Interpreter

Title:  Interpreter  

Department: Front Office

Status: Non-Exempt

Position Classification/Category: Clinical

Level: N/A

Location: Assigned Clinic

Hourly Pay Range:

Reports To: Site Coordinator

Direct Reports: N/A

Summary of Position

Act as conduit between patients and medical/behavioral professionals and/or office staff by listening to the CRCHC staff and orally translating information into a patient's native language in layman's terms. The medical interpreter then translates the patient's response back to the professional, using proper medical terminology. Interpreters may translate such information as the reason for a medical visit, past medical history, and family medical history, as well as explaining medical and surgical procedures, giving medical care instructions, providing drug information, and scheduling follow-up appointments. In providing translation services for the clerical staff, the interpreter may translate all aspects required for appropriately capturing demographics, billing, and pre-clinical coding information. This role collaborates with health care team to ensure clinicians obtain accurate information and patient/family are fully informed.  Interpreters are also responsible for anticipating and helping staff avoid culturally inappropriate interactions with clients served while always protecting patient privacy in the execution of his/he job duties.  

Minimum Qualifications

Fluent in English and the specified language(s) both in verbal and written communication. This role must understand specified culture’s beliefs and values, particularly as it relates to health care.  S/He must be able to distinguish between subtle nuances of meaning and idiomatic usage in the specified language(s).  Able to communicate in culturally sensitive, confidential manner while interpreting.

·         Experience: Minimum two years of experience as professional healthcare interpreter.

·         Additional skills required: Knowledge medical terminology in English and the specified language(s). Familiar with basic computer operations.  Good verbal and written communication skills in English and the specified language(s).

·         Additional skills preferred: Knowledge of interview techniques and adult learning theory. Familiar with community resources for specified target population, including refugee and immigrant social services.

Education: High School diploma and post High School course work in medical terminology required; college degree with emphasis on language skills preferred. 

Certification(s)/Licensure: Certified Medical Interpreter preferred

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

·         Continuous walking, standing and moving about.

·         Frequently bends, kneels and crouches.

·         Repetitive movement of hands and fingers – typing and/or writing.

·         Talk and hear.

·         Exposure to hazardous fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, bodily fluids, etc.

Key Responsibilities

1.       Performs oral interpretive services between medical/behavioral staff and patients/families to facilitate communication in a variety of clinical settings to overcome any language and cultural barriers to understanding.

2.       Conducts phone interviews, coordinates appointments, and documents relevant information under the direction of the provider.

3.       Travels to satellite offices, contractor offices, and community outreach centers as needed.

4.       Interviews patients/families to gather information on medical histories and patient complaints/concerns/questions. Translates information into English-written medical records, documenting diagnosis, recommendations, and instructions

5.       Assists providers in educating patients on diseases, disease prevention, clinic procedures, immunization schedules, and health management.

6.       Translates written health care materials, health education materials, and administrative forms from English into a specified language as requested.

7.       Participates in quality improvement activities by initiating or contributing to monitoring, measuring, analyzing, improving and/or controlling program goals, objectives and/or services.

8.        Supports current incentive, regulatory, and certification requirements (such as Meaningful Use, PCMH and UDS) through documentation, participation in initiatives, and other activities as directed.

9.       Performs other duties as assigned.