Description

The Foreign Language Medical Interpreter provides accurate consecutive and/or simultaneous interpretation for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and their families to ensure clear, complete, and culturally appropriate communication throughout the continuum of care.

Serving as both a language specialist and cultural liaison, the interpreter promotes understanding between patients and healthcare providers, supports equitable care delivery, and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements and professional standards. This role also participates in departmental education, documentation, and performance improvement initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Language Interpretation

• Provide accurate interpretation during medical encounters using consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation techniques.

• Deliver over-the-phone (OPI) and video remote interpretation (VRI) services when in-person interpretation is unavailable.

• Support communication across a variety of clinical environments including surgery, trauma, mental health, palliative care, and discharge planning.

Cultural Mediation

• Serve as a cultural liaison to bridge communication gaps between patients and healthcare teams.

• Provide insight to healthcare providers regarding cultural considerations that may influence patient care and decision-making.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of interpretation encounters, including service type, duration, and location.

• Ensure adherence to HIPAA, the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care, and Emory Healthcare policies and procedures.

Professional Development and Mentorship

• Participate in continuing education, quality improvement initiatives, and competency validation activities.

• Mentor newly hired interpreters and participate in peer review processes.

• Assist in providing training and education to staff regarding language access compliance and interpreter service procedures.

Operational Support

• Assist with interpreter scheduling and dispatch functions during periods of low service volume.

• Support deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of interpretation equipment including phones, tablets/iPads, and VRI devices.

Patient and Family Support

• Provide support to patients and families by facilitating communication and assisting with navigation of healthcare services when appropriate.

• Participate in on-call or after-hours interpretation coverage as needed.

Work Environment

Work Type:Onsite employee

Travel:Travel is required between Emory Healthcare operating units and affiliated locations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Two (2) years of experience in a healthcare, medical, customer service, advocacy, or related field.

• At least one (1) year of experience in medical interpretation.

Training

Completion of a 40–60 hour Medical Interpreter Training Program, such as:

• Bridging the Gap

• ALTA Language Services

• Language Line Academy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

• Demonstrated proficiency in English and the target language (speaking, reading, and writing) with emphasis on medical terminology.

• Language proficiency validated through a third-party Interpreter Skills Test (IST).

• Ability to maintain accuracy, neutrality, and confidentiality during interpretation encounters.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a healthcare environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Associate’s Degree in:

• Business

• Foreign Language

• Healthcare Administration

• Or a related field

Experience

• Four (4) years of relevant experience in medical interpretation or a healthcare setting.

• Experience delivering interpreter-related training or education.

Certification

• Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) – National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI), or

• Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) – Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Preferred)

• Broad knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare systems.

• Understanding of cultural humility and healthcare system navigation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft