Interpreter

Overview

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of the Manager Interpreter Services & Information Desk or designee, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Medical Interpreter provides both oral and written foreign language interpretation services to non-English speaking patients and employees. Explains hospital policies and procedures and provides assistance to patients who have limited English proficiency. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients.

Sign Language Interpreters are also provided for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients and their families. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done.

The core Success Factors include:
Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaborate.

• Provide oral and written foreign language interpretation services to non-English speakers and to Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients using Sign Language interpreters when required, in person or by telephone.
• Interpret medical providers' and staff's questions, responses, and/or instructions to patients, including technical terms; interpret patients' responses and/or questions.
• Interview patients to complete required forms and schedule/direct patients to appointments by telephone instructions or physical escort when medically necessary.
• Assist hospital personnel by explaining the Rhode Island Hospital billing system, Community Free Service, HMO and/or third party procedures; interpret and assist patients in the completion of paperwork.
• Interpret cultural beliefs of non-English speaking patients and facilitate communication between hospital personnel and patients.
• Interpret for employees and their department supervisors in all areas of the hospital when appropriate and necessary; assist in communication with outside institutions and agencies on behalf of patients and staff (e.g., Hospitals, Clinics, VNA, Providence Center); when required, provide medical information to overseas doctors and hospitals.
• Provide training to hospital personnel around cultural issues and ethnicity; facilitate different language communication and alleviate anxiety of patients.
• Translate medical documents or information for use by hospital staff, patients and their families (e.g., medication instructions, brief letters) accurately and precisely.
• Record and maintain related documentation logs, records, and statistical data; maintain quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established department policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required (e.g., answer telephone, input data into computer).

BASIC KNOWLEDGE
:
Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

• Associate Degree in any area related to science or human services or its equivalent level of experience.

• Fluency and proficiency in both English and target foreign language; ability to accurately interpret and translate verbal and written material.

• Medical Interpreter Training Program Certificate (required); proficiency in medical terminology in English and a foreign language to interpret and translate accurately.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with medical providers, patients and families in emotionally charged situations.

• Ability to interview, assess and train student interpreters and, when needed, act as a liaison for RIH for educational purposes in schools and other community agencies (e.g., Brown University Interpreter Aide Program); provides support to student interpreters.

• Knowledge, sensitivity, and ability to bridge ethnic values, cultural beliefs and behaviors with American medical practices; committed to ensuring that language barriers do not prevent the provision of quality medical care.

• Sign Language interpreters require certification and/or license.

Minimum of one to two years of formal Medical Interpreting.

Works in a normal office environment with significant exposure to patient care environment.

None

Pay Range
: $25.24-$25.86

Location
:
Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type
: M-F 8am to 4:30pm and weekend rotation

Work Shift
:
Day

Driving Required
:
No

Union
:
International Brotherhood Teamsters