Volunteer Spanish Interpreters

Volunteer Interpreters are an integral part of the function of Arlington Free Clinic (AFC). Interpreters assist with communication throughout the clinic including intake/discharge encounters, medical appointments, phone calls, and education opportunities. Volunteer interpreters do not have to be professional interpreters, nor do they have to have experience in the medical field or existing strong familiarity with medical terminology. A successful AFC Volunteer Interpreter likes interacting with new people, enjoys fast paced working environments, has a flexible personality, and is culturally aware.

AFC provides training on the function, logistics, and ethics of interpreting, and prospective volunteers must pass a fluency screening.

Volunteer Interpreters at Arlington Free Clinic are responsible for converting information from one spoken language (source) into another (target). The interpreter's goal is for individuals to experience the target language as seamlessly as if it were the source language. Interpreting can be done in person, over the phone, or via video call.

Responsibilities

Volunteer Interpreters at Arlington Free Clinic are responsible for converting information from one spoken language (source) into another (target). The interpreter's goal is for individuals to experience the target language as seamlessly as if it were the source language. Interpreting can be done in person, over the phone, or via video call.

Volunteer Interpreters typically fill roles that fall within one of six functions:

• Intake Interpreter: Interprets for the intake volunteers (vitals, reviewing medical history, administering screening questions) in person in the exam room before patient’s appointments.  
• Onsite Interpreter: Interprets for medical providers (primary care, specialty care, patient education) in person in the exam room.  
• Remote/Telehealth Interpreter: Interprets for medical providers (primary care, specialty care, patient education) via our telehealth platform, Doxy.me.
• Phone Interpreter: Interprets mainly for discharge instructions over the phone.  
• Offsite Interpreter: Interprets for specialty care appointments taking place in a doctor’s office outside of Arlington Free Clinic. This is arranged in specific situations and details are provided to the interpreter in advance.
• Vaccine Clinic Bilingual Volunteers: Assist patients completing paperwork for vaccines. Typically scheduled during specific vaccine clinics during Flu Shot Season. 

Requirements

• Spanish/English fluency (Must pass AFC screening process.)
• 18 years old 
• 2-3 shifts a month (2-3 hours a shift)
• 8 months of service
• Ability to work with adults from diverse backgrounds, language capacity, educational attainment, and socio-economic status. 
• Ability to work as an effective member of a dedicated team of volunteers and staff 
• Sensitivity to and a clear understanding of patient confidentiality issues 
• Sound understanding of and commitment to AFC mission and philosophy. 
• Complete application process including orientation