Farsi-Speaking Translator for Client Distribution

🗣️ Do you speak Farsi? Join our Distribution team to lower language barriers for those accessing food support. As an interpreter volunteer, you’ll bridge communication between clients and staff, ensuring everyone feels understood and supported.

Locations: 

*8345 Winston Street, Burnaby
*3454 Lougheed Hwy, Vancouver

Role Overview: 

Your primary responsibility is to provide accurate, unbiased translations for client appointment scheduling, registration, information updates, and general language support requests. Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for connecting with people are essential, along with the ability to interact compassionately with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

These shifts take place during live distribution hours, so translation requests vary from day to day. When you're not translating, you will assist with secondary tasks such as light cleaning, distributing food, or greeting clients. 

Translations will include:

*Explaining what type of documentation is required for an appointment
*Assisting with confirming the date and time of the appointment
*Reading the GVFB Client Terms and Conditions document
*Greeting clients and sharing information about distribution and the weekly menu 

Responsibilities: 

*Create a positive and welcoming experience for clients;
*Actively listen and facilitate effective communication;
*Translate for GVFB staff and clients during registration and update appointments;
*Providing impartial and unbiased translation between GVFB staff and clients;  
*Translate conversations clearly and accurately, ensuring all information is conveyed correctly;
*Sharing general interpretations about GVFB policy and appointment bookings with clients;
*Follow all GVFB organizational guidelines and protocols related to translation services and client interactions;
*Handle all personal and sensitive information with confidentiality and respect, adhering to privacy guidelines.

Core Skills and Abilities:

*Ability to sit for 4 hours; 
*Ability to stand for 4 hours;  
*Speak English fluently;
*Comprehend written documents in English; 
*Proficient in speaking Farsi;
*Excellent communication skills;
*Cultural awareness and sensitivity
*Ability to communicate with others tactfully; 
*Demonstrates strong personal boundaries and self-awareness to maintain well-being and prevent compassion fatigue;
*Experience related to language interpretation, social services, or customer service is an asset.

Age requirement: 18+

Shift Times: (only required to attend one shift per week)

*Vancouver - Fridays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
*Burnaby - Fridays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Commitment: Weekly shift for 3 months with an opportunity to extend.

Contact us at volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to apply. Accepted applicants will be invited to an in-person orientation and trial shift.