Tongan Interpreter

LanguageLine Solutions

2d•Remote

About The Position

LanguageLine Solutions is hiring a work-at-home Tongan-English telephone interpreter as an independent contractor. The interpreter handles on-demand calls and conveys the meaning of conversations between Tongan and English speakers across industries including healthcare, government, insurance, finance, utilities, travel and hospitality, general business, law enforcement, courts, and 911. This is verbal interpreting, not written translation. Calls may cover simple or complex, technical or non-technical subjects and may be sensitive, emotional, or stressful. Interpreters are expected to communicate accurately, professionally, neutrally, and with cultural sensitivity while following established interpreting protocols and client instructions. The position is remote and performed from a home office. The interpreter must maintain a quiet, secure workspace, be punctual and available during work hours, and be able to handle extended calls or high call volumes. The role requires use of a personal device and compatible computer, tablet, or smartphone, along with a high-speed internet connection that meets specified performance requirements. Pay is $1.25–$1.40 per minute. The company provides interpreter support, training, and advancement opportunities. This independent contractor role is not eligible for employee benefits.

Requirements

Fluency in Tongan and English, with skill in the associated cultural dynamics.
Ability to provide culturally competent interpretation and assess regional and accent differences to communicate with limited-English-speaking persons.
Excellent listening, retention, and note-taking skills to maintain accuracy.
Ability to concentrate, remain detached, neutral, and objective, including during calls about sensitive subjects.
Ability to adapt to LanguageLine Solutions technology enhancements.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Legally authorized to work in the United States; applicants must not require current or future visa sponsorship for employment authorization.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to read and write the requested languages is highly preferred.
Dedicated personal device for business purposes.
Access to a desktop or laptop with Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS, or a tablet with iPadOS or Android, or a smartphone with iOS or Android. Kaspersky products and Huawei hardware are restricted.
High-speed internet with download speed of at least 5 Mbps, upload speed of at least 3 Mbps, ping no greater than 300 ms, and jitter no greater than 30 ms.
Access to a quiet space free from background noise or distraction.
Ability to operate a keyboard and mouse and remain stationary in front of a computer for most of the workday.
Ability to operate company-provided software and systems and sufficient manual dexterity to type or write.
Ability to lift up to 26 lbs.
Applicants currently employed by a LanguageLine Solutions client or affiliated business may not be eligible for consideration.
A post-offer pre-employment background check and/or drug screen may be required, depending on location.

Nice To Haves

Education or work experience in language-related fields such as teaching, language assessment, translation, or interpretation.
Ability to read and write the requested languages.

Responsibilities

Respond promptly to interpreting sessions and provide interpretation in a friendly, professional manner.
Convey concepts and meanings accurately according to established interpreting protocols, without omissions or additions.
Speak clearly in Tongan and English with proper pronunciation, enunciation, and polite expressions.
Maintain a professional demeanor throughout interpreting sessions.
Remain calm when speakers are incoherent or upset, including during emergency calls.
Maintain punctuality and availability during work hours.
Follow client instructions and protocol, including avoiding interaction with the limited-English-speaking person without client permission.
Understand and apply relevant protocols and terminology across industries, including medical, insurance, finance, and law.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and work effectively in a diverse environment.
Remain on calls for extended periods when required and meet service standards during high call volumes.