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Somali Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

TRANSLATOR - LEGAL

Portland, OR · On-site

$46K - $61K/yr

... Somali, Swahili, Tajik, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Turkmen, Twi, Uzbek, Wolof, Yoruba, Zulu. TIER 2 - Chuukese, Czech, Ewe, Finnish, Georgian, Hakha Chin, Khmu, Kyrgyz, Luganda, Mandinka, Norwegian ...

About 40% of the patients are non-English speaking, with top languages being Spanish, Russian, Somali, Chinese-Cantonese, and Arabic. The Health Department is seeking physicians who are enthusiastic ...

Bilingual in Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or American Sign Language Additional Eligibility Requirements Central Background Registry Requirement:

Assistant Teacher - Troutdale

Troutdale, OR · On-site

$23.16 - $24.50/hr

Bilingual in Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or American Sign Language Additional Eligibility Requirements Central Background Registry Requirement:

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Somali information

See Oregon salary details

$8

$25

$35

How much do somali jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for somali in Oregon is $25.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Somali translators?

Somali translators are professionals who convert written or spoken content from Somali to other languages, and vice versa. They play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps for businesses, government agencies, and individuals who need to understand or convey information in Somali. Their work requires fluency in both Somali and the target language, as well as a deep understanding of cultural nuances. Somali translators may work in various fields such as legal, medical, educational, or literary translation.

What are some common challenges Somali interpreters face when working in healthcare settings?

Somali interpreters in healthcare environments often encounter challenges such as navigating complex medical terminology, managing sensitive conversations between patients and providers, and maintaining confidentiality. Additionally, interpreters must accurately convey cultural nuances to avoid misunderstandings, all while working in fast-paced situations that require quick thinking. Collaboration with medical staff and ongoing professional development are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring effective communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Somali interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Somali Interpreter, you need fluency in both Somali and English, strong listening skills, and a background in language interpretation or translation. Familiarity with interpretation tools, remote conferencing platforms, and sometimes certification from organizations like the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters is typical. Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate communication and understanding across language barriers, which is vital in healthcare, legal, and community settings.

What are the qualifications to get a Somali job?

The qualifications to get a Somali job vary by position, although in any of these jobs, you need to be fluent in Somali to qualify. To be a high school teacher, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree and a state teaching license if you want to work at a public school. To become a translator, it’s beneficial to have a background in creative or technical writing, depending on the industry, as well as exceptional listening skills. Interpreters often need to demonstrate additional oral and written communication skills, such as command of technical or legal language in both Somali and English.

What is the difference between Somali vs Interpreter?

AspectSomaliInterpreter
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, cultural knowledgeLanguage proficiency, certification in interpretation
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, NGOs, government agenciesConferences, legal settings, healthcare facilities
Industry UsageLanguage and cultural servicesReal-time translation in various settings

Somali refers to individuals fluent in the Somali language, often involved in community or cultural roles. An interpreter specializes in translating spoken language between Somali and other languages in real-time, typically in formal settings. While Somali focuses on language proficiency and cultural knowledge, interpreters require additional certification and work in professional environments. Both roles are essential in bridging communication gaps within the Somali-speaking community and beyond.

What are the most commonly searched types of Somali jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Somali jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Somali jobs in Oregon?

For Somali jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Somali jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Somali jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Somali jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Somali job openings:

Infographic showing various Somali job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,413 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) / Mental Health Specialist - Somali-Speaking ...

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

About The Department of PsychiatryLink https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-medicine/psychiatry

The fundamental purpose of OHSU and The Department of Psychiatry is to improve well-being.

The OHSU Department of Psychiatry is part of the OHSU Brain Institute, and focuses on providing excellent clinical treatment to our patients, leading innovative research, and offering hands-on training for the next generation of psychiatrists. Our specialists care for people of every culture and background and it is our mission to value and show appreciation for diversity, showing respect for all people who we treat, teach, and serve.

The Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) provides outpatient mental health care, including case management, group and individual therapy, and medication management support to people in Oregon whose first language is other than English. IPP has about 7 psychiatrists and /or psychiatric residents, 13 QMHA & QMHP- level clinicians (mental health counselors), and an administrative staff of four persons. This staff currently serves roughly 1,300 patients.

Function/Duties of Position

The Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) works closely with staff psychiatrists of the Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) as part of an integrated team model to provide comprehensive, holistic care for individuals seeking mental health services in a culturally sensitive environment. This position adheres to the Oregon Health Authority Oregon

Administrative Rules 309 as it relates to Outpatient Mental Health Services. Duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

The Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) works in a dyad with staff psychiatrists of the Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) to provide trauma-informed approach in language and cultural interpretation, individual and group services, and interventions to psychiatric outpatients to Somali-Speaking patients. This position provides clinical case management and other clinical support to Somali-speaking patients and potentially other IPP patients, as specified by the director or manager of the IPP clinical services. This position shall provide services as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the university's missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach, and public service.

Required Qualifications
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and fluency in written and spoken Somali.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field OR 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • QMHAs must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and apply each of these concepts, implement skills development strategies, and identify, implement and coordinate the services and supports identified in an ISSP.
  • Requires basic skills in word processing and ability to complete reports and other documentation in electronic format.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English and fluency in written and spoken Somali.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and comfort with culture of people from other cultures as well as be able to function cooperatively in a multicultural environment.
  • A strong patient-service orientation, the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively in a diverse psychiatric outpatient program and the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
  • Must be registered as a QMHA with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) or hold QMHA Basic Certification (QMHA-I).
  • Registered candidates must meet OAR 309-019-0125 standards for initial qualification for employment in State Approved Mental Health Agencies.
  •  QMHA-R (registered) candidates must register prior to employment and become fully certified within 2 years.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Two to three years of employment or mental health field as a Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
  • Experience working with immigrants and refugees in a clinical setting.
  • Experience delivering culturally appropriate interventions.
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed treatments.
Additional Details

***Apply here online. Upload cover letter and resume.  Please be sure to include months and years (MM/YYYY format) to the resume for jobs/work experience.***

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: PART_TIME

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887