09/08/2026
MY EXPERIENCE APPLYING TO WORK WITH SOSi AS A HAITIAN CREOLE INTERPRETER
If you are a Haitian Creole interpreter thinking about applying with SOSi, this is the information I wish I could have found before I started.
Let me begin by explaining how I found the company.
Before moving to Florida, I was very active as an interpreter in North Carolina. I worked with local agencies and received regular interpreting opportunities. Since moving to Florida, I have mostly completed smaller, direct assignments directly within my community. I have been trying to grow the interpreting side of my business and connect with more agencies here.
While searching online for interpreting work, I came across SOSi. I believe I originally found the company through Indeed, but instead of stopping there, I went directly to its website.
I either applied for a remote, over-the-phone interpreting position or completed a contact form—I honestly don’t remember exactly which one came first. What I do remember is that the company contacted me and gave me access to an internal application system. Inside that system, I could see and apply for several different interpreting opportunities.
I applied for multiple positions, but the two main opportunities that moved forward were connected to FEMA and USCIS.
At the time, I was excited. These appeared to be serious government interpreting opportunities, and I was ready to complete the process. What I did not know was how many steps would be involved, how much time I would invest, or how long I would be waiting before I could actually begin working.
THE LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT AND INITIAL SCREENING
After submitting my application, I received instructions for the next steps. I had to schedule and complete an assessment of my Haitian Creole and English language abilities.
I passed the language assessment. I also completed a standard background check before beginning the more extensive security-clearance process.
I am an experienced interpreter, but I do not currently hold every specialized interpreting certification. Some positions, particularly certain opportunities associated with the Department of Justice, required additional qualifications. I decided to place those applications on hold and focus on the FEMA and USCIS opportunities for which I was able to move forward.
THE SECURITY-CLEARANCE PROCESS
This was the longest and most frustrating part of my experience.
I began the overall process around November or December 2025. The security-clearance requirements involved submitting extensive personal information and supporting documents. Some steps took approximately 90 days or longer, with extended periods of waiting between updates.
For the FEMA opportunity, I completed a remote interview with an officer and continued waiting for the clearance process. I also had to complete a separate fingerprinting appointment for FEMA, which I paid for out of pocket.
Later, I began a different clearance process connected to USCIS. As part of that process, I went to my local USCIS office to have my fingerprints taken.
Although the opportunities appeared to involve similar background requirements, I sometimes received different requests for documentation. Information accepted during one process was not necessarily enough for another. Some documents also had to be mailed, which required additional time, effort, and personal expense.
At one point, I returned to the company’s website and applied for an in-person interpreting opportunity. I received an assessment request, completed it, and did not receive a follow-up regarding that particular position.
After approximately six or seven months, I became discouraged with the USCIS process and stopped actively pursuing it.
THE FEMA CONTRACT
While the FEMA process was still moving forward, I was eventually permitted to sign a contract and complete the required FEMA training. At that stage, I believed I had finally reached the point where I would soon begin receiving work.
I waited another 30 days, then approximately 60 days.
Eventually, I received an email with “FEMA” in the subject line. My heart dropped because I thought my credentials or final work information had finally arrived.
Instead, the email informed me that SOSi had lost the FEMA contract and that the opportunity would not move forward through them.
I was extremely disappointed. I had invested months of my time, completed the requested steps, paid out of pocket for fingerprinting, signed a contract, completed training, and waited patiently—only to learn that the contract was no longer available.
WOULD I RECOMMEND SOSi?
Based solely on my personal experience, I would rate the process approximately 4 out of 10.
I am not saying that nobody works successfully with SOSi or that another interpreter will have the same experience. There may still be active opportunities through the company, and each position or government contract may operate differently.
However, anyone considering applying should be prepared for:
• A potentially lengthy application and clearance process
• Long periods without meaningful updates
• Multiple assessments, fingerprinting appointments, and background requirements
• Possible out-of-pocket expenses related to fingerprinting and documentation
• No guarantee of paid assignments after completing the preliminary steps
• The possibility that a contract or opportunity may change before work begins
I wish I had found more detailed information from another Haitian Creole interpreter before beginning the process. Having realistic expectations and more support would have made the experience less confusing and discouraging.
MY ADVICE TO OTHER INTERPRETERS
If you decide to apply, continue pursuing other opportunities while the application and clearance process is underway. Do not stop your job search or depend on anticipated income until you have confirmed assignments and an actual start date.
Keep copies of every document you submit, track important dates, save all emails, and follow up professionally. Most importantly, remember that completing an application, background check, fingerprinting, training, or contract does not always mean paid work will begin immediately.
Despite my disappointment, I remain committed to growing as an interpreter and continuing my professional journey. One delayed or unsuccessful path does not determine where that journey will end.
This post reflects only my personal experience. I am sharing it because information from Haitian Creole interpreters can be difficult to find, and I hope my experience helps someone else approach the process with clearer expectations.
— Nivendia Sullivan
Haitian Creole Interpreter | Notary Public | Administrative Professional
