Spanish-English Clinical Interpreter; Medical Experience Require

Position Summary
The Clinical Interpreter provides accurate, timely, and culturally responsive interpretation and translation services to support effective communication between patients, families, providers, and staff at Kinston Community Health Center. This role ensures language access for patients with limited English proficiency by delivering on-site and telephonic interpretation, assisting with care coordination and appointment scheduling, and translating clinical and organizational materials. The Clinical Interpreter plays a critical role in promoting patient safety, health equity, regulatory compliance, and high-quality patient-centered care while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

Qualifications

     Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalency; Associates degree preferred 

     Certifications & Licenses:

• Certified Medial Interpreter preferred 

     Experience:

• Translating and interpreting professionally or personally.
• 1-3 years of clinical/professional experience.

     Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite 
• Fluent in English and Spanish; demonstrating excellent oral and written skills in the language identified by the Health Center as being a language-of-need.
• Knowledge of medical terminology

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs on-site and over-the-phone interpretation for patients, families, providers and KCHC staff as requested.
• Maintain and document all in-bound and out-bound calls in EHR to contact the patient and/or mail a letter as needed such as referral, lab results, etc. to inform the patient.
• Completes interpretation request accurately and in a timely manner.
• Participates as a team member exercising sensitivity and maintain confidentiality of employee and patient information at all times.
• Schedule and reschedule appointments as needed for Spanish speaking patients.
• Provides expert knowledge regarding the interplay of medical treatment and key aspects of the patients’ culture.
• Participates in educational programs and competency training to enhance professional role as Clinical Interpreter as needed.
• Assist the supervisor in identifying barriers to care that patients are experiencing in navigating the system, so that these barriers can be addressed organizationally. 
• Assist with translation of KCHC written documents from English to Spanish.
• Assist with translation of KCHC website from English to Spanish.
• Assist with translation of KCHC brochures from English to Spanish.
• Maintains a professional appearance, demeanor, and dedication to service.
• Adheres to all federal regulations regarding HIPAA as well as KCHC employee policies.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

 Work Environment

• Must be able and comfortable working in a variety of settings including, but not limited to clinical environments and office spaces.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends as departmental needs arise.

 Travel Requirements

• None

 Core Competencies

• Communication: Demonstrates strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills; able to clearly explain complex information. 
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Provides thoughtful input into operational and program decisions.
• Accountability & Self-Management: Works independently and efficiently, managing multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds effective working relationships across teams, departments, and the community.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: Applies critical thinking and initiative to resolve issues and improve service delivery.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Delivers high-quality customer service with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
• Actively listens and communicates clearly across diverse populations.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
• Applies knowledge of clinical and administrative standards and institutional policies.
• Manages time effectively, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates community awareness and understanding of the population served.
• Projects a professional image and provides leadership when delegating or guiding team efforts.

 Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to sit, walk, reach, and handle materials.
• May be required to lift or move items up to 25–50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Vocal strain and mental fatigue may occur due to the nature of continuous interpretation.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

 Compliance Responsibilities

As part of Kinston Community Health Center’s commitment to ethical practices and regulatory compliance, all employees are expected to:

• Act in accordance with the KCHC Employee Handbook, policies and procedures, and all applicable federal and state laws.
• Promptly report any known or suspected violations of compliance/safety standards.

These responsibilities are essential to maintaining a culture of integrity and accountability across the organization.