Interpreter, Medical

Southeastern Michigan Health Association•Hamtramck, MI

3d•$22 - $23

About The Position

LOCATION: Wayne County Healthy Communities - Hamtramck, MI 48212 POSITION SUMMARY: The Medical Interpreter supports high-quality, culturally responsive care by providing accurate and confidential language interpretation for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). The interpreter facilitates clear communication between patients, providers, and staff to ensure patient understanding, safety, informed consent, and compliance with federal and state regulations. This role is critical to WCHC’s mission of delivering equitable, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare to diverse communities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Clinical Interpretation Provide accurate, impartial, and complete interpretation during medical visits, including: Primary care, dental, behavioral health, care coordination, and other encounters Preventive services, chronic disease management, procedures, and health education Interpret in person, by phone, or via video as needed Assist with interpretation for consent forms, treatment plans, discharge instructions, and follow-up care Assist with translation of basic patient-facing materials when approved Coordinate with front desk, clinical staff, and care teams to anticipate interpretation needs Assists with patient follow-up as necessary, to include contacting patients with appointment reminders Patient Support & Advocacy Promote patient understanding while maintaining professional boundaries Support patient comfort and trust during clinical encounters Identify cultural or communication barriers that may impact care and notify clinical staff appropriately Documentation & Compliance Document interpreter services in the EHR per WCHC policy Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations Follow Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and HRSA language access requirements Professional Standards Adhere to medical interpreter ethical standards (accuracy, neutrality, confidentiality) Participate in required training, staff meetings, and quality improvement initiatives Represent WCHC with professionalism and cultural humility

Requirements

Fluency in relevant foreign language(s) including written translation skills
Current knowledge of medical terminology and procedures.
Ability to precisely and accurately translate critical medical information from English to the patient's native language.
Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and customer service orientation.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
Ability to interact and communicate with people over the telephone, often in stressful situations.
Attention to detail, accuracy, ethical judgment, and Team collaboration
Valid Driver License and reliable transportation required
High school diploma or GED required
Fluency in English and at least one additional language commonly served by WCHC (e.g., Arabic, Bangla)
Demonstrated proficiency in medical terminology in both languages

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Medical Interpreter from an approved Interpreter/Translator training program preferred (e.g. CCHI, NBCMI, or equivalent)

Responsibilities

Provide accurate, impartial, and complete interpretation during medical visits, including: Primary care, dental, behavioral health, care coordination, and other encounters
Preventive services, chronic disease management, procedures, and health education
Interpret in person, by phone, or via video as needed
Assist with interpretation for consent forms, treatment plans, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
Assist with translation of basic patient-facing materials when approved
Coordinate with front desk, clinical staff, and care teams to anticipate interpretation needs
Assists with patient follow-up as necessary, to include contacting patients with appointment reminders
Promote patient understanding while maintaining professional boundaries
Support patient comfort and trust during clinical encounters
Identify cultural or communication barriers that may impact care and notify clinical staff appropriately
Document interpreter services in the EHR per WCHC policy
Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations
Follow Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and HRSA language access requirements
Adhere to medical interpreter ethical standards (accuracy, neutrality, confidentiality)
Participate in required training, staff meetings, and quality improvement initiatives
Represent WCHC with professionalism and cultural humility