Medical Interpreter​/Translator, Spanish

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Manager of Interpreter Services, conducts medical and general interpreting/translating for the patient care staff and for patients and their families. Acts as a cultural consultant to staff and as advocate for non-English speaking patients/families. Assesses and monitors their patient's understanding of the information conveyed and keeps physicians/nurses informed as to the level of that understanding.

Suggests referrals to medical staff, clinical social workers, patient relation staff, chaplains, and ancillary staff. Records services provided in patient chart.

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Performs medical interpretation for patients and their families in consecutive and sight translation modalities, including in-group setting. Independently interprets simple encounters accurately and completely (e.g., admissions, simple new patient and follow up encounters, etc.). With periodic supervision, interprets complex encounters accurately and completely (e.g., Care conferences, Psych, Consents, etc.).
• Performs medical translation for patients and their families. Independently translates, edits and proofreads simple After Visit Summaries in an accurate, clear and timely manner (e.g., maternity, well baby, basic surgery procedures, etc.). With periodic supervision, translates, edits and proofreads complex After Visit Summaries in an accurate, clear and timely manner (e.g., correspondence, Transplant, Oncology, medical procedures and instructions, etc., and other pertinent documents as necessary).
• Connects patients and families to hospital resources, as needed.

Shares observations with medical staff, clinical social workers, patient experience staff, chaplains, and ancillary staff about potential patient's needs to ensure quality patient care.

Responds to Code emergency requests, confirms language preference, and provides interpretation for crisis interventions as necessary.

May arrange interpretation for all languages for patients and families including: outside agencies, phone interpretation, spoken and sign language services, as needed.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: Bachelors degree in translation and interpretation
Experience: None Required

OR

Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
Experience: Completion of medical interpreting training accepted by certification boards and one (1) year of interpreting experience.
Licensure/Certification: None required.

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

• Native or near-native ability in verbal and written communications in both English and non-English working language.
• Knowledge of Medical Terminology.
• Ability to perform consecutive interpreting and sight translation.
• Knowledge of cultural, health literacy and perceptual factors that may affect patient treatment and communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent client relationships, exhibit exemplary interpersonal skills and exercise sound judgment and professionalism in business and personnel matters.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and apply sound judgment.
• Ability to work well with individuals at all levels of the organization.

The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
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