Overview
QUALIFIED MEDICAL & COMMUNITY BILINGUAL INTERPRETER RELA Language Professionals ON-SITE POSITION - LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY. 1099 Independent Contractor; Part-Time/Flex/On-Call.
At RELA, we are revolutionizing language access by cultivating a vibrant community where interpreters thrive and grow together. We believe in empowering every voice through continuous learning, professional development, and a supportive network that feels like family. Our team sets new standards of excellence in healthcare interpretation across 80+ languages.
Whether you are an experienced interpreter or just beginning your journey, RELA offers a place where your skills are valued, your growth is supported, and your contribution makes a lasting impact in our community.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate accurate flowing communication
- Ensure comprehension
- Manage specialized terminology
- Handle sensitive situations professionally
- Document services and communicate responsively
Languages & Availability
We are actively recruiting interpreters who speak Spanish and Portuguese, which are always in high demand. The following languages are especially in demand: Arabic (all dialects), ASL, Armenian, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian (Khmer), Cantonese, Chuukese, Croatian, Dari, Farsi, Pashto, French (African dialects), Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Korean, Kurdish, Laotian, Mandarin, Marshallese, Nepali, Punjabi, Russian, Samoan, Serbian, Somali, Sudanese, Swahili, Taiwanese, Thai, Tigrinya, Tongan, Turkish, Turkmen, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, Zulu. If you speak another language not listed, please apply.
Hours
Majority of interpretation requests will be weekdays between 7 AM and 7 PM. Weekend, evening, night & holiday requests are also possible.
Compensation & Rates
- 2024-2025 interpreters' typical rates (Spanish/Portuguese):
- Entry Level (0-5 years): $18-22/hour
- Experienced (3-8 years): $20-24/hour
- National Medical Certified Interpreter (1-4 years): $23-27/hour
- 1-hour minimum billing
- Paid semi-monthly
- Other rate information:
- Non-Spanish/Portuguese languages (Russian, Arabic, etc.): +$2/hour
- Rare languages (Languages of Lesser Diffusion): +$5/hour
- Specialty assignments (e.g., workers' compensation): +$5/hour
- After-hours coverage (evenings, nights, weekends): +$5/hour
- Travel time or mileage reimbursement (pre-approved by client)
- New Interpreter & New Client Referral Incentives
- Professional Development Incentives
Professional Development & Other Benefits
- Ongoing skill development opportunities
- CEUs
- Specialty & terminology courses
- Industry conferences & networking opportunities
- Interpreter-peer support & mentorship
- Cultural events
- Shadowing, performance reviews & skill assessments
- Client feedback reviews
Requirements
Required Education/Training:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Certificate from a nationally accredited 40-hour interpreter training program
- Native or near-native fluency in English and target language(s)
- Strong medical terminology knowledge in both languages
Training Programs
- Bridging the Gap (BTG)
- The Community Interpreter International (TCII)
- Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP)
- Other CCHI or NBCMI recognized programs
Preferred Qualifications
- National certification (CCHI or NBCMI)
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree
- 1+ year medical/community interpreting experience
- Healthcare system familiarity
Language Proficiency Requirements
Interpreters must demonstrate professional proficiency in each working language, including English, via one of the following:
- High School Diploma or College Degree from a country where the working language is the primary language of instruction
- ACTFL: Advanced-Mid or higher
- ALTA: Score of 9 (Advanced High) or higher on 1–12 scale
- ILR/Government: Level 2+ (Limited Working Proficiency Plus) or higher
Language Level Notice
Language skill level will be assessed or a certification, diploma or degree must be provided. Not all language experiences may meet the highly specialized medical terminology and high formal register required.
Compliance & Transportation
- Current immunizations or approved exemption
- Drug screening
- Clean background check
- Ability to obtain facility-specific credentials
- Annual facility-specific compliance trainings
- Reliable personal vehicle with ability to travel; smartphone with data plan; mobile check-in/out apps; email & SMS communication; GPS navigation; ability to navigate healthcare environments
Required Documents
- Current resume or application
- Language Proficiency Assessment Certificate (ACTFL OPI or ALTA preferred) or Education Verification
- Interpreter training credentials (certificate of training)
- Immunization/Vaccine records
- Background Check Authorization
- Drug Screening Test (10 Panel)
- Professional headshot for ID badge
About RELA
RELA Language Professionals provides interpretation and translation services in over 80 languages, facilitating communication in healthcare and other settings. Since our founding in 2017, RELA has partnered with major healthcare systems and supports language professionals through ongoing development and a supportive network.