On-Call Dari/Pashto Interpreter & Translator
| Job Title: | On-Call Dari/Pashto Interpreter & Translator |
| Location: | Portland Metro |
| Department: | Community Engagement / Legal & Immigration Services |
| Position Type: | Independent Contractor (1099) – On-Call |
ABOUT THE AFGHAN SUPPORT NETWORK:
The Afghan Support Network is the first culturally specific nonprofit organization that has been formed to target the needs of Afghan refugees and the Afghan-American community in the greater Portland area, Oregon & Southwest Washington.
OUR MISSION: To enable the well-being of Afghans through community, advocacy, and support.
OUR VISION: A future in which all Afghans prosper and contribute to the success of their communities.
JOB SUMMARY:
Afghan Support Network (ASN) is seeking culturally competent, professional, and reliable interpreters and translators fluent in Dari and/or Pashto to assist Afghan refugees and immigrant clients navigating the U.S. immigration system. This flexible, on-call position is ideal for individuals looking to serve their community while maintaining adaptable work hours. Assignments may be virtual or in-person depending on client and program needs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide accurate and culturally appropriate verbal interpretation between English and Dari and/or Pashto in the following settings:
○ Immigration attorney consultations
○ USCIS asylum and green card interviews
○ Client case management and resource navigation
- Assist clients with filling out immigration-related forms and declarations.
- Translate documents such as birth certificates, affidavits, and correspondence from Dari/Pashto to English and vice versa.
- Maintain strict confidentiality, neutrality, and professionalism at all times.
- Relay messages clearly and efficiently in a neutral, unbiased tone.
- Participate in occasional team check-ins or interpreter training, when available.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Fluency in English and at least one of the following: Dari or Pashto (spoken and written).
- Strong command of interpretation ethics, including accuracy, confidentiality, and impartiality.
- Prior experience in interpretation or translation, especially in legal or social service settings, is preferred.
- Familiarity with immigration-related vocabulary (USCIS terms, asylum, declarations) is a plus.
- Ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds with cultural sensitivity.
- Must be reliable, punctual, and able to manage on-call assignments professionally.
Job-Specific Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; formal interpretation/translation training is a plus.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in target languages.
- Comfortable using basic email, phone, and video conferencing tools.
- Must have their own reliable transportation (for in-person assignments).
- Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries.
Compensation & Benefits:
- This is a 1099 Independent Contractor position.
- The Client agrees to pay the Contractor a rate of $40 (USD) per hour for all interpretation services rendered.
- The Contractor will be paid for the full amount of time scheduled for each assignment, even if the service concludes earlier than anticipated.
- No benefits (health insurance, paid time off, etc.) are included due to contractor status.
- Flexible hours; interpreters will be contacted based on availability and community needs.
- Opportunity to support a mission-driven organization and directly impact the Afghan community.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should email their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to hello@asnpdx.org. Please include “Interpreter / Translator” in the subject line.
The Afghan Support Network is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, encouraging applications from all individuals, including those from refugee and immigrant communities.