Interpreter Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Interpreter, or Foreign Language Interpreter, is responsible for using their knowledge of multiple languages to help people communicate with one another, despite language barriers. Their duties include traveling with clients to assist them in communicating with those who speak different languages, translating spoken presentations or speeches for multilingual audiences and helping translate spoken words into written messages.

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Interpreter Duties and Responsibilities

An Interpreter position carries the responsibility of conveying another individual’s thoughts and intentions. While the translation itself may not be exactly what the person is saying, the Interpreter has to discern how the comment is meant to be received while maintaining the integrity of the conversation. Interpreters are often expected to be able to:

  • Translate a question or request clearly and accurately, conveying phrasing and intention as it relates to the subject.
  • Convert dialogue and convey the intent of the original speaker, understanding that many idioms and slang terms do not translate exactly between languages.
  • Assist the company with written and oral communication as needed.
  • Submit translations to appropriate management for review as needed.

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Interpreter Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Spanish Interpreter/Patient Educator

Job Summary and Responsibilities

Interpreter assists in BHI tasks (front desk check-in/appointments, BH service visits, case management needs) as translator between Spanish-speaking consumers and clinicians. Additionally, interpreter helps transport uninsured, Spanish-speaking consumers to HCCH appointments as needed and as available. Interpreter assists clinicians and staff to engage in culturally informed care through discussing cultural norms, experiences, and expectations of the area’s Latino population. Additional responsibilities as qualified include patient health education and related documentation, representing HCCH at community events, outreach, networking with community leaders and other duties as determined by supervising and leadership staff.

Requirements/Qualifications/Skills/Experience

Native Spanish-speaking proficiency. At least 2 years’ experience interpreting between Spanish and English in a health care setting. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting. Valid NC driver’s license and good driving record. Cultural understanding of the local Latino population. Bachelor’s degree and nursing background preferred.

Training Requirements:

Patient Centered Medical Home Orientation

CPR certification

HIPPA Compliance

OSHA

Overview of Motivational Interviewing and SBIRT model

New Employee Orientation

Annual training reviews

Trauma Informed Care

Supervisory Relationships

Reports to the BH lead.

Travel Requirements

Travels between program sites (Watauga , Burke, and Avery counties); assists uninsured, Spanish-speaking consumers with transportation for HCCH appointments as needed and as available

Work Hours

Full-time: 40 hours per week (split between sites)

HCCH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HCCH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

HCCH conducts background checks on all final [website] Vaccine(s) Mandated.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No nights
  • No weekends

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Boone, NC 28607: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Language:
  • Spanish and English Location: One location
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    Example 2

    This is a 1099 independent contractor position with no guaranteed number of work hours per week (as needed basis).

    We simply call or email you an assignment offer and you would let us know if yes or no you can accept the job based on your own availability.

    These are mostly medical appointments. Workers' compensation related cases. Appointments are typically within the business hours of Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm. If you do not have availability/flexibility during those days & hours in the week, this may not be right for you.

    We do not pay for mileage from the very beginning because most offers will be local and within a 20 mile radius from your home address. If we ever offer an assignment that based on the city & zip will exceed 20 or more miles 1 way from home then we are able to approve mileage to be paid at $0.58 per mile round trip (trip would need to be 40 or more miles round trip).

    We reimburse parking and toll fees (if any apply) as long as a copy of a paid receipt is provided. We pay 30 days from the date you invoice via a mailed check to the address on your W9 form or via direct deposit (your choice).

    We have a 24 business hour cancellation policy.

    Requirement- An EIN Is required to use on your W9 form (we are unable to use SSN for independent contractors)

    Job Type: Contract

    Pay: $35.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

    COVID-19 considerations:
    Interpreters must wear a facial covering (mask that covers both nose and mouth) while attending these appointments in person.

    Application Question(s):
  • Do you have an EIN to use on your W9 form?

    Language:
  • Spanish Location: One location
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    Example 3

    IAF manufactures fasteners for the automotive industry. Because of that, our team has to work hard to have an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and fulfillment of our responsibilities, in an environment that can be hot, dirty, and challenging. We want to be a place that our team can envision opportunity and personal growth to reach their own potential.

    IAF is needs a competent interpreter to join the team as our Interpreter Specialist (“Japanese Interpreter”). The Interpreter will support our non-English speakers in real-time meeting translations. You will provide accurate concepts and explanations with no additions or omissions, and according to conventions of established interpretation protocol.

    What we provide.

    We have had no greater a desire than to be a company where fellow team members believe in each other, and where they love to work. Our success comes from the happiness team members.

    Because of this, we provide:
  • An on-site Health Clinic
  • An on-site Cafeteria
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage
  • Company paid short term disability and life insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match

    We also provide other benefit plans and packages that you may elect to take advantage of as a member of our work family.

    What we’ll do together.

    This position will report to our Plant Manager, but help our Japanese Leaders and Advisors. Must be able to perform simultaneous and/or consecutive interpretation from English to Japanese and vice versa in meetings to promote smooth communication between Japanese speaking members and English-speaking members. Must have excellent Japanese and English writing skill to translate various written documents. Utilizing experience in both US and Japanese cultures, act as a communication advisor to promote understanding for Japanese speakers and English speakers.

    Work will include:
  • Interpret in manufacturing related meetings.
  • Interpret in production management and production system related meetings
  • Translate manufacturing related documents.
  • Translate production management and production system related documents.
  • Production KPI data collection, data entry, data sharing, and management.
  • Administrative duties in manufacturing department as per Plant Manager’s instruction.
  • Conduct interpreter training and evaluate their skills.
  • Advise Japanese coordinators and American managers on cultural differences, business practice differences to promote understanding and smooth communication.
  • Advice speakers/listeners to improve interpretation environment.
  • Carries out Plant Manger’s and Japanese coordinators’ requests
  • Backup other interpreters in other areas.
  • Understand our production processes for better interpretation and translation.
  • And of course, other duties as assigned.

    What you’ll bring to the team.
  • Bachelor's degree and 1 – 3 years’ interpretation experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • Must have excellent communication skills in Japanese and English.
  • Strong understanding of cultural differences and expectations for both American and Japanese team members.
  • Communicates effectively and has strong presentation skills.
  • Collaborates well with colleagues using adept social skills.
  • Ability to build strong working relationships, learn quickly and has strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Confident with Microsoft Office Suite.

    Apply online at [website]

    If this role is not an exact fit for you, please join our Talent Community on our Careers page.

    More about IAF.

    Our global company, started in 1950, has built its growth upon the advancement of both knowledge and technology. As our customers have grown globally, so have we. Indiana Automotive Fasteners represents the same quality, customer, and business focus that ASJ provided as our foundation and history.

    IAF is a team environment. Team Members must work as together and deal with many issues without blaming each other for the problems. We all must be proactive in our problem solving, and partner with our leaders. We expect that our team will work out disagreements, accept constructive criticism and not complain to other or about each other. We work together for our success and continuous improvement.

    Indiana Automotive Fasteners, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer which seeks out differences in individuals, experience and thought.

    Should you require accommodation(s) to be successful in the responsibilities for this position, please let us know and we be happy to discuss this with you

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability
    Supplemental pay

    Work Location: One location
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    Example 4

    Please NOTE: This is not a full time or part-time position but instead is a position as an independent contractor. For more information about Linguistica International, please visit our website at [website]

    Linguistica International interpreters assist non-English speakers to communicate with their medical/legal or social service providers around the New Haven, New London, Norwalk and surrounding area.

    Interpreters are called to cover appointments on an as-needed basis working on-call around their schedule.

    This is not a full time or part-time position but instead is a position as an independent contractor. For more information about Linguistica International, please visit our website at [website]

    This position offers great hourly rates, the flexibility you need to work on other projects and is a great way to help your community!

    Qualifications and Skills
  • Interpreters need to have complete fluency in their working languages.

  • ability to instantly comprehend and convert one language into another.

  • Interpreters also need a good understanding of spoken language.

  • A good memory is particularly helpful.

  • Excellent concentration and the ability to think quickly are essential.

  • Convert concepts in the source language to equivalent concepts in the target language

  • Compile information, such as technical terms used in various social settings, into glossaries and terminology databases.

  • Speak, read, and write fluently in at least two languages, including English and one or more others.

  • Relay the style and tone of the original language.

  • Render spoken messages accurately, quickly, and clearly.

