Interpreter, Medical

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

LOCATION: Wayne County Healthy Communities - Hamtramck, MI 48212

POSITION SUMMARY: The Medical Interpreter supports high-quality, culturally responsive care by providing accurate and confidential language interpretation for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). The interpreter facilitates clear communication between patients, providers, and staff to ensure patient understanding, safety, informed consent, and compliance with federal and state regulations. This role is critical to WCHC’s mission of delivering equitable, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare to diverse communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Clinical Interpretation

• Provide accurate, impartial, and complete interpretation during medical visits, including:
  • Primary care, dental, behavioral health, care coordination, and other encounters
  • Preventive services, chronic disease management, procedures, and health education
• Interpret in person, by phone, or via video as needed
• Assist with interpretation for consent forms, treatment plans, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
• Assist with translation of basic patient-facing materials when approved
• Coordinate with front desk, clinical staff, and care teams to anticipate interpretation needs
• Assists with patient follow-up as necessary, to include contacting patients with appointment reminders

Patient Support & Advocacy

• Promote patient understanding while maintaining professional boundaries
• Support patient comfort and trust during clinical encounters
• Identify cultural or communication barriers that may impact care and notify clinical staff appropriately

Documentation & Compliance

• Document interpreter services in the EHR per WCHC policy
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations
• Follow Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and HRSA language access requirements

Professional Standards

• Adhere to medical interpreter ethical standards (accuracy, neutrality, confidentiality)
• Participate in required training, staff meetings, and quality improvement initiatives
• Represent WCHC with professionalism and cultural humility

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluency in relevant foreign language(s) including written translation skills
• Current knowledge of medical terminology and procedures.
• Ability to precisely and accurately translate critical medical information from English to the patient's native language.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and customer service orientation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Ability to interact and communicate with people over the telephone, often in stressful situations.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, ethical judgment, and Team collaboration
• Valid Driver License and reliable transportation required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Fluency in English and at least one additional language commonly served by WCHC (e.g., Arabic, Bangla)
• Demonstrated proficiency in medical terminology in both languages
• Certification as a Medical Interpreter from an approved Interpreter/Translator training program preferred (e.g. CCHI, NBCMI, or equivalent)

Salary: $21.635 - $23.077 hourly (based on experience and qualifications)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Classification: Non-exempt

Benefits:

• Health insurance, Dental insurance, and Vision insurance
• Paid time off (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, & Sick time)
• 403b (Retirement plans)
• Long Term Disability
• Employee assistance program
• Group Life Insurance
• Various Voluntary Benefit Option
  

Application Deadline: February 1, 2026.

Please contact SEMHA HR Department @ (313) 873-6500 if you need assistance to upload resume, cover letter, and/or make application online.
** Applicants must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. E.O.E.**
** SEMHA is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the SEMHA Human Resources Department. **
** SEMHA positions are grant funded and are contingent upon the continued support of the funding throughout the duration of the assignment. ** Requirements: