Trained Medical Interpreter, Spanish

Lehigh Valley Health Network • Allentown, PA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Provides Spanish foreign-language interpreting services to enable understanding and successful communication between individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and staff. Assists clinic staff by facilitating cross-cultural communication for non-English-speaking patients of all ages. The role includes accurate, verbatim interpretation that preserves the medical record and conveys the speaker’s intent, tone, style, and language level. The interpreter also helps patients and staff understand relevant cultural values, beliefs, and practices, explains the interpreter’s role and hospital resources and protocols, and makes appropriate referrals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience in human or health services.
• Ability to adhere to interpreter standards of practice and code of ethics.
• Ability to perform the same type of work continuously for extended periods.
• Ability to interpret and translate daily, potentially in stressful situations.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and/or specialized vocabulary.
• Understanding of the subject matter sufficient to convert the source language to the target language effectively.
• BTG (Bridging the Gap) certification for Pennsylvania upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Foreign language training.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate interpretation between LEP patients and hospital personnel.
• Educate individuals and staff about culturally specific values, beliefs, and practices relevant to the encounter.
• Facilitate communication about clinical services, medical terminology, and support services for LEP patients.
• Inform LEP patients about the interpreter’s role and the limits of what interpreters can do.
• Serve as a cultural mediator to enhance communication between patients or families and care providers about medical care.
• Explain hospital resources, office protocols, and limitations to clinicians and patients, and make appropriate referrals.
• Develop relationships with LEP community focus groups, focusing on community needs.
• Provide verbatim interpretation to preserve the medical record and convey the message’s meaning in the target language.
• Listen effectively, remain open to other points of view, and convey the speaker’s intent, tone, style, and language level.

What This Job Offers

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