Interpreter, Spanish

Position Summary

Primarily responsible for interpreting health information between English and Spanish for clients receiving Family Planning, Adult Health/STD services at the Tulsa Health Department. May be asked to assist other clinical areas with translation/interpretation services as needed.

Principal Duties/Responsibilities (ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, 100% of time):

• Secures client health history by interpreting the history form for clients.
• Interprets explanations for obtaining screening tests and diagnostic tests.
• Interprets questions and explanations during physical assessment, routine visits, lab visits, and social worker intake.
• Interprets diagnosis and plans of care for clients.
• Interprets teaching or counseling provided in the clinic.
• Interprets and facilitates referrals to community resources.
• Translates materials from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English.
• Completes Medicaid Eligibility forms for clients and prepares them for mailing.
• Assists the clinician in rooming clients for health assessments.
• Performs data entry in PHOCIS software.
• Assists in all clinic programs as needed to improve patient flow by scheduling appointments for clients.
• Communicates with clients through phone calls with appointment reminder information and instructions.
• Act as interpreter liaison for the Tulsa Health Department in conjunction with contract physicians for tubal ligations and vasectomies.
• Coordinate patient contact and referrals with the Family Planning nurse.
• Assists with application and completion of the Sooner Care plan for eligible clients.
• Assists with clerical duties as needed: answering phones, scheduling appointments, pulling and filing charts, making copies, and sending faxes.
• Completes required training in support of duties and responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned, including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of English and Spanish languages, written and verbal, required.
• Prefer a bilingual person who is a native speaker of Spanish and has knowledge of medical terminology.
• Certificate in medical interpretation preferred.

• Two years of experience in translating/interpreting.
• Experience in a medical office preferred.

• Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish and English at various educational levels in a wide range of circumstances.
• Ability to relate to people of all ages, races, socio-economic backgrounds, and cultures.
• Effective oral and written communication skills when working with various community organizations and interacting with diverse groups of internal and external contacts.
• Effective interpersonal skills in working with personnel at all organizational levels.
• Good communication skills with clients in completing forms and records to assure confidentiality in collecting and protecting personal health information (PHI).
• Flexibility in acquiring and learning new tasks.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) required.

None

• Frequent internal contact with physicians, nurses, and other department personnel to exchange information regarding patient care, test results, and to discuss medical problems and treatment.
• External contact with patients to gather and provide health information.

• Physical effort is required to lift and move equipment and supplies (up to 20 lbs.)
• Often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Some stooping, bending, and squatting may be required when providing direct-client services
• Repetitive computer and telephone use
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication
• Frequent communication with clients and team members
• Must be able to exchange accurate information over the phone, email, electronic medical records, and other modes of communication

• Direct Supervision – None
• Indirect Supervision – None
• Budget/Money/Material – Responsible for assigned equipment
• Reports to – Administrative/Interpreter Supervisor

May be exposed to noisy environments, possible occasional exposure to communicable diseases, and emotional…