American Sign Language; ASL Interpreter - Interpretation Services, Part-Time

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Interpretation Services, Part-Time, Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient‑first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees.

• Conduct medical and general interpreting for patients and their families, physicians, and the healthcare team in accordance with national standards.
• Assess and monitor patients’ understanding of information conveyed, and serve as a cultural mediator.
• Record and monitor interpretation activities according to department standards.
• Make decisions regarding prioritization of multiple requests received at one time.
• Medical Interpreting
• Provide medical and general interpreting services to patients, families, and providers in accordance with national standards. This includes interpreting during consultations, diagnostic testing, procedures, consent processes, and educational forums.
• Screen multiple requests for interpreters and prioritize requests based on urgency.
• Assist the healthcare team in problem solving and complaint resolution related to the limited English‑proficient population.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to maintain practice in accordance with professional medical interpreting standards.
• Communication and Collaboration
• Initiate and develop positive relationships with patients, visitors, healthcare providers, fellow interpreters, and staff, exhibiting respect, flexibility and cooperation at all times.
• Serve 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.
• Support and participate in the continuous assessment and improvement of the interpretation services program.
• Assist with other departmental functions as assigned.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and mandatory in‑services.
• Documentation
• Maintain documentation of all interpretation encounters, to include relevant data such as location, duration, and purpose. Document all interpreting encounters accurately and completely, including patient refusals of interpreting services.
• Maintain accurate records of productivity, work volumes, and interpreting requests.
• Additional Functions
• Proven software competencies (Excel, Word).
• Adaptable to relevant software necessary for data tracking and trending.

• Hold a certification from the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission with at least an Advanced or Master license from the state.
• Have a Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certification completion substantiating formal training and qualifications for medical interpreting.
• Completion of high school education or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in providing medical interpreting in an acute care setting.
• High level of fluency in English.
• Ability to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptive and expressive, using medical terminology as appropriate.
• Maintain a professional demeanor in all situations.
• Knowledgeable about issues of cultural competency and healthcare disparities. Adaptable and sensitive in cross‑cultural situations.
• Excellent communication, organizational and customer service skills.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Tactile Sign Language (hand over hand), Tactile Finger spelling or Pro‑Tactile ASL Interpreting. Verify 40 hours training via shadow/teach back with an experienced Tactile ASL interpreter working at an agency or healthcare organization.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status,…