Translation Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Description
Position Open Date: 07/09/2026
Position Close Date: 06/04/2026
Interested in making a difference in your community while building a career? Join our team as a Translator/Interpreter!
WHO WE ARE:
For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves-building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.
OUR VALUES:
At Opportunity Council, our values guide everything we do. Collaboration, respect, integrity, passion, and learning shape how we show up for each other and for our community. We're also committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of our work-from the help we offer in the community to the kind of workplace we create for our staff.
To learn more about us and our work, visit our website: www.oppco.org
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Translator/Interpreter for the ELAFS program supports clear communication among children, families, and staff by providing accurate spoken and written translations across classrooms, homes, and offices throughout Whatcom County. This role includes both consecutive and simultaneous interpretation during meetings and events, translation of educational materials and communications, and ensuring that all content is culturally sensitive and true to the original meaning.
Opportunity Council interpreters and translators work on an on-call, at-will basis. Successful candidates must also be flexible and available to work during afternoon and evening hours.
Language Requirement: This position requires fluency in English and proficiency in at least one of the following preferred languages to effectively serve our diverse community: Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Farsi, Mixteco, Vietnamese, Chinese.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as a linguistic and cultural liaison between families and the ELAFS program and staff, facilitating effective two-way communication.
• Interprets during group parent meetings and activities, ensuring all participants understand and can contribute.
• Provides interpretation in various settings and modes-including consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation-to support communication needs.
• Facilitates communication during classroom observations, home visits, screenings, and assessments with children, staff, and parents.
• Adheres to the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care, ensuring all communications are accurate, ethical, and respectful.
• Translates a wide range of documents-such as letters, reports, forms, educational materials, and program communications-ensuring accuracy, clarity, cultural appropriateness, and timely delivery.
• Edits and proofreads translated materials for grammar, style, consistency, and fidelity to the original message, making revisions as needed to ensure high quality.
• Adapts written content to match the reading level and cultural context of the target audience, ensuring accessibility and comprehension.
• Maintains confidentiality and integrity of all interpreted and translated information and records, in accordance with professional standards.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and accurately conveys cultural nuances in all verbal and written communications.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of specialized educational, medical, and program-specific terminology in both languages to ensure precise communication.
• Assists parents with paperwork related to recruitment, enrollment, and home visits as needed throughout the year, providing language support and clarification.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Cultural competence desired, with native speaking interpreters preferred.
• Fluency or advanced knowledge in reading, writing, and speaking specified foreign language.
• Experience working in a family-centered agency or similar work setting preferred.
• May be required to obtain certification in medical interpretation and/or as a community services interpreter within a specified timeframe after hiring.
• Prior experience in early childhood education or family services is beneficial.
• Familiarity with cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions in both English and the target language
• Valid Washington State driver's license and five-year driving history within Opportunity Council's Auto Insurance Standards.
• Must have health examination indicating you are fit for duty and free from communicable disease within 60 days of hire. Medical check ups are required every two years thereafter.
• Must have TB test and submit test results prior to hire date.
• Must submit to a criminal record check to ascertain that the applicant has not been convicted of a child abuse or neglect offense per Washington State Child Abuse Law (Ch. 486, Laws of 1987) or DSHS licensing requirements.

We place a strong value in hiring individuals with lived experiences of, poverty and/or homelessness or who have previously participated in Opportunity Council programs or other social services.
OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.

• Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal, holidays)
• Paid time off for wellness needs
• Employer-paid holidays
• Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
• HSA and FSA plans, subject to plan terms
• Eligibility for critical illness insurance coverage
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
• Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
• Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care and personal legal services

ABOUT WHATCOM COUNTY:
Working with Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is more than just a job, it's a chance to be part of something bigger. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our community is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to positive change. Whether you're supporting local families, advocating for equity, or building programs that uplift our neighbors, you'll find purpose and connection here. Join us in building a stronger Whatcom County where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute
We believe our team should reflect the communities we serve. That's why we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Opportunity Council is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not permit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital or family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, age, genetic information, disability, use of a service animal, or any other status protected by law.