American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Interpretation Services, Part-Time, Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The ASL Interpreter reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine (NM), adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. This role involves conducting medical and general interpreting for patients, families, physicians, and the healthcare team to facilitate language needs. The interpreter will assess and monitor patients’ understanding, serve as a cultural mediator, record interpretation activities, and prioritize requests. Medical Interpreting includes consultations, diagnostic testing, medical procedures, the consent process, and educational forums, ensuring patient and family needs are communicated. The role also involves assisting the healthcare team with problem-solving and complaint resolution related to limited English-Proficient populations and participating in ongoing professional development. Communication and Collaboration involve building positive relationships, serving as a cultural mediator, supporting program improvement, and assisting with departmental functions. Documentation includes maintaining records of interpretation encounters, productivity, and requests. Additional functions include software competencies in Excel and Word, and adaptability to relevant data tracking software.

Requirements

Must hold a certification from the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission with at least an Advanced or Master license from the state.
A Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certification completion substantiating formal training and qualifications for medical interpreting.
Completion of high school education or equivalent.
Minimum of two years’ experience in providing medical interpreting in an acute care setting.
High level of fluency in English.
Ability to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptive and expressive, using medical terminology as appropriate.
Ability to maintain professional demeanor in all situations.
Knowledgeable about the issues of cultural competency and healthcare disparities.
Adaptable and sensitive in cross-cultural situations.
Excellent communication, organizational and customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree
Tactile Sign Language (hand over hand), Tactile Fingerspelling or Pro-Tactile ASL Interpreting.
Verifys 40 hours training via shadow/teach back with an experienced Tactile ASL interpreter working at an agency or healthcare organization.

Responsibilities

Conducts medical and general interpreting for patients and their families, physicians, and the healthcare team in accordance with the National Standards of Practice of NCIHC designed to facilitate the language needs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Assesses and monitors patients’ understanding of information conveyed, and serves as a cultural mediator.
Records and monitors interpretation activities according to department standards.
Makes decisions regarding prioritization of multiple requests received at one time.
Provides medical and general interpreting services to patients, family members, support persons and healthcare providers and other staff in accordance with the National Standards of Practice (NCIHC).
Ensures that the patient’s and family’s needs are communicated to healthcare providers and staff.
Screens multiple requests for interpreters and prioritizes requests based on urgency of need.
Assists the healthcare team in problem solving and complaint resolution related to the limited English-Proficient population.
Participates in ongoing professional development to maintain practice in accordance with professional medical interpreting standards.
Initiates and develops positive relationships with patients, visitors, healthcare providers, fellow interpreters and staff, exhibiting respect, flexibility and cooperation at all times.
Serves as a cultural mediator, as necessary and when appropriate, to enhance communication between American culture staff and native culture patients/families, as it relates to medical care.
Supports and participates in the continuous assessment and improvement of the interpretation services program.
Assists with other departmental functions as assigned
Actively participates in staff meetings and mandatory in-services.
Maintains documentation of all interpretation encounters, to include relevant data such as location, duration, and purpose.
Documents all interpreting encounters accurately and completely, including patient refusals of interpreting services.
Maintains accurate records of productivity, work volumes, and interpreting requests.
Proven software competencies (Excel, Word)
Adaptable to relevant software necessary for data tracking and trending