What are the responsibilities and job description for the Spanish Interpreter position at Catawba County Government?
Catawba County Public Health is seeking a bilingual professional to serve as a Spanish Interpreter supporting programs across the department. This position plays a critical role in bridging communication between Spanish-speaking patients and healthcare providers, ensuring patients fully understand their care, treatment plans, and follow-up instructions.
The Spanish Interpreter provides live verbal interpretation, accurate written translation, and culturally sensitive communication to support equitable access to public health services. This position interacts directly with patients and assists multiple program areas such as Adult Health, Communicable Disease, Immunizations, TB, Care Management, and Newborn/Postpartum home visiting services.
- Provide direct interpretation between Spanish-speaking patients and clinical staff during visits, screenings, counseling, and procedures
- Translate forms, consent documents, patient letters, and educational materials between English and Spanish
- Assist with phone calls, appointment coordination, and relaying clinical instructions to Spanish-speaking patients
- Support staff during events, outreach activities, and home-based visits when interpretation is required
- Assisting staff in understanding communication patterns, traditions, and beliefs that may impact care
- Assist in ensuring clarity in patient understanding by conveying provider instructions accurately and professionally
Native Spanish Speakers:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent, along with significant experience with the English language
- Must pass an oral and written proficiency examination on the Spanish language at an Advanced High or above proficiency level
Non-Native Spanish Speakers:
- Bachelor’s degree in Spanish
- Must pass an oral and written proficiency examination on the Spanish language at an Advanced High or above proficiency level
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with individuals of diverse backgrounds
- Ability to translate medically sensitive information clearly, accurately, and confidentially
- Professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries
- Flexibility in managing assignments across multiple program areas
- This position is considered light work and may occasionally require lifting up to 20 pounds (e.g., paperwork, books, or records)