Spanish Medical Interpreter, 40 Hour Days

UMass Memorial Health Care•Southbridge, MA

59d•$20 - $36

About The Position

Under the direction of the director, the incumbent serves as a medical interpreter for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), their families, and healthcare providers, and supports the operations of the interpreter department. Relays medical information between speakers of two different languages, interpreting in the consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation modes, and in compliance with all office and hospital policies and procedures, particularly relating to patient confidentiality and informed consent, passing performance of competencies listed in the IMIA Standards of Practice, and the Code of Ethics.

Requirements

Proof of completion to a medical interpreter training - 60 hour minimum (45 hours of practicum or college level interpreting training strongly preferred).
Knowledge of medical vocabulary (including vocabulary related to medical specialties).
Fluency in English and one other foreign language, both oral and written. Must pass skills assessment tests prior to date of hire.
Ability to accurately interpret in consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translate modes into and from working language(s).
High level of customer service and a positive approach.
Familiarity and ability to work with diversity of cultural/socio-economic backgrounds.
General knowledge of cultural backgrounds of patients to be served.
Good interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
Computer systems knowledge.
Reliable transportation method required to reach off site locations, and to travel across campuses when required.

Nice To Haves

Membership to the International Medical Interpreters Association.
Bachelor's degree in any area related to science or human services.
Certification through the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or through the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).
Successful completion of medical terminology course.
Minimum of two years prior experience as a medical interpreter.
Video remote interpreting experience.

Responsibilities

Facilitates successful delivery of services to linguistically diverse consumers. Explains hospital resources, office protocols, and limitations to clinicians and patients; make appropriate referrals; serve as a cultural and linguistic resource to both patients and providers to contribute to successful outcomes.
Provides interpreting services with accuracy and transparency to patients with Limited English Language proficiency (LEP), their families, and healthcare providers either in-person or remotely/virtually, during scheduled and on assigned call hours.
Explains cultural differences or practices to health care providers and patients when appropriate and communicates any patient special need to providers.
Assists in the creation of programs designed to facilitate the delivery of care to the multi cultural patient population.
Assists in the training of interpreters with on-the-job training, shadowing, and mentoring of interpreter internships.
Participates in the training and education of staff on cultural and linguistic aspects of the care of patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Triages multiple incoming requests, prioritizing the needs according to the urgent nature and the impact it has on patient care outcomes, and understands when to reach for additional support, or to escalate to management.
Effectively utilizes network computer systems (including all Microsoft Office, Electronic Medical Records, internet navigators, and other essential software).
Supports office operations by answering the phone, taking requests, calling patients to confirm appointments, document encounters on the interpreter documenting system, verify and schedule future appointments when necessary, general troubleshooting, and any other departmental task required.
Works with colleagues in Interpreter Services and Patient Care Services to address patient/family concerns about hospital services and to ensure patient satisfaction.
Completes encounter documentation accurately for either in-person or remote/virtual interpretations.
Writes translations during patient encounters such as filling out forms, medical instructions, and medication schedules; administrative translations such as letters to patients, documents, and patient materials as requested.
Communicates effectively and responds to all internal and external customers. Strives to understand, anticipate, and consistently respond to the customer's needs first.
Actively participates in performance improvement processes and team projects.
Collaborates with others to solve issues or concerns in a systematic way.
Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.
Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.