Medical Interpreter
About The Position
The Medical Interpreter provides in-person and over-the-phone interpretation for providers, patients, and caregivers so patients understand medical terminology, treatment plans, and instructions in compliance with policy standards. The role supports communication during inpatient and outpatient visits and telephone conferences, including informed consent, medical interviews, and health care instructions. The interpreter also guides Limited-English Proficient (LEP) patients and families to appropriate hospital resources and coordinates with other interpreters to cover assignments. Participation in an on-call rotation may be assigned. The position is part-time, scheduled for 20 hours per week on a weekday day shift. A high school diploma or GED is required; a bachelor's degree is preferred. Applicants need at least three months or 480 hours of documented medical interpreting experience. A CCHI Certified Healthcare Interpreter or NBCMI Certified Medical Interpreter credential is required within 12 months of hire. No certification or licensure is required by law. The role requires effective communication, organization, prioritization, structured problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm and responsive to patient, family, and institutional needs. The interpreter applies medical and clinical comprehension and interpretation skills, develops language fluency and cultural awareness, and works under supervision and guidance on routine tasks. The estimated compensation range is $24.00–$42.00 per hour.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least three months or 480 hours of documented medical interpreting experience.
- Obtain CCHI certification as a Certified Healthcare Interpreter or NBCMI certification as a Certified Medical Interpreter within 12 months of hire.
- Ability to understand and adapt to changing priorities; use structured problem-solving; and learn new approaches.
- Ability to perform tasks with limited guidance, address problems logically, seek guidance when needed, and adapt positively to changes.
- Clear and effective written and verbal communication, including timely information exchange and accurate review of documents and reports.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks; deliver quality work under tight timelines; and escalate issues or seek support when needed.
- Ability to understand and address patient, family, and institutional team needs; remain calm under pressure; and provide responsive service.
- Ability to learn and apply skills in routine tasks under supervision and guidance.
- Skills in comprehension, translation, and interpretation of medical and clinical information, including adapting communication to patient context and presenting cultural context to physicians and staff.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree.
Responsibilities
- Interpret critical medical information for providers, patients, and caregivers in person and over the phone.
- Facilitate communication and comprehension between providers and LEP/NEP patients and parents during inpatient and outpatient visits, including informed consent, medical interviews, and health care instructions.
- Interpret telephone conferences between caregivers and providers.
- Notify a supervisor of potential or actual communication problems involving LEP/NEP patients and staff.
- Guide LEP patients and families to appropriate hospital resources.
- Collaborate with other interpreters to ensure coverage of interpreting assignments and participate in an on-call rotation as assigned.
- Meet job expectations, adhere to policies, deliver quality work, and apply St. Jude values and principles.
- Participate in performance management processes, including spring and fall Check In milestones and the Annual Performance Review.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
