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On-Call/Registry Arabic Language Interpreter - GPS

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Aug 13, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you had to interpret a very emotional conversation. How did you stay accurate and composed?

What they are checking: Emotional control and professionalism during hard conversations about prognosis or disability.

As an on-call interpreter, how do you prepare when you get called in for a session?

What they are checking: Whether they can show up ready and reliable for short-notice assignments, including reviewing the topic of the visit.

What would you do

A family member asks you to leave out bad news when interpreting for their loved one. What do you do?

What they are checking: Commitment to accuracy and completeness, which is the core of the interpreter's code of ethics.

A patient asks you for your personal opinion about their treatment. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Ability to keep a neutral role and redirect the question to the care team.

How do you help a clinician understand a cultural factor that is affecting a patient's care?

What they are checking: Cultural brokering done carefully without stepping out of the interpreter role.

About the work

A therapist is explaining a home exercise program to an Arabic-speaking family. How do you interpret terms that do not have a direct translation?

What they are checking: Skill in conveying meaning accurately rather than word for word, and asking for clarification when needed.

How do you handle differences between regional Arabic dialects when you are interpreting?

What they are checking: Awareness that Levantine, Gulf, Egyptian and Maghrebi Arabic differ and how to check understanding.

How do you maintain confidentiality as an interpreter in a hospital?

What they are checking: Understanding of patient privacy rules and not sharing anything heard in sessions.

What medical terminology training or certification do you have?

What they are checking: Whether they have the vocabulary for rehab topics like spinal cord injury, stroke and brain injury.

How do you interpret for a patient with a speech or cognitive problem after a brain injury?

What they are checking: Awareness that the interpreter must convey errors and confusion as they are, not tidy them up.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description Summary The Language Interpreter is responsible for providing interpretation services to patients, family members throughout the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab) System of Care. The Language Interpreter will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute. The Language Interpreter will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Language Interpreter will: • Provide interpretation for patients, caregivers throughout the SRAlab System of Care to ensure patients receive full benefit of treatment. • Translate clinical and procedural documents by providing an oral translation into the language of the patient • Translate written documents. • Assist employees in understanding cultural differences and how language barriers may impact patient care. • Collaborate with other Interpreters on inpatient and outpatient schedules and assignment of registry and agency interpreters. • Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Reporting Relationships • Reports directly to the Associate Director, Global Patient Services Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required • Successful completion of a formal program in medical interpreting and translation with medical interpretation certificate. • Progressive experience in medical translation and interpretation including working with diverse organizations, multi-cultural environments. • Demonstrated accurate ability to interpret verbal and transcribe written medical and rehabilitative information in both the foreign language as well as English language. • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding or cultural differences that exist within cultures. • Adherence to code of ethics and confidentiality. • Ability to manage caseload and time; able to travel between patient care areas and off-site facilities. • Ability to balance interpretation and administrative work. • Ability to sustain a busy and flexible work schedule. Working Conditions • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: 30.00 USD Hourly Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Benefits Learn about the benefits of working at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, including vacation hour, healthcare plans, 401k and more. Benefits Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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