Health Care Interpreter II

ECU Health Medical Center•Greenville, NC

12d•$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, while also supporting department operations. The role relays medical information between speakers of different languages in compliance with departmental and hospital policies, especially those concerning patient confidentiality and informed consent. The interpreter must meet competencies in the IMIA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and follow published standards and codes of ethics for medical interpreters. The position supports interpreter training and mentoring, interpreter technology and device management, terminology research, complex written and digital translations, and special projects. It also provides virtual interpretation, documents interpreting interventions and rounds in the EMR, helps patients and families access communication resources and MyChart, and works with clinical teams to address communication, safety, cultural, and patient-experience needs. Some travel is required.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher; degrees of equivalent level attained outside the United States may meet the requirement if verified.
At least 4 years of interpreting experience in a healthcare setting.
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 ILR skill level 3+ or higher.
Some travel is required.

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 and/or work experience in the candidate's non-native country.

Responsibilities

Interpret for patients, families, and team members in consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation modes.
Monitor comprehension and detect problems or changes in circumstances during encounters.
Identify and gather relevant healthcare or situational background information and resources.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, team members, patients, families, the public, and external parties through in-person, written, telephone, email, fax, pager, and electronic communication.
Develop and maintain constructive working relationships.
Think critically under pressure, prioritize work, and make decisions or solve problems related to patient care.
Continuously improve interpreting skills and relevant subject-matter knowledge, and apply new knowledge to the job.
Handle complaints and help resolve disputes, grievances, and conflicts; request assistance when needed.
Use computers, computer systems, pagers, telephones, communication technology, and related tools; provide basic 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, courtesy, empathy, and compassion.
Follow regulatory and safety requirements, infection-control policies, and protocols; complete required training for PPE, 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 when appropriate.
Assist patients and families with MyChart education and registration, and translate MyChart messages through Epic for system clinics as needed.
Provide written translations for patient encounters and administrative materials, including forms, basic medical instructions, medication schedules, letters, documents, and patient materials.
Build and maintain professional relationships with patients, families, guests, and care teams to support positive inpatient experiences.
Connect routinely with patients and families to learn about their experiences and help restore relationships within the scope of duties.
During rounds, gather feedback about food quality, room cleanliness, and hospitality when possible, and share it with the appropriate resource.
Provide Patient Visit Guides in the patient's preferred language when available, explain key content, and encourage use of the Ask Me3 section.
Offer food guest trays and coffee coupons to family members and help patients order meals as needed.
Offer connections to recreational therapy or other resources for diversional needs when appropriate.
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 or guide interpreter interns, volunteers, and shadowing programs.
Assist with device management, basic troubleshooting, locating interpreter technology, replenishing supplies, and troubleshooting pagers.
Assist with complex written and digital translations, maintain and research terminology, and support special projects.