Language Services is proud to support non-English speaking people, to get the support they need, not just to survive, but also to thrive. They have full-time internal positions, as well as independent contractor positions.
In this review, I’ll look at the independent contractor positions offered by Language Services.
This position does require some experience and certifications if you can’t meet them make sure to check out the other Work From Home Jobs Hiring Now!
Language Services Requirements
Language Services has built a global network of over 12,000 highly-educated and highly-qualified linguists. Many have post-graduate degrees, and years of relevant industry experience. They are always looking for qualified linguists to join their network.
Here are the basic requirements to be an American Sign Language interpreter for Language Services:
- Contractors must possess RID/NAD, BEI, or your state’s QA equivalent level certification
- You must have proof of your state’s required License or Registration
Here are the basic requirements to be a Telephonic Interpreter:
- You must be fluent in English, plus another language
- You must be able to provide superior service to your clients
- Independent contractors should be familiar with, and willing and able to comply with industry best practices and industry standards which include:
- A landline phone is believed to be superior in sound quality
- Complete fluency in English and a target language
- You must be professional and demonstrate courtesy to fellow contractors
- Must be able to follow industry protocols
- Able to maintain confidentiality
Basic requirements for Video Remote Interpreters:
- Must be able to answer inbound calls promptly
- Maintain compliance with certification requirements
- Positive and professional phone etiquette
- Should be familiar with Windows and Microsoft programs
- It is preferred that you have experience with a VRI system
- You should have troubleshooting skills in case something happens with your video system
- You need great attention to detail and previous interpreting experience
- Here are the minimum technical requirements for the VRI position:
- Windows 7, XP, or Vista
- core 2 Duo 2GHz
- 2GB RAM
- 40 Mb free space on HDD
- High-speed internet (2 Mbps Download / 768 Kbps Upload)
- Recommended webcam: Pc – Logitech WebCam Pro 9000 or Microsoft LifeCam
- Mac Minimum requirements:
- Mac with Intel Processor
- Mac OS X ‘Leopard’ 10.5 or higher
- 2 GB Ram
-
30MB hard drive space Latest Firefox/Safari and Apple software updates
-
High-speed internet (2 Mbps Download / 768 Kbps Upload)
- Recommended Mac Webcam: MAC – Internal iSight, Logitech Vision Pro
- Recommended USB Headset:
- Plantronics USB Headsets
- ClearOne Chat-50 or Chat-150 speakerphone
- Suggested backdrop:
- Navy blue bed sheet folded over a garment rack
- Suggested Illumination
- Illumination should be artificial (preferable incandescent light)
- It sounds like they will test your set up for optimization
Language Services Independent Contractor Benefits
When you are an independent contractor with Language Services, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
- You’ll be able to choose your own schedule
- You will work from the comfort of your home office or private office
- You’ll receive competitive rates
- You will have unlimited access to an online community of linguists
- You will receive dedicated project management support
- You will receive payments on time
- They have a comprehensive feedback process to help you continuously improve
- They even have professional development opportunities
Language Services Application Process
I love that you can view the current assignments before you decide to apply. If you want to see their current independent contractor positions, click here to take a look. Here’s what they currently have posted:
- American Sign Language interpreters
- Telephonic Interpreters
- On-Site Interpreters (it does not indicate the region)
- Video Remote Interpreters
Select which position you want to apply for and click apply now. You can apply by attaching your resume or apply with LinkedIn. Here’s the info they want to get from you:
- Name, email, and phone
- They ask you to attach links to your profiles: LinkedIn, Twitter, a Portfolio, or other website which is yours
- Country of residence
- What language do you interpret for?
- Have you attended training for interpretation or translation?
- Number of hours of training
- Type of training you’ve received (is it medical, legal, or general?)
- Do you have any certificates?
- Years of experience
- Do you have a phone, face to face, or escort interpretation experience?
- List any additional experience you have
Submit!
How Much Does Language Services Pay?
As an independent contractor with Language Services, you will be able to negotiate your pay based on your experience and professional credentials. You can also take into account the demand for your language competencies.
Language Services Schedule
You will have the ability to set your own schedule as an independent contractor for Language Services. They have an online scheduling system that allows you to adjust your availability and you have complete control over your schedule.
Language Services Feedback
I found feedback on Glassdoor, and I filtered the search for freelance and contractors. Here are the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Good call volume
- Work from home and choose your own schedule
- Someone claims they received mileage reimbursement as a contractor (from May 2018)
- Great hourly pay (from May 2018)
- Great starting interpreting job
- Self-training is offered online
Cons:
- Not a good payment method; someone claims to have waited 2 months to get paid (unfortunately this is a review from June of 2018, but it could be an isolated incident)
- Very little outreach or training
- Contractors have to navigate through an automated system to get help on the phone
- Assignments are sporadic and unreliable
- Pay is every 35 to 40 days
It sounds like communication with the company is difficult right now. But it also sounds like they are very busy and growing, which is good if you have the qualifications and want to break into the freelance interpretation business. And they aren’t a new company. Language Services was started in 1991, so they aren’t a fly-by-night company.
Is Interpreting for Language Services a Scam?
Based on my research, interpreting for Language Services is NOT a scam! It sounds like they might be going through some growing pains. But nonetheless, they are legit. If you want to fill out your application, go here to pick your position and apply.
If language interpretation isn’t for you, check out these helpful links for some other ideas:
