Job Objective: To effectively facilitate understanding in communication between people who are speaking different languages.

Job Location: Daily travel to local medical facilities, organizations and other locations on an as-needed basis.

• Raised and/or educated in a bilingual setting and therefore have equal skills in 2 or more languages; or
• Have a college or university level degree in a second language and use both the native and target languages on a daily basis; or
• Individuals whose native tongue is not English, but have learned English as a second language and are proficient in English. (subject to testing)

• Fluency in both languages and a broad knowledge of the cultures in which they are spoken
• The ability to grasp readily and completely what others say in either language
• A good memory for what is said
• The ability to find equivalent means of expression in each language even when there are no equivalent words in the target language
• A knowledge of specialized vocabulary and concepts in areas such as medicine and law

• Maintain Confidentiality – interpreter shall keep all patient information confidential and will not disclose to anyone any information learned during the performance of their duties
• Interpret Accurately – interpreter shall interpret everything the speaker says without changing the meaning and does not make any additions, deletions or alterations to how or what is said; interpreter shall maintain content and spirit of original message spoken; interpreter shall speak in 1st person mode using a loud and clear voice
• Employ Impartiality – interpreter shall maintain impartiality and shall not give any counsel, advice or interject personal beliefs or opinions; interpreter does not advocate on behalf of the patient
• Maintain Professional Boundaries– interpreter shall avoid getting personally involved with the people for whom they interpret and keep the relationship with clients on a professional level at all times. Interpreter shall remember that they represent The Bridge at all times and conduct themselves accordingly.
• Cultural Competence (Cultural Brokering) – interpreter must find ways to express words, ideas and processes that may have no equivalent in the target language; interpreter must also account for the divergent world views that give those ideas their particular meaning; interpreter shall strive to bridge cultural differences between all participating parties and seek to minimize potential misunderstandings based upon differing beliefs and cultural practices by sharing cultural information that may affect the immediate situation
• Respect for all Parties – interpreter shall support mutually respectful interactions among all parties; interpreter will introduce themselves to all parties and explain their role
• Professionalism and Integrity - interpreter shall be punctual, prepared and dressed in an appropriate manner. Interpreter shall withdraw immediately from encounters that they perceive to be beyond their capabilities or in violation of the Code of Ethics. The interpreter will withdraw from any situation that presents a conflict of interest for the interpreter. The interpreter will ensure the accuracy of their interpretations and correct any misinterpretations. The fee agreed to between the interpreter and the contracting agency shall be the only compensation the interpreter will accept. The interpreter will not receive or request payment for interpreting for any family members. Professional interpreters shall seek to further their knowledge and skills through continuing studies and training.