Job Description

Reports to the Director of Operations. Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, the interpreter facilitates communication, works as a cultural broker, serves as a patient liaison between healthcare providers and patients/families with limited English proficiency. Interprets any sort of communication, including medical terminology, diagnoses, and treatment plans between healthcare providers, patients, and family members. Adheres to strict confidentiality and follows all appropriate protocols.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Facilitate communication between patients/families and health care providers by:

• Providing accurate, comprehensive, and professional medical interpreting services.
• Recognizing the complexity of the clinical encounter relative to the language barrier, adjusting communication to the level of understanding, and/or addressing any need for clarification.
• Using culturally appropriate behavior to choose the appropriate time to clarify or interject.
• Maintaining a sense of cultural awareness while respecting the goals of the encounter.
• Advocating for the patient when appropriate to ensure best clinical outcomes.

Support the management team by

• Maintaining required records, reports, and statistics.
• Providing business and clerical support to departments within the Hospital, as assigned by the coordinator.
• Managing remote interpreter devices (IOW) and providing alternative means to connect with another qualified interpreter as applicable.

Perform other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related duties and continuing education.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education with established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma. Additional courses or training in medical terminology and/or basic anatomy and physiology preferred. Minimum six months of experience as a medical interpreter in a health setting with effective command of both English and designated language is preferred. Certification in medical interpretation in both English and designated language is preferred or ideally should be completed within the first six months of employment.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires knowledge of and understanding of the designated language that is to be interpreted and general familiarity with cultural diversity.
• Possesses extensive vocabulary in designated language and English and fluency in writing and speaking of English and designated language necessary to communicate pertinent information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Demonstrates initiative, tact, courtesy, and good judgment in handling sensitive situations.
• Demonstrates high level of interpersonal skills necessary to maintain effective working relationships with patients/families and health care providers.
• Requires proficiency in the use of computer-based patient record systems.
• Requires ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all information utilized

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment.
• Requires a flexible work schedule that could include evenings and nights to meet the needs of the department.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is required (surgical mask and eye shields) for all patient encounters; additional PPE equipment may be required (N95 masks, PAPRs, gowns, shoe covers, bonnets, face shields) as patient condition dictates.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.

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