    Job Type: Contract

    Pay: $20.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Professional development assistance
    Schedule:
  • On call

    COVID-19 considerations:
    All interpreters are strongly advised to be vaccinated, or to have an exception letter from Doctor or Bishop if they are not able to vaccinate due to medical or religious matters.

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Medical Interpretation: 1 year (Required)

    Language:
  • Spanish Location: Multiple Locations
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    What Does an Interpreter Do?

    Interpreters typically work for courtrooms, global corporations, schools, government agencies and hospitals, but they may also be self-employed. They use their expert knowledge of one or more languages to oversee effective communication between two or more individuals. Their job is to listen to spoken statements from one individual before processing that statement and translating it as accurately as possible to the other person(s) present. They may also provide comfort and familiarity to those from other countries who have a little-to-no understanding of the native language.

    Interpreter Skills and Qualifications

    An Interpreter should have a variety of skills and qualifications including:

    • Communication: Successful Interpreters will have a variety of skills and qualifications. Most important in this role is the ability to communicate across cultures in a variety of media. Communicating clearly in both written and verbal capacities is an important part of interpreting.
    • Fluency: An interpreter must have native-level proficiency in a minimum of two languages.
    • Technological proficiency: Familiarity with digital communication avenues, including live chat, email and text.
    • Sufficient education: A bachelor’s degree in a second language or linguistics is often a minimum requirement for this position.
    • Clarity: The ability to clearly relay ideas across cultures is integral to the role because phrasing can be interpreted differently between languages.

    Interpreter Salary Expectations

    The average Interpreter salary is $20.70 per hour.  Higher rates are standard with more technical positions and government jobs. Hourly rates may also depend on the scope of requirements for a specific position.

    Interpreter Education and Training Requirements

    A bachelor’s degree is encouraged for anyone interested in becoming an Interpreter, but native-level language proficiency in at least two languages is sometimes an acceptable prerequisite. Fluency in written and verbal communication is also important in this role because communication in both areas is integral to the position. Federal and state positions require certification from a university or other accredited institution.

    Interpreter Experience Requirements

    Typical work experience requirements for the Interpreter role include previous positions involving verbal and written translations of business correspondence. Work history that includes email communication, explaining policies and regulations and business-specific jargon related to a company’s interests is often desired by employers.

    Internships and volunteer positions with documented use of translation services in the desired industry are also recommended if other work history is not adequate.

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    Frequently asked questions about Interpreters

     

    What is the difference between an Interpreter and a Translator?

    Although some people use the titles Interpreter and Translator interchangeably, there is a difference between these two roles. Interpreters typically work to translate verbal messages from one language to another. In contrast, Translators typically work to translate written messages from one language to another. For example, in a courtroom, an Interpreter helps translate a witness statement and ask the witness questions in their native language on the lawyer’s behalf. In contrast, a Translator works with a publishing company to translate a novel from French to English.

     

    What are the daily duties of an Interpreter?

    On a typical day, an Interpreter starts by checking their email and phone messages. They respond to clients and confirm their availability to assist their clients at a particular event. Throughout the day they attend one or more appointments to enlist their services. Within corporations or government agencies, Interpreters help company executives or government officials partake in meetings with international representatives. At schools, Interpreters work with one or more students who have little-to-no knowledge of the native language and remain with them for the day to help them learn and communicate. 

    Interpreters employed by hospitals work closely with Doctors and Nurses to help communicate patient concerns, explain treatment options and update families on their loved one’s conditions.

     

    What qualities make a good Interpreter?

    A good Interpreter is someone who uses their foreign language skills and compassion for others to help enhance communication between people of different cultures. They should have a personable nature that allows them to connect with people from a variety of backgrounds. They should also be experts in the languages they speak to ensure they provide accurate translations between two or more people. 

    A good Interpreter should also know not to discuss their clients and specific events outside of work. This is especially important when working in hospitals and courtrooms as it ensures the safety of confidential information. They demonstrate a commitment to continued education by participating in seminars and certification courses related to interpreting foreign languages and cultures. 

     

    Who does an Interpreter report to?

    Interpreters can report to a variety of roles, depending on their place of employment. For example, Interpreters working for a courthouse may report to the Courthouse Manager to assist in cases that involve foreign language speakers. In contrast, Interpreters who work for hospitals may report to the Patient Care Coordinator or the Family Liason.

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