Medical Interpreter II

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, the Medical Interpreter II serves as a medical interpreter for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients, family members and health care providers in the consecutive and simultaneous modes. This role relays medical information between speakers of two different languages in compliance with all hospital policies and procedures, particularly relating to patient confidentiality, informed consent, and the Code of Ethics.

Incumbent is responsible for recording all interactions and maintaining appropriate documentation while maximizing customer satisfaction.

This position also supports the operations of the department, completes special projects, leads activities to improve processes/ efficiencies, administers on-the-job training and mentors’ junior staff.

• Education:
  
  A.A degree required, preferably in an area related to science or Human or Health Services. Equivalent work experience can be substituted at a 2:1 level.
• Knowledge:
  Requires demonstrated proficiency (both oral and written) in English and the target language(s) at a level that ensures accurate and understandable interpretation. (Determined by an entry test coordinated by Language Services).
• Ability to interpret accurately using consecutive and simultaneous mode.
• Advanced knowledge of cultural standards and customs of the international region from which LEP community patients originate.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy required.
• Knowledge of HIPAA required.
• Demonstrated commitment to Patient safety and excellent customer service practices.

• High level of interpersonal and organizational skills is required to interact and interpret for LEP patients in delicate and sometimes high pressure and stressful situations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in fast‑paced environment. Advanced Time management skills.
• Ability to make a judgement to resolve issues proactively.
• Utilize computer systems and other hospital software. Familiarity with video conferencing and telephonic interpreting equipment preferred.

• High speed broadband internet access connection, and adequate power source.
• Secure and private work area conducive to effectively work with no interruptions, and within HIPAA regulations. Maintains equipment in good working condition, and reports problems immediately to supervisor.

• Budget Responsibility:
  None.
• Ability to take direction and follow institutional guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to work as a committed team member in a culturally diverse environment by contributing in a positive, enthusiastic, engaged and collaborative manner.
• Work involves flexibility in terms of hours and the need to adjust to a fast‑paced, clinical and office environment with frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to precisely and accurately interpret critical medical information in all modalities (i.e., phone, video, in person, etc.) from English to the patient's native language and from the native language to English.
• Occasionally may translate foreign language materials such as discharge instructions, short articles, correspondence and/or patient education materials (requiring successful qualification). Position requires collaboration with members of the health care team on multiple units in order to prioritize workload.

• Successful completion of a Medical Interpreter Skills (or Cyracom) language competency assessment approved by Johns Hopkins Language Services department.
• Medical Terminology completion of training.
• National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Healthcare.
• National Certification of Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) (IMIA) preferred.
• Cultural Competence completion of training (e.g. Bridging the Gap) preferred.

• Three years of professional interpretation experience required. Experience in a health care setting.
• Qualified applicants must successfully complete the Interpreter-readiness language competency assessment.

Salary Range: Minimum /hour - Maximum /hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.

The Hospital reserves the right to modify employee schedules as needed.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug–free workplace employers.