Sally N
Independent Contractor Interpreter
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About
Community, refugee-services and shelter-services professional with a Master of Arts in Gender, Violence and Conflict and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. Brings direct experience interpreting in Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada refugee claim proceedings, supporting people navigating immigration and refugee-related services, and responding to sensitive situations involving violence, homelessness and other complex barriers. Recognized for impartial communication, careful listening, sound judgment, confidentiality, accurate documentation and respectful engagement with people from diverse backgrounds.
Brings transferable experience in procedural accuracy, sensitive information handling and fair treatment of individuals.
Experience
Independent Contractor Interpreter - Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
(2025-04)
- Interpret during refugee claim hearings and related proceedings in Kiswahili and Kikuyu/Gikuyu, facilitating communication between refugee claimants and hearing participants.
- Render questions, answers, instructions and statements accurately and completely, without adding, omitting or changing the speaker’s meaning.
- Maintain impartiality, confidentiality and professionalism in formal, sensitive immigration and refugee proceedings.
- Listen carefully for details including names, dates, locations and legal or procedural terminology, and seek clarification when necessary to preserve accuracy.
- Prepare for assignments by reviewing relevant materials and terminology and sustain concentration throughout proceedings.
Residents Support Worker - Muslim Welfare Residence
(2026-09)
- Monitor the shelter environment during overnight shifts and help maintain a safe, respectful and welcoming setting for residents.
- Conduct wellness checks, respond calmly to concerns and incidents, and use DE-escalation skills when residents experience distress or conflict.
- Follow established procedures, document relevant observations and incidents accurately, and communicate material information during shift handovers.
- Exercise judgment in identifying urgent concerns and escalating them to supervisors, on-call contacts or emergency services in accordance with procedures.
Relief Shelter Support Worker - YWCA Toronto
(2022-03)
- Complete client intake and discharge processes, orient new residents and respond to crisis calls by assessing immediate needs.
- Provide supportive listening, mediation and practical assistance; identify appropriate referrals to community services.
- Assist clients with forms and access to transportation supports and other relevant services.
- Work respectfully with women and individuals facing complex barriers while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Legal Services Support Worker - YWCA Toronto
(2022-06 - 2022-09)
- Conduct crisis-call assessments, client screening and intake for new clients.
- Develop support strategies and advocate for women when coordinating referrals and access to services.
- Liaise with agencies and professionals to connect clients with appropriate supports.
- Assist clients in accessing legal services relating to family matters, child protection, custody, immigration and refugee law.
- Provide individualized case management, including goal setting, regular check-ins and service referrals.
Relief Shelter Worker
(2021-07)
- Admit and discharge clients, conduct welfare and bed checks, and report failed-to-return clients in accordance with procedures.
- Assess client needs and provide practical support, encouragement and referrals to appropriate services.
- Prepare timely and accurate logbook entries, SMIS records and incident reports.
- Respond to overdose emergencies by administering Naloxone and calling 911 when required; complete relevant safety and security checks.
Community Food Worker - House-link and Main-stay Community Homes
(2021-03 - 2022-06)
- Support community kitchens, coordinate activities and assist participant cooks.
- Deliver meals, conduct welfare checks and prepare case notes following deliveries.
Program Assistant – Food Program - Yonge Street Mission
(2019 - 2020)
- Supported programs serving people experiencing poverty and homelessness.
- Conducted intake interviews, registered clients, provided orientation, explained program procedures and assisted with needs assessments and referrals.
- Helped address client concerns and disputes through listening, mediation and negotiation.
Earlier Experience - Various employers
(2014 - 2019)
Baker/Cake Decorator, Nelas Delights (2018–2019); Customer Service/Sales Associate, Bake Bites Limited (2017–2018); Hospitality Steward, Brighton and Hove Football Club (2015–2017); Community Service Worker, Githurai Victory Centre (April–May 2014).
- Provided customer and community-facing support, monitored safety, reported incidents, assisted with referrals and used conflict-resolution and de-escalation skills.
Education
M.A. - Gender, Violence and Conflict - University of Sussex, United Kingdom (2017)
B.A. - International Relations - United States International University, Kenya (2014)
