Interpreter/Transport Specialist at Vecinos in Franklin, NC

Position: Interpreter/Transport Specialist

Location: Franklin, NC, and surrounding areas

Compensation: $17 - $22/ hour

Benefits: Generous Insurance, Retirement, and Vacation

Classification: Non-Exempt, Permanent, Full-Time

Organization Description: Vecinos is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that provides traditional and mobile clinics with integrated primary and mental healthcare, health education, and case management to uninsured, low-income community members. We offer a positive, supportive, and team-oriented atmosphere. We work in a non-traditional environment with limited resources. Schedules and hours vary throughout the year.

Purpose: The Interpreter/Transport Specialist supports patient access to care through interpretation, transportation, and operational support. This position helps ensure effective communication, reduce barriers to care, and support the delivery of high-quality services in the clinic, Mobile Clinic, and community settings.

Responsibilities •Provide accurate and professional interpretation between Spanish-speaking patients and healthcare providers

during in-person, telehealth, Mobile Clinic, and community-based encounters.

•Ensure patients understand medical information, treatment plans, referrals, medications, and follow-up instructions.

•Support patients in navigating healthcare services and communicating questions or concerns.

•Collaborate with providers, nurses, medical assistants, behavioral health staff, outreach staff, and community partners to support patient care.

•Coordinate interpretation and transportation services based on patient needs and available resources.

•Transport patients to and from approved medical appointments and healthcare-related services.

•Document interpretation services, transportation activities, and patient interactions in the Electronic Health Record as required.

•Assist with patient outreach, appointment reminders, referrals, and enabling services.

•Provide occasional support to front desk, medical assistant, and clinic operations to help maintain efficient patient flow and clinic operations.

•Assist with Mobile Clinic operations, including driving, interpretation, patient flow, setup, and breakdown.

•Maintain agency vehicles in a clean and safe condition and report maintenance concerns.

•Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies.

•Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and clinic operations.

Required Qualifications

1. Fluency in English and Spanish: Native or near-native proficiency in both English and Spanish, with the ability to accurately interpret medical terminology in both languages.
2. Previous experience or training in medical interpretation or a healthcare environment.
3. Strong verbal and listening skills to ensure clear, accurate communication.
4. Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced healthcare setting
5. Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust quickly to diverse medical situations and work environments.
6. Professionalism: Maintains neutrality, emotional composure, and ethical standards.
7. Legal and Ethical Knowledge: Understanding of patient confidentiality laws (HIPAA) and ethical standards in medical interpretation, including patient rights and the importance of neutrality.
8. Cultural Competency: Understanding of cultural nuances and the ability to convey culturally appropriate messages in healthcare settings.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Certified Medical Interpreter: Certification through a recognized body, such as the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).
2. High School Diploma or Equivalent: Minimum of a high school diploma.
3. Prior Experience in Medical Interpreting: At least 3 years of prior experience in medical interpreting, particularly in clinical or hospital settings, is preferred.
4. Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR): Familiarity with EHR systems and medical documentation processes.
5. Ability to handle high-pressure situations: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-stress environments, such as emergency rooms or urgent care settings.