Spanish Interpreter

Category:

Support Services

City:

Jackson

State:

Tennessee

Shift:

8 - Day (United States of America)

Job Description Summary:

Provide language interpretation for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients and families as it relates to medical care; provide written translation and sight translation of relevant material in Spanish to enhance patients' and families' comprehension of medical procedures, treatment, discharge instructions, patient and family education, and follow-up care; provide written and sign translation of relevant materials for other languages as needed to enhance patients' and families' comprehension of medical procedures, treatment, discharge instructions, patient and family education, and follow-up care. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as linguistic intermediary for Limited English Proficient patient and families whose primary language is Spanish. The communication triad may include, but not limited to, interpretation for nurses, nurses assistants, physicians, surgeons, technicians, clerical staff, auxiliary staff, pastoral care, and mental health professionals.

• Follow requests for interpretation with effective time management; collaborates with qualified auxiliary interpreters for comprehensive accommodation of interpretation requests.

• Provides translation service (both sight translation & written translation) of pertinent materials for patients and families such as written information regarding relevant services, pre-operative, post-operative, discharge instructions, patient and family education, and follow-up care materials.

• Serve as cultural mediator, as necessary and when appropriate, to enhance communication between staff and patients/family of other cultures as it relates to medical care; adheres to standard code of ethics for medical interpreters.

• Keep accurate documentation of interpretation encounters to include relevant data such as location, duration, and purpose.

• Provides coordination and staff training on the use of the telephone language interpretation services (and relevant equipment).

• Assists in the coordination of new volunteers by determining their aptitudes, abilities and other qualifications as medical interpreters.

• Assesses all determined LEP patients for their need of a medical interpreter.

• Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Ability to read, write, utilize correct spelling, grammar and punctuation, follow written procedures and perform basic mathematical calculations as normally acquired through high school diploma or equivalent. 2 years of college/junior college.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:

• Interpretation training and/or licensure beneficial but not required as licensure/certification is currently limited in availability and requirement on a state by state basis. Subject to change based on state requirements/standards.

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-2 years as an interpreter (and preferably as a medical interpreter).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated proficiency in both English and Spanish.

• Demonstrated understanding of professional and ethical standards of the medical profession.

• Specific training and/or certification in language interpretation/translation.

• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

• Computer skills and knowledge of application programs, i.e. Microsoft office suite.

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret medical terminology.

• Ability to write reports, action plans, and business correspondence.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standards exist.

• Typing requirement of 30 wpm, expert knowledge of telephone etiquette and communication skills. Ability to deal with multiple personalities and beliefs.

INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Above average tact and courtesy in frequent contacts with clergy, patients, families, visitors, and the general public.

• Ability to facilitate the effective completion of multiple projects during the same time period.

• Ability to provide objective service in an emotional or conflicting environment.

• Ability to understand human needs, behavior, and motivation.

• Ability to deal with persons under stress.

• Contributes to a positive work environment and the overall team effort of the department.

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.