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Health Interpreter Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Provides interpretation coverage for Luminis Health hospitals, which can include LHDCMC and/or LHAAMC campuses. * Provides support to patients and families by greeting patients, establishing trust ...

Provides interpretation coverage for Luminis Health hospitals, which can include LHDCMC and/or LHAAMC campuses. * Provides support to patients and families by greeting patients, establishing trust ...

Spanish Interpreter

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Provides interpretation coverage for Luminis Health hospitals, which can include LHDCMC and/or LHAAMC campuses. * Provides support to patients and families by greeting patients, establishing trust ...

Spanish Interpreter

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Provides interpretation coverage for Luminis Health hospitals, which can include LHDCMC and/or LHAAMC campuses. * Provides support to patients and families by greeting patients, establishing trust ...

The Interpreter supports an inclusive workplace by facilitating communication in meetings, training ... Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, Vision plans * Life Insurance/AD&D

The Interpreter supports an inclusive workplace by facilitating communication in meetings, training ... Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, Vision plans * Life Insurance/AD&D

... health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and ... The Interpreter provides in-person and/or remote interpretation to facilitate, with accuracy ...

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Health Interpreter information

What is a health interpreter?

Health interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between patients with limited English proficiency and healthcare providers. They translate spoken or signed language in medical settings to ensure that patients fully understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and care instructions. Health interpreters also help medical staff understand patients’ concerns and cultural contexts, promoting effective and equitable care. Their role is essential in reducing language barriers and improving healthcare outcomes. Interpreters are trained to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in all interactions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health interpreter?

To thrive as a Health Interpreter, you need fluency in at least two languages, a solid understanding of medical terminology, and often a certification such as CCHI or NBCMI. Familiarity with telehealth platforms, interpretation equipment, and relevant healthcare documentation systems is typically required. Excellent listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain impartial are crucial soft skills for building trust and ensuring clear communication. These skills are vital to facilitate accurate and confidential communication between patients and healthcare providers, directly impacting patient care and safety.

What are some common challenges health interpreters face when working in medical settings?

Health Interpreters often encounter challenges such as managing complex medical terminology, ensuring accuracy in high-pressure situations, and addressing cultural differences between patients and healthcare providers. They may also need to navigate emotionally charged conversations or deliver difficult news while maintaining professionalism and empathy. Effective communication and continuous learning are essential to overcome these challenges and provide clear, accurate interpretation for all parties involved.

What is the difference between Health Interpreter vs Medical Translator?

AspectHealth InterpreterMedical Translator
CredentialsCertification in interpreting (e.g., CCHI, NBCMI)Translation certifications (e.g., ATA, CMT)
Work EnvironmentReal-time spoken communication in healthcare settingsWritten documents, reports, and medical records
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare agenciesMedical publishing, legal documents, patient materials

Health Interpreters focus on real-time spoken communication between patients and healthcare providers, requiring interpreting certifications. Medical Translators work mainly with written medical documents, often holding translation certifications. Both roles are essential in healthcare but differ in their methods and work environments.

How to be a health interpreter?

To become a health interpreter, you typically need to be fluent in at least two languages and complete specialized training or certification in medical interpretation. Many employers require certification from organizations such as the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) or the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI). Strong communication skills, cultural competence, and knowledge of medical terminology are essential for success in this role.
Infographic showing various Health Interpreter job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Luminis Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Objective:
Provides interpretation services and support to patients and family members in clinical and non-clinical settings throughout the Health System.

Essential Job Duties:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  1. Provides interpretation coverage for Luminis Health hospitals, which can include LHDCMC and/or LHAAMC campuses.
  2. Provides support to patients and families by greeting patients, establishing trust, soliciting and interpreting concerns expressed. All information obtained must be interpreted for the appropriate Health System team member so that concerns and issues are communicated and addressed. This includes assisting with completion of forms, registration, etc.
  3. Anticipates and offers comfort measures for patients and significant others in their language and collaborates with physicians, nurses, or other Health System personnel.
  4. Provides interpretation between patient/significant others and members of the health care team and/or Health System personnel; uses psychosocial principles to assist patients and their families; provides information and assistance as appropriate.
  5. Manages patient/visitor concerns by actively listening to the patient/significant other or family and directly follows up on any identified needs by communicating concerns to appropriate Health System personnel.
  6. Completes documentation in the EMR and reconciliation of patient notes.
  7. May require additional administrative tasks as needed.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

  • Post high school training required.
  • Evidence of education in psychosocial skills with one to two years' experience in a health care setting preferred.
  • Must have significant experience dealing with the public.
  • Basic understanding of medical terminology and health events desirable.
  • Previous interpretation experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in foreign language and English in both written and oral forms.

Required License/Certifications:

  • Employees are expected to obtain CCHI certification within one year of hire. In limited circumstances, an extension may be considered based on factors such as certification testing availability, documented hardship, or other qualifying circumstances, subject to leadership approval. Information can be obtained online through cchicertification.org.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:
There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands -
Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.


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