Spanish Medical Interpreter

Caring Health Center•Springfield, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Spanish Medical Interpreter will provide interpretation services to ensure effective communication between patients, healthcare providers, and staff. This role requires fluency in English and Spanish, a strong understanding of medical terminology and cultural nuances, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. The interpreter will facilitate direct communication, mediate cultural differences, and adhere to ethical standards and health center policies.

Requirements

Complete fluency in English and the target language (Spanish).
Associates Degree or High School Diploma or equivalent background and experience.
Experience either in a broad medical field or completion of a medical Interpreter training program.
High level of oral and written communication skills in the target language and English.
Ability to make effective presentations to large groups of people.
Ability to positively interact with patients, staff personnel, visitors, and the general public.
Discretion in the handling of confidential information.
Ability to work independently, problem solve, and make sensible decisions for the well-being of the patient.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to use a computer to track patient flow, word process and schedule patients.
Friendly, reliable, and professional both in behavior and appearance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, individuals seeking assistance, and the general public.
Ability to use a computer, work at a computer workstation, viewing a CRT and have some knowledge of a keyboard.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of translation process.

Responsibilities

Understand a variety of regional accents and linguistic styles for the target language.
Select appropriate mode of interpretation for each situation.
Interpret with the highest degree of accuracy and completeness in verbal interpretation, sight interpretation modes, and written translation.
Self-correct, understand own linguistic limitations, seek clarification, and accept corrections.
Pick up cues from encounter participants regarding level of understanding and/or need for clarification.
Demonstrate strong writing skills and understanding of the translation process.
Utilize cultural awareness to empower patient and provider understanding and intervene as an intercultural mediator when communication is compromised.
Avoid generalizations and stereotyping, use culturally appropriate behavior, and choose appropriate times to clarify or interject.
Be aware of own personal values, beliefs, and cultural characteristics that may cause conflict or discomfort and acknowledge these or withdraw from encounters when necessary.
Explain the role of the interpreter to patients, providers, and other medical staff.
Recognize the complexity of the clinical encounter and the added factor of linguistic barriers.
Set a tone for the patient and provider encounter to manage spatial configuration and flow of communication to preserve accuracy and completeness, and to assess and address potential areas of discomfort for the patient.
Encourage and foster direct communication between provider and patient.
Maintain professional distance and integrity.
Diffuse conflict between parties by remaining calm and impartial.
Clarify instructions and follow up steps in a diplomatic and effective manner.
Understand and abide by health center's policies on patient confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination, and the interpreter's code of ethics and standards of practice.
Address concerns raised during or after an encounter by encouraging involved parties to make appropriate referrals to patient navigators or inform managers to address the matter.
Comply with Caring Health Center's compliance standards, including its Standards of Conduct, Compliance Program, and policies and procedures.
Use a computer to track patient flow, word process, and schedule patients.
Work at a computer workstation, viewing a CRT and have some knowledge of a keyboard.