Interpreter

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.

• Provides both oral and written foreign language interpretation services to non‑English speaking patients and to Sign Language for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients.
• Interprets medical providers and staff’s questions, responses and/or instructions to patients, including technical terms; interprets the patients’ responses and/or questions, in person or by telephone.
• Interviews patients to complete required forms.
• Schedules and directs patients to appointments by telephone instructions or by physical escort when medically necessary.
• Assists hospital personnel by providing explanation of Rhode Island Hospital billing system, Community Free Service, HMO and/or third‑party procedures by interpreting and assisting the patients in completion of paperwork.
• Assists hospital personnel by interpreting cultural beliefs of non‑English speaking patients.
• Interprets for employees and their department supervisors in all areas of the hospital when appropriate and necessary.
• Assists hospital personnel by providing communication with outside institutions and agencies on behalf of patients and staff, e.g., hospitals, clinics, VNA, Providence Center, and when required, provide medical information to overseas doctors and hospitals.
• Provides training to hospital personnel around cultural issues and ethnicity.
• Facilitates different language communication and allays anxiety of patients.
• Translates medical documents or information for hospital staff, patients and their families, accurately and precisely (e.g., medication instructions, brief letters).
• Records and maintains related documentation logs, records and statistical data.
• Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies, procedures and objectives.
• Performs other related duties as required (e.g., answers telephone, inputs data into computer).

• 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; able to accurately interpret and translate verbal and written.
• Must have Medical Interpreter Training Program Certificate.
• Proficiency in medical terminology in English and a foreign language in order to interpret and translate accurately.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with medical providers treating patients and their families in situations that may be difficult and highly emotional for both parties.
• Ability to interview, assess and train student interpreters and, when needed, to act as a liaison for RIH for educational purposes in schools and other community agencies (i.e., 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.
• Responsible to ensure that a language barrier does 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 experience.

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

None.

$26.00‑$27.17 per hour.

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Rhode Island Hospital – 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.

Work Type:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Shift: Day. Driving

Required:

No. Union:
International Brotherhood Teamsters.