Healthcare Sign Language Interpreter

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Dell Medical School is looking for a Healthcare Sign Language Interpreter. This position has an end date of 8/31/2027, renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward goals. The Healthcare Sign Language Interpreter facilitates communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing patients and healthcare providers, ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive interpretation of medical information. Reporting to the Lead Healthcare Sign Language Interpreter, this role supports a Deaf healthcare professional within a designated interpreter team model and collaborates closely with physicians, behavioral health clinicians, nurses, and administrative staff to support pediatric patient care. Key responsibilities include interpreting during medical consultations, translating written materials, and advocating for patients' linguistic needs.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in (e.g., Linguistics, Translation, Healthcare).
at least 3 year(s) of experience in 3 years of relevant experience in medical interpretation.
2 years of general experience in healthcare settings.
Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) or Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI).
Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Letter of interest
Must complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.
Must present acceptable and original documents to prove identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Must complete E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in (e.g., Linguistics, Translation, Healthcare).
at least 5 year(s) of experience in 5 years of relevant experience in medical interpretation.
3 years of general experience in healthcare, pediatric, and/or behavioral healthcaresettings.
Certification in a second language relevant to the patient population.
RID certification and/or NIC certification and/or Texas BEI certification.

Responsibilities

Provides accurate and timely interpretation during medical consultations, procedures, and patient education sessions with mental/behavioral health specialization.
Ensures clear communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Maintains patient confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA regulations.
Maintains awareness and monitoring of hearing-deaf power differentials and strive to minimize them.
Translates medical documents, consent forms, and patient education materials.
Ensures translations are accurate and culturally appropriate.
Reviews and updates translated materials as needed.
Advocates for patients' linguistic and cultural needs within the healthcare system.
Educates healthcare providers on cultural sensitivities and effective communication strategies.
Assists patients in understanding their rights and available resources.
Provides training to healthcare staff on effective use of interpreter services.
Develops and updates training materials.
Participates in continuing education to stay current with medical terminology and best practices.
Maintains accurate records of interpretation services provided.
Working with designated interpreter team to schedule interpretation sessions and manages interpreter resources.
Participates in departmental meetings and quality improvement initiatives.
Engages with community organizations to promote interpreter services.
Provides interpretation services during emergency situations.
Assists in research projects related to language access and healthcare outcomes.