Medical Interpreter, Arabic Global Services Full-Time Days

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine seeks an interpreter to deliver medical and general interpreting for patients, families, physicians, and the healthcare team. The role supports communicative clarity during consultations, diagnostics, and procedures in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Qualifications include high school completion and a formal medical interpreter credential. Fluency in English plus another language and strong documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have strong English language skills, both spoken and written.
• Experience working in healthcare or hospital interpreting is preferred.
• Demonstrates professional demeanor and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to manage multiple interpreting requests and prioritize appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical and general interpreting for patients, families, and staff.
• Prioritize interpreter requests based on urgency and patient needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation of encounters and interpretation activities.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team and participate in ongoing professional development.

Skills

English fluency

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Description

The Interpreter reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine (NM), adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Conducts medical and general interpreting for patients and their families, physicians, and the healthcare team in accordance with the National Standards of Practice of NCIHC designed to facilitate the language needs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Assesses and monitors patients’ understanding of information conveyed, and serves as a cultural mediator. Records and monitors interpretation activities according to department standards. Makes decisions regarding prioritization of multiple requests received at one time.

Responsibilities:

• Medical Interpreting:
  • Provides medical and general interpreting services to patients, family members, support persons and healthcare providers and other staff in accordance with the National Standards of Practice (NCIHC). This includes interpreting during consultations and diagnostic testing; medical procedures and operations; the consent process and educational forums. Ensures that the patient’s and family’s needs are communicated to healthcare providers and staff.
  • Screens multiple requests for interpreters and prioritizes requests based on urgency of need.
  • Assists the healthcare team in problem solving and complaint resolution related to the limited English‑Proficient population.
  • Participates in ongoing professional development to maintain practice in accordance with professional medical interpreting standards.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Initiates and develops positive relationships with patients, visitors, healthcare providers, fellow interpreters and staff, exhibiting respect, flexibility and cooperation at all times.
  • Serves as a cultural mediator, as necessary and when appropriate, to enhance communication between American culture staff and native culture patients/families, as it relates to medical care.
  • Supports and participates in the continuous assessment and improvement of the interpretation services program.
  • Assists with other departmental functions as assigned
  • Actively participates in staff meetings and mandatory in‑services.
• Documentation:
  • Maintains documentation of all interpretation encounters, to include relevant data such as location, duration, and purpose. Documents all interpreting encounters accurately and completely, including patient refusals of interpreting services.
  • Maintains accurate records of productivity, work volumes, and interpreting requests.
• Additional Functions:
  • Proven software competencies (Excel, Word)
  • Adaptable to relevant software necessary for data tracking and trending

AA/EOE

#LI-AD1

#NMH1

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Completion of high school education or equivalent.

Certification:

• Must hold a certificate of completion substantiating formal training and qualifications for medical interpreting in accordance with the National Standards of Practice (NCIHC).

Experience:

• Minimum of three years’ experience in providing medical interpreting in an acute care setting.

Behavioral Attributes:

• High level of fluency in English, and another language, both oral and written.
• Ability to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptive and expressive, using medical terminology as appropriate.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor in all situations.
• Knowledgeable about the issues of cultural competency and healthcare disparities. Adaptable and sensitive in cross‑cultural situations.
• Excellent communication, organizational and customer service skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-based basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign‑on bonus offered for position):

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.