Interpreter

Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers • Charlotte, NC

23h

About The Position

The Interpreter serves as a conduit between patients and medical or behavioral health professionals and office staff. The role orally interprets information into patients’ native languages in lay terms and translates patients’ responses back to professionals using appropriate medical terminology. Interpreting may cover reasons for visits, medical and family history, procedures, care instructions, medications, and follow-up appointments. The Interpreter may also support clerical staff with demographics, billing, and pre-clinical coding information. The role collaborates with the health care team to help clinicians obtain accurate information, ensure patients and families are informed, avoid culturally inappropriate interactions, and protect patient privacy.

The position requires fluency in English and the specified language or languages, knowledge of relevant cultural beliefs and values related to health care, and the ability to distinguish nuances and idiomatic usage. A high school diploma and post-high-school coursework in medical terminology are required. A college degree emphasizing language skills and Certified Medical Interpreter certification are preferred. The position is classified as clinical, non-exempt, and is assigned to a clinic. It reports to the Site Coordinator.

Requirements

• Fluency in English and the specified language or languages in verbal and written communication.
• Understanding of the specified culture’s beliefs and values, particularly as they relate to health care.
• Ability to distinguish subtle nuances of meaning and idiomatic usage in the specified language or languages.
• Ability to communicate in a culturally sensitive and confidential manner while interpreting.
• At least two years of experience as a professional health care interpreter.
• Knowledge of medical terminology in English and the specified language or languages.
• Familiarity with basic computer operations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English and the specified language or languages.
• High school diploma and post-high-school coursework in medical terminology.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including continuous walking, standing, and moving; frequent bending, kneeling, and crouching; repetitive hand and finger movement for typing or writing; talking and hearing; and exposure to hazardous fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and bodily fluids.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of interview techniques and adult learning theory.
• Familiarity with community resources for the specified target population, including refugee and immigrant social services.
• College degree with an emphasis on language skills.
• Certified Medical Interpreter certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide oral interpretation between medical or behavioral health staff and patients or families in clinical settings to overcome language and cultural barriers.
• Conduct phone interviews, coordinate appointments, and document relevant information under a provider’s direction.
• Travel to satellite offices, contractor offices, and community outreach centers as needed.
• Interview patients and families about medical histories and concerns, and translate information into English-written medical records, including diagnoses, recommendations, and instructions.
• Help providers educate patients about diseases, prevention, clinic procedures, immunization schedules, and health management.
• Translate written health care and health education materials and administrative forms from English into a specified language as requested.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, including monitoring, measuring, analyzing, improving, or controlling program goals, objectives, or services.
• Support incentive, regulatory, and certification requirements, such as Meaningful Use, PCMH, and UDS, through documentation and participation in initiatives and other directed activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED