Lead Linguist

KACE•McAllen, TX

About The Position

The HSTF Team Lead manages the daily operations of a team of linguists assigned to company language contracts and provides technical supervision. The Lead Linguist is the primary point of contact for technical issues or concerns at client-assigned offices and may also perform linguist duties at those offices as needed. The position requires experience with summaries, transcription, translation, and quality control for HSTF operations. When not assigned as an HSTF Team Lead, the employee may be assigned to a project as a T&T Team Lead or Linguist. The role supports timely, accurate delivery of work that meets customer requirements. It includes coordinating schedules, training, quality control, employee records, and client debriefings, while escalating complex concerns to the appropriate supervisors. Travel to client sites and various remote offices is required. The role is based at one of the listed locations: Tucson, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, Rancho Cordova, San Diego, El Paso, New York, Newark, Boston, or McAllen. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. The position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime, with an hourly rate of $31.73. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain Public Trust eligibility and meet the stated background investigation requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or active progress toward a bachelor’s degree and three years of professional-setting experience; or an associate degree and five years of professional-setting experience; or a high school diploma and seven years of professional-setting experience.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.
Score 90% or higher on all APOLLO assessments.
English and Spanish proficiency at or above Level 3 in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Experience working with a remote manager.
Knowledge of tracking and managing quality-control compliance.
Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust eligibility and a law enforcement sensitive clearance.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with company departments, employees, and clients.
Ability to teach technical procedures to a team of linguists.
Ability to identify issues and escalate them to the Site Supervisor in a timely and effective manner.
Commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively, meet stringent deadlines, balance multiple tasks, and work in a team environment.
Ability to translate or transcribe 18–22 minutes of recorded conversation in an eight-hour day when performing linguist duties.
Typing speed of 55 WPM.
Ability to travel to client sites and various remote offices.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Must have lived in the United States for three of the past five years.
Must successfully complete a background investigation and drug screening; favorable credit check as applicable.
Ability to meet the physical requirements, including mobility for meetings, climbing/stooping/kneeling 10% of the time, lifting/pulling/pushing 10% of the time, writing/typing/using a telephone system 100% of the time, and sitting for prolonged periods.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a management role in a related industry.
One year of experience supporting Title III projects.

Responsibilities

Oversee and execute daily operations to ensure work is completed on schedule, within budget, and to specified quality standards.
Serve as the primary point of contact for linguists regarding operational inquiries, and escalate other concerns to the Associate Program Manager, Field Supervisor, and Operations Supervisor.
Implement company and client policies and procedures, and communicate policy changes to the team.
Conduct new-hire orientation and coordinate technical training and required learning management system training for new and existing employees.
Implement quality-control and standard operating procedures, monitor linguists’ summaries, transcriptions, and translations, produce weekly reports, and maintain productivity records.
Provide feedback based on Level 2 and Level 3 inspections and conduct refresher training for employees who do not meet company standards.
Distribute schedules and escalate scheduling change requests to the Associate Program Manager, Field Supervisor, and Operations Supervisor.
Collaborate on and coordinate employee debriefing meetings with the client.
Identify performance or behavioral issues and policy violations; address minor corrections and escalate complex issues to the Operations Supervisor.
Verify time, attendance, and time records for final approval by the Associate Program Manager.
Verify expense reports, if any, for final approval by the Operations Supervisor.
Ensure employees enter the appropriate project code in the company’s system.
Ensure projects are delivered accurately and on time according to customer requirements.
Collect and deliver slang dictionary updates to the Associate Program Manager, Field Supervisor, and Operations Supervisor for inclusion in the Master Slang Dictionary.
Identify work surges and coordinate with the Associate Program Manager and Operations Supervisor when overtime or additional personnel may be needed.
Support transcription projects during downtime.
Perform linguist duties at assigned offices when necessary and support projects in a T&T Team Lead or Linguist capacity when not assigned as an HSTF Team Lead.
Perform related duties as assigned within the employee’s scope of practice.