Bilingual Patient Navigator

Location: Westmoreland

Position Description - Bilingual Patient Navigator

Original Board Approval Date

August 2013

Reports to

Patient Navigation Manager

Dual Supervisor

Director of Medical Services

Division

Medical Services

Exempt/Non-Exempt Status

Non-Exempt

Security Roles

JOB SUMMARY: The Medical Interpreter/Bilingual Navigator facilitates communication between parties who speak two different languages. They do this by interpreting, translating, and re-communicating both verbal and written messages from one language into another. The Medical Interpreter/Bilingual Navigator at HOPE Family Health is the Hispanic Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Patients' Navigator, spokesperson, and mouthpiece. They meet with each patient of Limited English Proficiency and introduce them to HOPE's many patient-centered programs, services, and staff members.

They are responsible for providing culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach and engagement of the LEP patient population while increasing retention of existing patients.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interpret Verbal Communications:
The bulk of HOPE's Medical Interpreter/Bilingual Navigator duties is to interpret verbal communications, usually in real time. Verbal Communications interpreted include but are not limited to: interpretation during HOPE medical, behavioral health, and dental office visits, phone calls, voice messages and texts (from both HOPE sponsored cell phone and office lines), appointment information (including both HOPE and outside referrals), lab results, specialist appointments, follow-up visits, and Pharmacy information.

This can also include speeches at public conferences and events for HOPE, meetings, patient classes and training sessions, or individual communications for HOPE Family Health between two people or small groups of people. It is crucial that interpretations are accurate and done so quickly, in real time without leaving out or changing any information that is being communicated.

Translate Written Communications:
This position also translates written communications. The types of communication can include anything from patient documents to registration forms and packets. It is important that these translations effectively communicate the meaning of the text and maintain its core message.

Assist HOPE Staff:
Acting as a liaison between two parties, the Medical Interpreter/Bilingual Navigator facilitates communications by assisting HOPE staff in communicating with patients of LEP. This can include helping them understand documents and information given out by HOPE, assisting them in filling out forms and paperwork and answering questions or addressing concerns on behalf of HOPE Family Health.

Record Interactions:
The position is often required to document and record interactions and translations. Interactions must be recorded by entering those interactions into the electronic health record (EHR). This includes recording in-person interactions as well as phone conversations and possibly taking meeting minutes when applicable.

Assist HOPE's Hispanic Outreach:
The Medical Interpreter/Bilingual Navigator is to be the face of the organization to the patients of LEP, also including donors, volunteers, churches, businesses, and any other person or organization involved with HOPE's Hispanic outreach program. Because of this, the Medical Interpreter/Bilingual Navigator must also maintain knowledge of HOPE Family Health's culture and be aware of any culturally sensitive issues that may arise.

These issues and knowledge must be communicated to clinic management to assist in strategic planning and program development.

OFF-SITE WORK:

This position is required to work off-site occasionally. Activities that may be performed off-site include health fairs and other community events sponsored by HOPE.

This position does not have an option to perform their regular duties off-site.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED required.

Technical degree, associate in arts degree (AA), or bachelor's degree (BA) in office management, business administration, or a related field preferred.

At least two years relative experience preferred, preferably in a healthcare…