HKRAC is currently seeing interpreters who are fluent in English and Arabic, Farsi, French, Pashto, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu, or Tamil to assist with the intake of prospective clients and testimony taking of representation clients.

Interpreters must possess the following qualifications:

• Oral fluency in both English and the language of interpretation

• Sensitivity towards working with asylum seekers and victims of trauma and torture

• Ability to interpret in an impartial manner

• Ability to maintain all interpretations confidential

• Availability weekdays between 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Proof of work authorization or permission to volunteer in Hong Kong

What does interpretation for HKRAC involve?

During the intake process, HKRAC caseworkers interview prospective clients to determine the nature of their refugee claim and to determine  if HKRAC can help them.  Interpreters may also assist caseworkers with taking the testimony of refugees HKRAC represents and preparing refugees for their interviews before UNHCR.

The interpreter’s role is to facilitate communication between the caseworker and the refugee by translating word for word what each party says.  Many refugees are victims of trauma and torture, and interpreters must be sensitive to working with this vulnerable population and translate in an impartial manner.

What is the time commitment for an interpreter?

HKRAC’s volunteer interpreters come into the office on an “as-needed” basis. Generally, intake screenings take between 1-2 hours per session.  Intakes are scheduled by appointment throughout the week and HKRAC also has drop-in hours for intakes on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 2:00-5:00 pm.  Caseworkers typically spend about 10-20 hours over a 9-week period interviewing a client through the assistance of an interpreter to complete a testimony.  Interpreters also often help to translate relevant documents into English.