Spanish interpreter job description

The Spanish Interpreter provides support to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients, families, and medical staff providing care. Administers care to designated patients and provides support to the care team under the direction of the clinical nurse. Serves as the liaison between clinical, medical staff and patients and/or families. Assures care of patients and families is reflective of IU Health's values.
The ideal candidate will have completed Bridging The Gap training.

Schedule: Thursday & Friday: 8am - 4:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 1am - 1pm

Bachelor's degree preferred.

* Requires Medical Interpreter Certification when available.
* Requires high level of oral and written fluency in English and target language (i.e. Spanish, American Sign Language, or Burmese languages).
* Requires knowledge and cultural understanding of target communities (i.e. Hispanic/Latino, deaf, or Burmese communities).
* Requires knowledge of diverse medical terminology in English and target language. , May require additional training and appropriate certification in language interpretation.
* Prior interpreting experience in target language (i.e. Spanish, American Sign Languages, or Burmese languages) in a medical setting preferred.

Safeguarding our patients and each other is an important part of how we deliver the best care possible to the communities we serve. As a condition of employment, IU Health requires all new hires to receive various vaccinations, including the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, barring an approved exemption. New hires will also be provided the option to submit proof of previous vaccination.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at IU Health. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

The Interpreter reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Conducts medical and general interpreting for patients and their families, physicians, and the healthcare team in accordance with the National Standards of Practice (NCIHC) designed to facilitate the language needs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Assesses and monitors patients' understanding of information conveyed, and serves as a cultural mediator. Records and monitors interpretation activities according to department standards. Makes decisions regarding prioritization of multiple requests received at one time. - Medical Interpreting: Provides medical and general interpreting services to patients, family members, support persons and healthcare providers and other staff in accordance with the National Standards of Practice (NCIHC). This includes interpreting during consultations and diagnostic testing; medical procedures and operations; the consent process and educational forums.
Responsibilities:

Ensures that the patient's and family's needs are communicated to healthcare providers and staff.

Screens multiple requests for interpreters and prioritizes requests based on urgency of need.

Assists the healthcare team in problem solving and complaint resolution related to the limited English-Proficient population.

Initiates and develops positive relationships with patients, visitors, healthcare providers, fellow interpreters and staff, exhibiting respect, flexibility and cooperation at all times.

Serves as a cultural mediator, as necessary and when appropriate, to enhance communication between American culture staff and native culture patients/families, as it relates to medical care.

Supports and participates in the continuous assessment and improvement of the interpretation services program.

Assists with other departmental functions as assigned.

Actively participates in staff meetings and mandatory in-services.

Maintains documentation of all interpretation encounters, to include relevant data such as location, duration, and purpose.

Documents all interpreting encounters accurately and completely, including patient refusals of interpreting services.

Maintains accurate records of productivity, work volumes, and interpreting requests.

Proven software competencies (Excel, Word).

Adaptable to relevant software necessary for data tracking and trending. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit and talk and hear.

AA/EOE.

With over 150 years of caring for our community and each other in the Washington DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, patient-centric care. Howard University Hospital is the nations only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University and has created a superior learning environment, with groundbreaking research and positive patient outcomes.

Howard University Hospital seeks to hire an Spanish Interpreter who will embrace our reach and historic tradition of excellence. If you want to make a difference in someones life every day, consider a position with a team of professionals who are doing just that, making a difference.
Spanish Interpreter:

Interacts internally with patients, family members, physicians, HUH providers, and Hospital staff.
Interacts externally with family members of patients, community agencies and the general public.
Provides assistance by interpreting medical information/instructions for patients and or family members.
Mediates between patients, health care provider and other departments. Develops programs ensuring patient satisfaction.
Confirms patients for special procedures and/or routine clinic examinations by explaining preparations, if any, ensuring effective communications between patients, family members of patients, physician and staff.
Gathers and organizes office activity data for statistical and reporting purposes.
Assists patients in preparing for clinic visits, admissions, medical procedures and examinations by ensuring that all forms are properly completed, insurance, medical identification cards and registration information are accurate, and effective communication is established with the appropriate departments.
Obtains patient charts and records while maintaining utilization of service logs under strict confidentiality and respect for patients privacy.
Assists in cultural sensitivity class and other patient educational programs.
Enters and coordinates all patient information into database and prepares monthly activity report.
Interprets hospital regulations to patients such as, visiting hours, storing valuables, paying bills, clinic hours, waiting room procedures, discharge time, etc.
Arranges to have patients escorted to other areas of the Hospital.
Assists in interpretation and translation programs of the office.
Pre-registers patients in person or by telephone securing all personal, financial, and demographical data required to complete registration process.
Assists in the development of documents to be used in health fairs, meetings, special functions, newsletters, and other publications.
Serves as interpreter/sight translator on call during week-ends and off shifts when required.
Promotes adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, the Howard University Code of Ethics and the Health Sciences Standards of Conduct.
Attends annual and periodic mandatory Compliance Program training including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy training.
Participates in activities that promote adherence to federal healthcare program requirements.
Actively participates in Health Sciences Compliance Program activities.
Adheres to the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures.
Maintains confidentiality of patients, families, and staff.
Assumes other duties and responsibilities that are related and appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.
Ability to promote a service oriented approach for interaction with patients, staff, physicians, agencies, community based organizations and visitors.
Ability to participate in community outreach programs such as health fairs and providing basic education to the general public.
Ability to keep a flexible work schedule when required.
Ability to maintain professionalism with patients and their families at all times.
Ability to verify insurance eligibility and federal and state medical assistance programs.
Knowledge in computer programs such as, Microsoft Word, Windows, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to follow routine/prescribed procedures and instructions.
Competence in both oral and written English and Spanish.

Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relationships with staff, physicians, Hospital and University officials, and the general public.

Qualified Candidate possess:

High School or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D).
Current Spanish Medical Interpreter Certification preferred from the Certification Commission for HealthCare Interpreters (CCHI); National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters or other nationally recognized agency.
Four (4) years experience in a multilingual/multicultural environment including at least two (2) years in a medical environment.
Must be bilingual in English and Spanish.
Must be qualified as medical interpreter and have received at least forty (40) hours of training in health care and community settings.
This position requires mobility and access to and from the ER and department of Multi-Cultural Affairs.

At Howard University Hospital, our job is to care for you. We do this by offering:

Work-life balance
Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans offered (including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403B retirement plan)

COVID-19 Vaccination:
Howard University Hospital requires all external applicants to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before commencing employment. External Applicants may be required to furnish proof of vaccination and, if offered, may elect to be vaccinated at a designated Howard University Hospital location.