Medical Interpreter -Amharic/English - PRN (As Needed)- Washington DC - On site

Children's National Medical Center; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 45,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated Medical Interpreter to bridge communication gaps for patients, families, and staff in critical medical situations. This role requires bilingual proficiency and the ability to interpret accurately while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. You'll play a vital role in ensuring effective communication throughout the hospital, managing interpretation requests, and educating staff on services. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a positive work environment and support patient care in a meaningful way.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience as an interpreter in critical situations.
• Completion of a medical interpreter training course with certification.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication among patients, families, and staff.
• Manage assignments independently with professionalism.
• Coordinate and schedule interpretation requests.

Skills

Interpreter Skills Assessment

Bilingual proficiency in English/Amharic

Medical terminology understanding

Education

Bachelor's Degree

40-hour Medical Interpreter Training Course

Job description

The Medical Interpreter will provide language interpretation services to patients, families, and staff in critical, acute, or chronic medical situations as needed. Services will be provided in person, telephonically, or via video remote to facilitate effective communication throughout the hospital.

Qualifications

1. Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of experience. (Required)
2. Minimum Work Experience: 1 year experience as an interpreter in critical situations. (Required)
3. Required Skills/Knowledge

• Successfully pass the Interpreter Skills Assessment, or equivalent, provided by CNH. (Required)
• Completion of a 40-hour Medical Interpreter Training Course with proof of certification from a reputable institution. (Required)
• Bilingual proficiency in English/Amharic, with understanding of medical terminology.

Functional Accountabilities

Patient Care

• Facilitate communication among patients, families, and staff.
• Interpret accurately without omissions, additions, or interference.
• Manage assignments independently, maintaining professionalism and sensitivity in critical medical or psychosocial situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Translate discharge instructions and care instructions quickly and accurately.

Staff Interpretation Services

• Educate staff on interpretation services and usage.
• Communicate effectively regarding staff and patient/family needs.
• Set appropriate limits and advocate for patients/families to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist staff in becoming culturally sensitive.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Coordinate and schedule interpretation requests.
• Prepare daily schedules for interpretation assignments.
• Maintain organized records of requests and reports.
• Document assignments accurately in all relevant systems.
• Perform dispatch duties as assigned.

Organizational Accountabilities

• Respond proactively to customer needs and follow up until resolved.
• Demonstrate respectful teamwork and communication.
• Contribute to a positive work environment and show flexibility.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and exercise sound judgment.
• Use resources efficiently and seek cost-effective solutions.
• Promote safety by speaking up about unsafe behaviors, verifying information, and practicing careful decision-making.

Location & Job Details

Primary Location: District of Columbia-Washington

Work Locations: CN Hospital (Main Campus), 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, 20010

Job: Administrative Support / Customer Service

Organization: Patient Services

Position Status: R (Regular) - O (PRN)

Shift & Schedule: Variable

Job Posting Date: Apr 28, 2025

Salary Range: $45,614.40 - $76,024