SAH Interpreter

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the manager of interpreter services, the incumbent serves as a medical interpreter and supports department operations in consecutive, simultaneous, or sight translation modes for all patients and family members who are LEP, Deaf, or hard of hearing. Two languages are required:
Spanish and Portuguese.

Relays medical information between speakers of two different languages in compliance with all office and hospital policies, including patient confidentiality and informed consent, and the IMIA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The interpreter represents the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

• Relay medical information between speakers of two different languages in 3 modalities (face-to-face, telephonic, and/or video interpreting).
• Reduce linguistic barriers for patients and family members who are LEP, Deaf, or hard of hearing.
• Facilitate successful delivery of services to linguistically diverse consumers.
• Explain hospital resources, office protocols, and limitations to clinicians and patients; make appropriate referrals; serve as a cultural and linguistic resource to both patients and providers.
• Perform duties in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation; adhere to hospital policies on customer relations and hospitality.
• Support office operations by answering phones, taking requests, calling patients to confirm appointments, documenting encounters on the interpreter tracking system and EMR, performing data entry, verifying and scheduling future appointments, troubleshooting iPadPOP, filing, and photocopying.
• Utilize online computer systems such as Outlook and other hospital software; collaborate on special projects as assigned.
• Support the financial counseling process, community outreach events, and short translations as directed by the manager.
• Maintain and monitor interpreter and disability equipment; serve as a resource to staff for patients with disabilities.
• Support all campuses and Steward off-sites when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Strong linguistic skills in Spanish and Portuguese; fluency in English and bilingual capabilities.
• Ability to accurately work in consecutive mode and sight translate into and from the working language(s).
• Understands variety of regional accents and linguistic styles and registers; selects appropriate mode of interpretation for each situation.
• Interprets with high accuracy and completeness; self-corrects, seeks clarification, and accepts correction.
• Strong writing skills preferably in both English and target language(s).
• Recognizes cultural aspects and engages as an intercultural mediator; avoids generalizations and stereotyping.
• Maintains professional distance and integrity; diffuses conflict by remaining calm and impartial.
• Adheres to hospital policies on confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination, and the interpreter Code of Ethics.
• Projects positive attitude; works as a team with colleagues and providers; provides timely referrals and resource assistance.
• Works well under pressure; flexible to meet scheduling changes; produces quality work; handles multiple tasks; detail-oriented.
• High level of customer service; familiarity with diverse cultural/socio-economic backgrounds; general knowledge of patient cultural backgrounds.
• Computer fluency with interpreter tracking systems, EMR, Outlook, and other hospital software.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; proof of medical interpreter training (minimum 40 hours).
• National Board Certification for spoken language interpreters preferred within 6 months of target language test availability.

Fast‑paced clinical and office environment with frequently changing priorities; physically demanding with a lot of walking and standing; flexibility required in adjusting to schedule and patient demands; emotionally challenging due to stressful interactions.

The employee may perform or have exposure to the following (75% or more):

• Stand / walk; use hands to finger, feel, reach; climb or balance; talk or hear.
• Infectious / contagious diseases (50–75%).
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; lift up…