Interpreter/Translator

Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre•Hamilton, ON

69d•Onsite

About The Position

The Interpreter/Translator provides high-quality, confidential, and culturally appropriate language services to support clients with limited English proficiency across all Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre programs. This role ensures accurate communication between clients and healthcare providers, improves service accessibility, and supports organizational goals of health equity and inclusive care. This position also supports the Centre’s revenue-generating Cultural Interpretation & Translation Program (CITP) by offering fee-for-service interpretation and document translation to external partners when required.

Requirements

Minimum High School Diploma required.
Minimum 1–2 years of experience providing interpretation or translation services in healthcare, social services, or community settings.
Native-level proficiency in one or more target languages (Arabic, Somali, Urdu, Farsi, Dari, Tigrinya, Pashto, Mandarin, etc.).
Excellent command of English—both written and verbal.
Ability to interpret complex medical and social terminology accurately.
Strong communication skills with the ability to convey meaning accurately.
High level of cultural competence and respect for diversity.
Ability to remain neutral, objective, and confidential.
Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
Ability to handle sensitive, traumatic, or distressing information professionally.
Excellent time management and punctuality.
High attention to detail in written translation.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Professionalism and teamwork within a multidisciplinary environment.
Competency in MS Office and digital communication tools.

Nice To Haves

Post-secondary education in languages, translation studies, social services, health, or communication is an asset.
Certification from recognized bodies (ATIO, CILISAT, MCIS training) is a strong advantage.
Experience working with newcomers, refugees, or culturally diverse communities is preferred.
Experience working in a healthcare environment is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide consecutive and simultaneous interpretation for clients, families, and healthcare providers.
Interpret during medical, social, legal, community, and administrative interactions
Ensure accuracy, neutrality, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity at all times.
Support urgent or crisis-based interpretation needs when available.
Assist staff in explaining procedures, diagnoses, treatment plans, intake processes, and consent forms.
Interpret for community programs, outreach initiatives, and group sessions as needed.
Maintain professional boundaries and avoid personal involvement in client matters.
Translate written materials (forms, letters, consent documents, educational materials, brochures, policies, etc.) from English into assigned languages and vice versa.
Ensure translations are accurate, culturally appropriate, and linguistically aligned with community usage.
Proofread and edit translated material for clarity and consistency.
Prepare documents for external publication, website use, and marketing as required.
Maintain version control and document tracking.