Interpreter training course?

• Yes
• No

Required Question