French Hospital Interpreter

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Interpreter Services within the Office of the Patient Experience at the UI Health Care has an opening for a full-time French Hospital Interpreter. The Hospital Interpreter will provide interpretation and translation services for non-English speaking patients, their families and hospital staff on an as needed basis, and provide information and consultation to interdisciplinary team members. The role involves complying with departmental standards regarding EPIC documentation and statistics, departmental policies and procedures, and the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Healthcare. The interpreter is expected to keep current with interpreter and health care knowledgebase, pursue further enhancements of job-related knowledge, and participate in on-call responsibilities. The position is 100% full-time, with some flexibility between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, located at the UI Health Care Medical Center on the University Campus, at 200 Hawkins Drive in Iowa City, IA.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in language(s) or an equivalent combination of education and experience is necessary
Fluency in both spoken and written English and French is necessary (proficiency will be tested annually)
Familiarity with the various cultures involved is necessary
Excellent oral and written communications skills; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and interpret ideas, information, and needs through appropriate communication methods and behaviors
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation
Demonstrates high attention to detail and problem-solving skills
6 months’ previous healthcare-related experience
Familiarity with EMR (electronic medical record)
Demonstrated ability to utilize technology for interpreting services (Vidyo, Zoom, Epic video, etc.)
Experience in fast-paced, high-volume work environment
Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with Epic
Proficiency in multiple languages, including but not limited to Spanish, ASL, and/or Mandarin is desired

Responsibilities

Provide interpretation and translation services for non-English speaking patients, their families and hospital staff on a as needed basis
Provide information and consultation to interdisciplinary team members
Comply with departmental standards regarding EPIC documentation and statistics, departmental policies and procedures, and the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Healthcare
Keep current with interpreter and health care knowledgebase and pursue further enhancements of job-related knowledge
Participate in on-call responsibilities
Treat as confidential, within the treating team, all information learned in the performance of their professional duties, while observing relevant requirements regarding disclosure
Strive to render the message accurately, conveying the content and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration its cultural context
Strive to maintain impartiality and refrains from counseling, advising or projecting personal biases or beliefs
Maintain the boundaries of the professional role, refraining from personal involvement
Continuously strive to develop awareness of his/her own and other (including biomedical) cultures encountered in the performance of their professional duties
Treat all parties with respect
Act as an advocate when the patient's health, well-being, or dignity is at risk, after careful and thoughtful analysis of the situation, discussion with supervisors and if other less intrusive actions have not resolved the problem
Strive to continually further his/her knowledge and skills
At all times act in a professional and ethical manner
Interpret with accuracy and maintains fidelity to verbal and non-verbal cues (tone, mood, gestures, and facial expressions)
Be alert to client's reactions/comprehension
Explain/clarify role of interpreter to clients
Demonstrate knowledge of specialized terminology
Demonstrate knowledge of culture, traditions and customs
Demonstrate respect for all members of the University community in the course of performing duties and in response to administrators, supervisors, coworkers, and customers
Translate with accuracy and adheres to tone, style and register of original
Provide cultural or communication information to other team members
Participate in team consultations as needed
Refer patient problems to appropriate hospital professional discipline (Chaplain, Social Worker, Patient Relations Specialist, etc.)
Demonstrate understanding of role of interpreter and functions within role
Demonstrate knowledge of and uses University/Hospital resources
Foster or promote a welcoming and respectful work environment where people of all backgrounds and perspectives feel welcomed and appreciated
Participate in orientation both as a tool for growth and development
Participate in Language Bank training programs
Conduct day-to-day problem solving
Demonstrate commitment to professional growth and development
Contribute to the development, strengthening and delivery of needed health and interpreter services
Represent the interests of the University and of OPE leadership in the use of resources to meet service and productivity demands within OPE and division goals and budgets; strive to promote continual process and quality improvement
Seek opportunities to enhance professional knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to current position and/or to prepare for potential future roles and overall career development
Complete other projects or tasks within agreed-upon time