Spoken Language Interpreter; Spanish

Department Overview

Multiple positions are available. Schedules will be determined at time of interview.

The Language Access Specialist is responsible for providing objective and accurate interpretation and translation for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Under the direction of the Interpreter Services Manager, the specialist functions as a member of the health‑care team alongside other professionals, helping patients navigate and understand the health‑care system and connect with internal and external resources. Specialists also counsel and consult with stakeholders in health care.

• Provides interpretation between patients, employees, and OHSU staff via telephone, videoconferencing, and on‑site for patients with limited English proficiency while maintaining a friendly disposition. Understands and analyzes the spoken message and re‑expresses that message faithfully, accurately, and objectively in the target language, considering cultural and social context. Serves as a cultural and linguistic resource to both patients and providers in contributing to successful outcomes.

• Completes translation projects by rendering written text from one language into another while maintaining the meaning, structure, style, and intended impact of the original. Provides accurate translation of medical documents, letters, educational materials, and other translation projects as assigned by the department.

• Works with medical staff to promote alternative communication approaches for more effective medical treatment of non‑English speaking patients. Consults and educates department management on best practices of working and communicating with LEP employees. Serves as a cultural and linguistic resource to patients, staff, management and providers in contributing to successful outcomes. Educates staff and faculty on topics of cultural awareness, LEP populations, and working with interpreters.

• Respectfully aids patients in finding internal and external resources when deemed appropriate. Works collaboratively with other auxiliary departments to ensure LEP patients can access and actively participate in their health care. Works with medical staff to promote alternative communication approaches for more effective medical treatment of LEP patients.

• Documents interpretation encounters and keeps logs related to program and operation required for accurate billing. Submits documentation within deadlines communicated by the Interpreter Services Manager. Complies with all OHSU mandatory requirements including annual TB screening, required education, immunizations, and accurate time‑keeping processes.

• Complies with OHSU’s Code of Conduct, core department and job‑specific competencies, the Interpreter Code of Ethics, and consistently performs duties in a professional manner. Stays involved in growing the profession by holding memberships in national and local interpreting organizations. Works with other interpreters to research best standards for delivery of services. Participates in training and staff meetings as required. Maintains a safe and healthy workplace.

• Uses independent decision‑making and judgment skills to provide prompt, efficient, and courteous service to all staff, patients, and their families. Utilizes customer service recovery skills to ensure patients and staff have a good experience. Identifies problematic trends in patient and employee system navigation and provides proposed solutions to management for resolution.

• Holds confidentiality of all information learned via interpreting or providing translation services.

• Provides support on departmental language access projects and activities as assigned by the Interpreter Services Manager.

• Bachelor’s Degree, including a minimum of 60 hours of formal health‑care interpreter training.
• Three years of documented medical interpreting experience.
• Two years of documented translation experience.
• Good standing and holding…