Job Description

Location: Portland,Oregon,United States

We are looking for a Chuukese Healthcare Interpreter who is passionate about language access and driven by the impact clear communication can have on patient care.

In this role, you will do far more than interpret words—you will help patients and healthcare providers understand one another during some of life’s most important and vulnerable moments. Through accurate interpretation, cultural understanding, and compassionate professionalism, you will help create safer, more equitable healthcare experiences for the communities we serve.

At Linguava, we believe language access is essential to quality healthcare, and our interpreters are at the heart of that mission.

Linguava’s healthcare interpreters provide high-quality, in-person interpretation services primarily within hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments throughout the Portland Metro area.

This role is responsible for facilitating accurate, culturally appropriate communication between healthcare providers and patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). Interpreters support patient safety, quality of care, and positive health outcomes by ensuring complete and effective communication during medical encounters.

Our interpreters are known not only for their professionalism and accuracy, but also for embodying our commitment to People First and Above & Beyond Customer Service in every interaction.

What You’ll Do

Provide High-Quality Interpretation Services

• Deliver accurate, complete, and culturally appropriate interpretation in healthcare settings
• Facilitate communication during patient visits, examinations, procedures, and discharge conversations
• Interpret medical terminology and complex healthcare discussions clearly and effectively
• Perform sight translation of simple, time-sensitive documents when needed
• Preserve meaning, tone, and intent without omissions, additions, or alterations

Support Communication and Patient Understanding

• Manage the flow of communication between patients and providers to ensure clarity and understanding
• Professionally request clarification or repetition when needed to maintain accuracy
• Help bridge cultural context and communication nuances while maintaining interpreter neutrality

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

• Represent Linguava professionally during all healthcare assignments
• Foster a calm, respectful, and supportive environment for patients, providers, and staff
• Demonstrate empathy and cultural sensitivity in high-stress or emotionally charged situations

Maintain Compliance and Professional Standards

• Follow HIPAA, Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA), and all healthcare facility protocols
• Adhere to the National Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Healthcare Interpreters
• Maintain required healthcare onboarding requirements, immunizations, and screenings
• Complete assignment documentation and verification forms accurately and on time

Who You Are

The Calm Presence
You remain composed and professional in sensitive or fast-paced healthcare environments, helping patients and providers feel supported and understood.

The Cultural Bridge Builder
You understand that effective interpretation goes beyond language—you help bridge cultural context with empathy, professionalism, and care.

The Trusted Professional
You value confidentiality, accuracy, and ethical decision-making, and you understand the importance of neutrality in healthcare interactions.

The Reliable Partner
You show up prepared, punctual, and ready to support both patients and healthcare teams with excellence.

The Mission-Driven Communicator
You believe language access matters and take pride in helping create more equitable healthcare experiences for diverse communities.

Required Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Willingness to obtain and maintain Oregon Health Authority (OHA) interpreter credentialing
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required

Experience

• Experience providing interpretation in professional settings required
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and accuracy in sensitive situations

Skills & Competencies

• Fluency in English and Chuukese (spoken and written)
• Strong understanding of interpreter ethics and standards of practice
• Excellent listening, memory retention, and communication skills
• Ability to remain neutral, objective, and culturally responsive
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience interpreting in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or behavioral health environments
• Familiarity with medical terminology and healthcare workflows
• Experience supporting vulnerable or underserved patient populations
• Ability to navigate emotionally complex healthcare interactions with professionalism and empathy

Work Environment & Schedule

• Primarily on-site work throughout the Portland Metro area
• Local travel between healthcare facilities required
• Flexibility to support urgent or same-day assignments when needed

How You’ll Embody Our Values

People First
You treat every patient, provider, and teammate with empathy, dignity, and respect.

Doing the Right Thing
You uphold the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Pursuit of Progress
You continuously strengthen your skills and remain committed to professional growth.

Above & Beyond Service
You bring compassion, responsiveness, and excellence to every interaction.

Have Each Other’s Back
You collaborate closely with healthcare staff, schedulers, and fellow interpreters to ensure patients receive the support they need.

Why Linguava?

At Linguava, we believe language should never be a barrier to quality healthcare. Our interpreters play a critical role in improving communication, advancing health equity, and supporting diverse communities every day.

We strive to create a workplace where interpreters feel valued, supported, and proud of the work they do. If you are looking for meaningful work where your skills truly make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Linguava is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

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