The assignment: Starting October 26, 2026 to June 30, 2027, onsite on Thursday for 2 hours.

The Work

The Cantonese Interpreter provides language interpretation services to facilitate effective communication between individuals who do not share a common language, ensuring complete and accurate conveyance of messages in accordance with client regulations and ethical standards. Interpretation will be performed for but not limited to Education, Legal, Medical, Environmental, Social Services etc. This position requires proficiency in English and a specified target language, with a focus on professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions. The Interpreter may be required to provide services in a variety of settings.

Cayuse wants to provide adequate Interpretation to agencies in Alameda. Our goal is to reach as many people with a language barrier as possible. To ensure there is no language barrier for the people of Alameda

This position performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of Cayuse.

• Accurately interpret spoken communication between parties in real time, preserving meaning, intent, and tone.
• Facilitate cross-cultural understanding by clarifying non-verbal cues and culture-specific concepts, when necessary.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and impartiality in all interactions, consistent with regulations and ethical standards.
• Complete required documentation, logs, and reports in accordance with agency and contractual protocols.
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, government customer policies, and codes of professional conduct.
• Other duties as assigned.

Here’s What You Need

The qualifications and skills listed below are intended to provide a general overview of the requirements for this position. However, due to the anticipated nature of the contract and the absence of a finalized task order from the client, this list should not be considered all-encompassing. Additional qualifications, certifications, skills, or experience specific to the client’s requirements may be identified and requested upon award of the task order. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to evolving responsibilities as outlined by the client.

• High school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Native or near-native fluency in both English and the target language(s): Cantonese
• Proven experience providing interpretation services, preferably in a government or public sector environment.
• Familiarity with specialized terminology (legal, medical, or technical, as required).
• Ability to always maintain confidentiality and act impartially.
• Certification from a recognized interpreting body preferred (e.g., American Translators Association, National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters), if applicable.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and articulate manner.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to manage multiple design streams across concurrent work effort.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly and accurately relay spoken information.

Reports to: Deputy Program Manager

Working Conditions

• Professional office environment, with the ability to work onsite.
• Must be able to be on call. Interpreter will be notified within 48 hours of potential jobs.
• Must be able to travel to different locations to interpret in-person.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays. Hours may vary, including potential for after-hours or weekend assignments per mission needs.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.