Supervisor , Interpreter Services

Reporting to the Director of Interpreter Services, the Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of interpretation services as well as the supervision and staff development of all staff and per diem interpreters. This position ensures qualified interpreters are available for non-English speaking and limited English-speaking patients and families and faculty and staff have adequate access to qualified interpreters and are equipped with instructions to request and use interpreter resources.

The role also enforces interpreter services policies and procedures and recommends improvement measures to support above activities.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.

We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Oversees use of triage software, working closely with IT and director of Interpreter Services to continually refine and improve scheduling and reporting.
• Oversees coordination of phone and all other referrals.
• Interprets as needed.
• Coordinates with other departments to make sure that they receive adequate coverage.
• In collaboration with director of Interpreter Services, conducts annual reviews of staff.
• Helps to organize monthly staff meetings with interpreters to address issues, educational opportunities, and announcements.
• Provides on‑going supervision and evaluations of staff.
• Responds to feedback or complaints and prepares incident reports to be shared among involved parties. Escalates to Director as appropriate.
• Assists with and participates in trainings led by Interpreter Services director with various departments about how to work effectively with interpreters.
• Assists with and participates in trainings about how to work effectively with patients and their family members with limited English proficiency.
• Assists with preparing annual report for Department of Public Health.
• Stays up to date on relevant laws and regulations.
• Assists director with projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Translation and Interpreting Studies, or other relevant subject and/or equivalent life experience required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• 2 years of experience working in a hospital or health care setting with direct patient contact required.
• 3 years of experience in a position with administrative and supervisory responsibility strongly preferred.
• Excellent fluency, both verbal and written, in English and another language required.
• National Certification as a Medical Interpreter from any of the two certifying boards where applicable for second spoken language preferred.

• Knowledge of computer software for word-processing, database management, spreadsheet calculations and data visualization.
• Demonstrated understanding of special needs and behaviors of the age groups of the population served.
• Demonstrated understanding and command of Medical Terminology.
• Excellent fluency, both verbal and written, in English and another language.
• Excellent customer service skills and patient- and family-centered orientation.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy in difficult situations.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and cultural humility.
• Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Directly supervises staff and per diem interpreters.

Yes, directly interacts with patients of all ages.

At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member…