Interpreter

Covenant Health•Morristown, TN

About The Position

The Interpreter provides English/Spanish interpretation and translation for patients, physicians, other healthcare providers, associates, and agents when needed for patient-related reasons within Covenant Medical Group. The role supports communication between Spanish-speaking patients and families and healthcare providers, helping promote understanding and rapport while refraining from offering medical advice beyond what trained staff provide. The position also supports clinic operations, including assisting with patient information, telephone calls, appointment scheduling, fee-slip documentation, billing data, and coordination with the care team. The Interpreter follows organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards; participates in quality improvement initiatives, meetings, and committees as directed; completes required annual education; and successfully passes the medical interpreter assessment.

Requirements

Demonstrated competency in the required foreign language.
Interpreter certification through the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI), the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI), or certification from the TN Language Center within 90 days of employment.
Education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the job; typically equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

Previous interpreter experience.
High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

Translate written materials between English and Spanish, including newsletters, bulletins, forms, letters, menus, memoranda, notices, and teaching materials.
Assist in developing and revising forms and other communications for Spanish-speaking patients and families.
Incorporate age-specific information into interpretation and translation communications or activities as directed by clinical areas.
Identify and address language-barrier issues, including making necessary patient phone calls or speaking with patients when they arrive at the clinic.
Interpret and translate medical terminology for patients and families, providing explanations to facilitate communication, understanding, and rapport with healthcare providers.
Refrain from providing medical advice beyond what trained staff provide.
Follow policies, procedures, and safety standards; work toward goals and objectives and participate in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Answer telephone calls and route them as appropriate.
Receive and record changes in patient information.
Demonstrate familiarity with insurance procedures and knowledge of the plans in which providers participate.
Ensure procedures and corresponding diagnoses are properly recorded on fee slips for charge entry.
Schedule return visits and end-of-day procedures and balance them.
Compile data for billing personnel.
Attend required meetings and participate on committees as directed.
Collaborate with patients, physicians, and other care team members as part of a team-based approach to patient care.
Complete required annual education assignments and successfully pass the medical interpreter assessment.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.