What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Interpreter - Spanish Language position at Emory Healthcare?
Overview
Be inspired . Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.
At Emory Healthcare We Fuel Your Professional Journey With Better Benefits, Valuable Resources, Ongoing Mentorship And Leadership Programs For All Types Of Jobs, And a Supportive Environment That Enables You To Reach New Heights In Your Career And Be What You Want To Be . We Provide:
The Foreign Language Medical Interpreter provides accurate consecutive and/ or simultaneous interpretation for Limited English Proficient ( LEP) patients and their families, ensuring 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 position also participates in departmental education, documentation, and performance improvement initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES Language Interpretation
Onsite
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Experience
Completion of a 40– 60 hour Medical Interpreter Training Program such as:
Associate’s Degree in Business, Foreign Language, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
Experience
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Additional Details
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org . Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
Be inspired . Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.
At Emory Healthcare We Fuel Your Professional Journey With Better Benefits, Valuable Resources, Ongoing Mentorship And Leadership Programs For All Types Of Jobs, And a Supportive Environment That Enables You To Reach New Heights In Your Career And Be What You Want To Be . We Provide:
- Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
- Family-focused benefits
- Wellness incentives
- Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs
- And more
- LOCATION: EMORY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (CLIFTON RD.)
The Foreign Language Medical Interpreter provides accurate consecutive and/ or simultaneous interpretation for Limited English Proficient ( LEP) patients and their families, ensuring 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 position 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 interpretation services via in- person, telephone, or video remote interpretation platforms when needed.
- Support communication in a variety of clinical environments including surgery, trauma, mental health, palliative care, and discharge planning.
- Serve as a cultural liaison to bridge communication gaps between patients and healthcare teams.
- Assist providers in understanding cultural considerations that may impact care delivery or patient decision- making.
- Maintain accurate records of interpretation encounters including encounter type, duration, and service location.
- Ensure strict adherence to HIPAA regulations, the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care, and Emory Healthcare policies.
- Participate in continuing education, competency validation, and departmental quality improvement initiatives.
- Mentor newly hired interpreters and participate in peer review processes.
- Provide education and training to staff regarding language access compliance and interpreter service protocols.
- Assist with interpreter scheduling and dispatch activities during low- volume periods.
- Support the deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of interpretation equipment including phones, tablets, and video remote interpretation ( VRI) units.
- Provide patient and family support by facilitating communication and navigation of care services.
- Connect patients and families with hospital or community resources as appropriate.
- Participate in on- call or after- hours coverage as required.
- Travel may be required between Emory Healthcare operating units or affiliated locations.
Onsite
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Experience
- Two ( 2) years of experience in healthcare, medical interpretation, customer service, advocacy, or a related field.
- At least one ( 1) year of experience in medical interpretation.
Completion of a 40– 60 hour Medical Interpreter Training Program such as:
- Bridging the Gap
- ALTA
- Language Line Academy
- Or equivalent program
- Demonstrated proficiency in English and the target language ( reading, writing, and speaking).
- Strong knowledge of medical terminology in both languages.
- Interpreter proficiency validated through a third- party Interpreter Skills Test ( IST) .
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in complex healthcare environments.
Associate’s Degree in Business, Foreign Language, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
Experience
- Four ( 4) years of medical interpretation experience preferred.
- Experience delivering interpreter training or educational sessions.
- Certified Medical Interpreter ( CMI) – National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters ( NBCMI)
- Certified Healthcare Interpreter ( CHI) – Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters ( CCHI)
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology.
- Understanding of cultural humility and healthcare system navigation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and interpreter technology platforms.
- Strong interpersonal communication and the ability to maintain professionalism in high- pressure clinical environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Additional Details
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org . Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.