Health Care Interpreter II

ECU Health Medical Center•Greenville, NC

8d•$22 - $33

About The Position

Under the direction of the manager, the Health Care Interpreter II interprets for patients and team members using consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation modes. The role relays medical information between speakers of two different languages in accordance with departmental and hospital policies, especially those concerning patient confidentiality and informed consent. The incumbent is expected to meet IMIA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics competencies and follow applicable medical interpreter standards and ethics codes. The position supports department operations by assisting with training and mentoring interpreter interns, volunteers, and shadowing participants; managing and locating interpreter technology; troubleshooting devices and pagers; replenishing supplies; researching and maintaining terminology; and handling more complex written and digital translations. The interpreter may also support special projects. The role includes virtual interpretation, communication-need identification, timely documentation in the EMR, patient and family experience support, and collaboration with clinical teams to address communication, safety, and cultural issues. Some travel is required, including travel to ECU Health Clinics in Greenville. The language listed for this position is Spanish.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher; degrees of equivalent level attained outside the United States may satisfy the education requirement if verified.
At least 4 years of interpreting experience in a healthcare setting.
A national medical interpreter certification may substitute for 2 years of experience.
Completion of a 40-hour medical interpreter training program, such as Bridging the Gap or ALTA Language Services.
Demonstrated speaking and listening proficiency in primary and secondary languages equivalent to Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) skill level 3+ or higher.
Some travel is required.
Language listed for the role: Spanish.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or higher.
National certification from CMI or CCHI.
Successful completion of an approved medical terminology course.
At least 6 years of satisfactory supervised work experience as a healthcare interpreter in an acute care hospital or healthcare setting.
Experience training other interpreters.
Education or work experience in the candidate's non-native country.

Responsibilities

Interpret for patients, families, and team members using consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation modes.
Monitor patient, family, and team member comprehension and detect problems or changes in circumstances or events.
Identify and gather healthcare or situational background information and resources relevant to each encounter.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, team members, patients, families, and external parties through in-person, telephone, written, email, electronic, fax, or pager communication.
Develop and maintain constructive working relationships with others.
Think critically under pressure, prioritize work, and make decisions and solve problems related to patient care as they arise.
Continuously improve subject-matter knowledge and interpreting skills and apply new knowledge to the job.
Handle complaints, disputes, grievances, and conflicts when possible, and request assistance when needed.
Use computers, computer systems, pagers, telephones, and communication technology; provide basic device training and troubleshooting.
Answer and respond to calls on the language resource line.
Provide virtual interpretation using a video remote technology platform and escalate issues to the onsite team as appropriate.
Treat patients, families, and team members with respect, dignity, patience, tolerance, friendliness, courtesy, empathy, and compassion.
Develop competency in regulatory and safety requirements, infection-control policies, and protocols; complete training in PPE use, safety, gowning, and HIPAA.
Identify patient communication needs and connect patients with appropriate language resources, American Sign Language, or assistive devices.
Document interpreting interventions and daily rounds in the EMR in a timely manner.
Identify and report communication-related safety issues in the Safety Intelligence system.
Partner with clinical teams to resolve safety, communication, and cultural issues.
Display and collect interpreter-services door signage to help clinical teams understand patient or family communication needs where appropriate.
Assist with patient and family MyChart education and registration, and translate MyChart messages through Epic for system clinics as needed.
Provide written translations for patient encounters, including forms, basic medical instructions, and medication schedules, and administrative materials such as letters, documents, and patient materials.
For inpatient work, cultivate professional relationships with patients, families, guests, and the care team; routinely connect with patients and families to learn about their experiences and restore relationships when appropriate.
During rounds, obtain feedback when possible about food quality, room cleanliness, and overall hospitality, and share it with the appropriate resource.
Provide patients with a Patient Visit Guide in their preferred language when available, explain key content, and encourage use of the Ask Me3 section to capture questions for care providers.
Offer food guest trays and coffee coupons to family members and assist patients with ordering meals as needed.
Offer to connect patients or families with recreational therapy or another appropriate resource for diversional needs.
Serve as a resource for the Office of Experience and report needs and issues to departmental leaders regularly.
Assist with service recovery and restoring relationships by identifying patient needs and concerns, finding solutions, connecting patients or families with Tell Us Now or unit leadership, and following up as appropriate.
Assist with on-the-job training and mentor and guide interpreter interns, volunteers, and participants in shadowing programs.
Assist with interpreter device management, basic troubleshooting, locating interpreter technology, replenishing stockroom supplies, and troubleshooting pagers.
Assist with more complex written and digital translations, maintain and research terminology, and support special projects as assigned.