Portuguese Interpreter for Refugee Programs (Onsite/Remote)

The Mission Essential Group, LLC; Planeport (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mission Essential Group, LLC in Harlingen, TX is seeking a Portuguese Linguist to provide interpretation and translation at ILR Level 2+ for U.S. government language services supporting unaccompanied minors.

The role includes onsite and remote interpretation, translation, and liaison work between Care Staff and UC/UAM/URM, with confidentiality and cultural sensitivity at the core. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• ILR Level 2+ proficiency in English and target language (reading, writing, listening, speaking) required.
• Tier 2 background check completed; no security clearance needed.
• Demonstrated discretion and professional judgment in linguistics.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person, onsite interpretation at ORR programs and service locations (preferred).
• Deliver remote interpretation via telephone, videoconference, or other virtual means, including 24/7 availability.
• Facilitate communication of deadlines, instructions, questions between Care Staff and UC/UAM/URM in their native or preferred language.
• Assist UC/UAM/URM in expressing concerns when not fluent in English or staff language.
• Demonstrate professional judgment to mitigate language barriers and ensure effective communication.
• Support orientation of UC/UAM/URM to community resources through interpretation and translation.
• Translate documents between English and the preferred language, and occasionally from other sources.
• Help Care Staff build rapport and understand cultural context; act as a cultural bridge.

Skills

ILR Level 2+ English

ILR Level 2+ Portuguese

Interpretation & translation

Job description

The Mission Essential Group, LLC in Harlingen, TX is seeking a Portuguese Linguist to provide interpretation and translation at ILR Level 2+ for U.S. government language services supporting unaccompanied minors.

The role includes onsite and remote interpretation, translation, and liaison work between Care Staff and UC/UAM/URM, with confidentiality and cultural sensitivity at the core. Occasional travel may be required.