Opportunities From: United Way of East Central Iowa

Offenders and ex-offenders can be some of the most vulnerable members of our society Current criminal justice systems do not assist individuals to overcome the social and psychological challenges of either incarceration, or positive reentry into family and community life Individuals released from jail or prison often return to their communities with no employment, home, or support system Through a vast network of volunteer mentors and support groups, Catholic Charities? Jail & Prison Ministry program strives to prepare and support ex-offenders as they work toward positive re-entry into family and community life Mentors meet with offenders in prison or jail as well as after their release to provide the needed support to resist relapse into old habits and lifestyles The program helps ex-offenders establish positive relationships, experience healthy social activities, and connect with community resources that can aid in finding work, affordable housing, and meeting basic needs Mentors meet weekly one on one with ex-offenders and help them work to complete goals they have established for successful re-entry into the community Volunteer mentors meet with ex-offenders based on a mutually defined schedule which can include days, evenings, or weekends. Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis As volunteers are available, and ex-offenders identify themselves the volunteers and ex-offenders are matched together | Volunteers must be 21 years old They must complete an application with Catholic Charities and a background check Volunteers will also ask to attend a 2-hour training session

Our greatest need is translators who speak French, Swahili and Spanish. The majority of our needs are during business hours and will vary in need depending on our clients needs.

Role Summary: This position provides essential interpretation and translation support to the Immigration Legal
Services (ILS) and the Refugee Resettlement programs. Many clients do not speak English as their first language
and they rely on high-quality, confidential interpretation and translation to relay their needs, personal information,
and receive advice and program services. All the information received while interpreting for Catholic Charities is
confidential. This role will work closely with ILS and Refugee Resettlement staff and will receive instruction and
direction according to the needs of the program at that time. Specific tasks will vary depending on the volunteer’s
schedule, skills, and interests.

Role Duties/Tasks may include:
● Provide complete and accurate interpretation, without altering, omitting or adding anything to what is
stated or written, without explanation
● Translate into written form any requested documents
● Participate in client meetings with program staff for the purpose of providing interpretation or translation
services

Skills & Qualifications:
● Able to verbally communicate fluently and/or write in the language required (as well as in English), and
has proven listening skills
● Experienced in interpreting or trained/professionally qualified in interpreting and/or translation
● Able to respect confidentiality of service users at all times and remain responsive to their specific needs,
adhering to the confidentiality policy where risks to the service user or others are identified
● Experienced, or has an understanding of, issues around working with immigrants and refugees and people
of diverse ethnic backgrounds
● Personally resilient in order to communicate with distressed clients
● Available to work at short notice if needed, preferred
● Punctual and dependable
● Complete a background check, Catholic Charities program trainings, and Virtus training.