Freelance Kurdish Sorani Interpreter and Translator

SILA Linguists; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible freelance work

Remote and on-site assignments

Competitive pay for expertise

Professional development

Supportive bookings team

Varied work across healthcare, law, UK

Job summary

SILA Linguists is recruiting freelance Kurdish Sorani interpreters and translators for asylum, legal, healthcare and community work, by telephone, video or on site. The role offers flexible freelance work with a mix of remote and on-site assignments across the UK.

Applicants should be native or near-native in Sorani and English, possess a recognised interpreting or translation qualification (DPSI/DPI or equivalent), and have the right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Native or near-native fluency in Sorani and English, spoken and written.
• Qualified interpreting/translation credential or equivalent experience is expected.
• Right to work in the UK for on-site assignments.
• DBS check current or willingness to obtain one.
• Reliable internet and a confidential space for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Interpret for clients in Sorani across asylum, legal, healthcare and community settings.
• Translate Sorani documents and transliterate names consistently.
• Interpret impartially and maintain confidentiality.
• Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments, especially medical/legal terms.
• Work remotely by video/phone or on-site at client premises.
• Transcribe/translate audio/video recordings if you have transcription skills.

Skills

Sorani language proficiency

English language proficiency

Interpreting experience

Education

Interpreting/translation qualification (DPSI/DPI) or equivalent

Job description

SILA Linguists is recruiting freelance Kurdish Sorani interpreters and translators for asylum, legal, healthcare and community work, by telephone, video or on site.

Sorani (Central Kurdish) is spoken in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, around Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, and in Iranian Kurdistan, around Sanandaj and Mahabad. It is written in a modified Arabic script. Speech from Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and the Iranian side differs in vocabulary and pronunciation, and speakers from Iranian Kurdistan usually also know Farsi from school and official life.

Sorani is among the most requested languages in asylum and immigration work. Assignments also include solicitor appointments, tribunal hearings, police interviews, NHS and mental health care, and housing and benefits meetings.

Responsibilities

• Interpret in Sorani for clients from Iraqi and Iranian Kurdistan, checking any regional word you are unsure of.
• Translate Sorani documents and messages written in Arabic-based script, and transliterate names consistently.
• Interpret accurately and impartially, following the professional code of conduct and keeping all information confidential.
• Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments, particularly for medical and legal bookings.
• Work remotely by video or telephone, or on site at the client's premises, arriving prepared and on time.
• Transcribe and translate audio and video recordings, such as interviews and calls, if you have the skills for transcription work.

Requirements

• Native or near-native fluency in Sorani and English, spoken and written.
• A recognised interpreting or translation qualification, such as the DPSI or DPI, or equivalent experience. Membership of CIOL, ITI or NRPSI is welcome but not required.
• Arabic or Farsi is an advantage; Badini or Kurmanji is also welcome.
• A current DBS check, or willingness to obtain one, for assignments that require it.
• The right to work in the UK for on-site UK assignments.
• A dependable internet connection and a confidential space for remote interpreting.

What we offer

• Flexible freelance work that fits around your schedule.
• A mix of remote (video and telephone) and on-site assignments.
• Fair pay for your expertise and time.
• Professional development to keep your skills current.
• A supportive operations team to help with bookings and questions.
• Varied work across sectors, from healthcare and law to government and business.

Kurdish Sorani work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Kurdish Sorani linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Kurdish Sorani:

• Kurdish Sorani interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
• Kurdish Sorani translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
• Certified Kurdish Sorani translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
• Kurdish Sorani transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.