Medical Interpreter/Translator, Spanish

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Manager of Interpreter Services, this role conducts medical and general interpreting/translating for patient care staff, patients, and their families. The position also acts as a cultural consultant and advocate for non-English speaking patients/families, assesses patient understanding, and suggests referrals to relevant hospital staff. Services provided are recorded in the patient chart.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs medical interpretation for patients and their families in consecutive and sight translation modalities, including in-group settings.
• Independently interprets simple encounters accurately and completely.
• With periodic supervision, interprets complex encounters accurately and completely.
• Performs medical translation for patients and their families.
• Independently translates, edits, and proofreads simple After Visit Summaries accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner.
• With periodic supervision, translates, edits, and proofreads complex After Visit Summaries accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner.
• Connects patients and families to hospital resources.
• Shares observations with medical staff, clinical social workers, patient experience staff, chaplains, and ancillary staff about potential patient needs to ensure quality patient care.
• Responds to Code emergency requests, confirms language preference, and provides interpretation for crisis interventions as necessary.
• May arrange interpretation for all languages for patients and families, including outside agencies, phone interpretation, spoken, and sign language services, as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Native or near-native ability in verbal and written communications in both English and non-English working language.
• Knowledge of Medical Terminology.
• Ability to perform consecutive interpreting and sight translation.
• Knowledge of cultural, health literacy, and perceptual factors that may affect patient treatment and communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent client relationships, exhibit exemplary interpersonal skills, and exercise sound judgment and professionalism.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and apply sound judgment.
• Ability to work well with individuals at all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

• Option 1:
• Bachelor's degree in translation and interpretation.
• No experience required.
• Option 2:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Completion of medical interpreting training accepted by certification boards.
• One (1) year of interpreting experience.

Note: Physical requirements and working conditions are available from the Occupational Health Department.