JOB DESCRIPTION:

Provides language assistance by means of American Sign Language or other manual sign system for all medical communications between UTMB's staff and patients, patients' families, and visitors.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma from an accredited school, or GED, with certification in American Sign Language (ASL) at level three (NAD) or advanced level (DARS), and three years’ experience in facilitating American Sign Language.

MAJOR DUTIES / CRITICAL TASKS:

• Contributes to the overall success of the UTMB Language Assistance program by serving hearing impaired or deaf patients and visitors, using American Sign Language or other manual sign system in classrooms and lecture halls, presentations and clinical settings.
• Facilitates telephone conversations.
• Coordinates contract interpreter services.
• Performs as a program advocate and resource person for sign language clients.
• Acts as liaison between staff and patient/visitors to meet their needs.
• Supports cross-cultural communication throughout the institution by sharing cultural factors influencing health behaviors.
• Actively participates in documentation of effort in clinical and departmental records as directed.
• Follows institutional and departmental policies and procedures in all situations.
• Adheres with interpretation guidelines based on evaluation criteria in the bi-lingual competencies.
• Provides support to and collaborates with bilingual staff in meeting collaborative goals in patient-centered communications.
• Performs related duties as required by Language Assistance Administrative Manager. Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

Salary 

Salary commensurate with experience