Interpreter, Language, SMH - Spanish

University of Rochester • Rochester, NY

387d • $44,429 - $62,192

About The Position

The Spanish Interpreter at the University of Rochester Medical Center provides essential interpreting services for clinical and professional staff, patients, and their families. This role is crucial in facilitating effective communication in diverse healthcare settings, ensuring that patients with limited English proficiency receive equitable access to medical services. The interpreter operates autonomously, managing communication flow during medical encounters, and is responsible for cultural mediation to enhance patient understanding and satisfaction.

Requirements

• High school diploma and two years of post-high school education or equivalent experience.
• Fluency in English and Spanish with strong verbal and written skills in both languages.
• Completion of a 40-hour training course in medical interpreting.
• One year of interpreting experience in a healthcare setting (preferred).
• Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical procedures in working languages.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Certification in healthcare interpreting through CCHI or IMIA preferred at time of hire or within 18 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree (preferred)
• Bachelor's degree (preferred)
• Translation certification (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Provide interpreting services for clinical and professional staff, patients, and family members at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
• Manage communication flow autonomously between source and target languages during healthcare encounters.
• Respond to pages assigned by the hospital within specified timeframes, providing 24/7 services.
• Interpret all assignments in a timely and professional manner according to hospital policy.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to determine the situational context of patient interactions.
• Choose appropriate communication methods and inform all parties of the interpreter's role.
• Assess and recommend effective communication methods for patients with special needs.
• Select the optimal mode for communication flow (consecutive, simultaneous, sight translation).
• Propose suitable service delivery modalities based on patient needs.
• Debrief with healthcare professionals post-encounter to enhance understanding and provide insights.
• Monitor for linguistic misunderstandings and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Support cultural responsiveness and assess cross-cultural impacts on communication.
• Facilitate understanding of cultural differences to build trust and enhance patient satisfaction.
• Promote inclusive communication during interactions with all parties.
• Contribute as an integral member of healthcare teams, providing interdisciplinary education as needed.
• Facilitate access to health programs for patients with limited English proficiency, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Identify interpreting service needs and inform program leadership of recommendations for enhancements.
• Adhere to established healthcare interpreter code of ethics and standards of practice.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance interpreting skills.
• Complete all required documentation and administrative duties.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation range of $21.36 - $29.90 per hour.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED