Interpreter Per Diem â" American Sign Language (ASL)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the manager of interpreter services, the incumbent serves as a medical interpreter for patients and staff members and supports the operations of the department in the consecutive, simultaneous or sight translation mode for all patients and family members who are LEP, Deaf and hard of hearing. Relays medical information between speakers of two different languages in compliance with all office and hospital policies and procedures, particularly relating to patient confidentiality and informed consent, passing performance of competencies listed in the IMIA Standards of Practice, and the Code of Ethics. Understands and abides by all published Standards of Practice and Codes of Ethics for Medical Interpreters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Relays medical information between speakers of two different languages in 3 different modalities: face to face; telephonic and/or video interpreting.
• Reduces linguistic barriers for patients and family members who are LEP, deaf or hard of hearing seeking care at Steward Health Care.
• Helps facilitate successful delivery of services to linguistically diverse consumers. Explain hospital resources, office protocols, and limitations to clinicians and patients; make appropriate referrals; serve as a cultural and linguistic resource to both patients and providers to contribute to successful outcomes.
• Performs duties in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation. Adheres to hospital policies on customer relations and hospitality. Understands the hospital’s system of service delivery.
• Supports the office operations by answering the phone, taking requests, calling patients to confirm appointments, document encounters on the interpreter tracking system and EMR performs data entry, verify and schedule future appointments when necessary, do iPad/IPOP troubleshooting, filing and photocopying.
• Utilizes on-line computer systems such as Outlook, and other hospital software. Work with special projects as assigned.
• Supports financial counseling process, community outreach events as needed and when requested to do so by Interpreter Manager.
• Supports review of short translations as directed by manager
• Supports maintenance and monitoring of Interpreter and Disability Equipment
• Serves as a resource to staff for patients with disabilities.
• Supports all campuses and Steward off-sites when required to do so.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS / ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Strong linguistic skills:

• Understands variety of regional accents and linguistic styles and registers
• Selects appropriate mode of interpretation for each situation
• Interprets with highest degree of accuracy and completeness in consecutive and sight translation modes. Self-corrects, understands own linguistic limitations, seeks clarification and accepts correction
• Picks up cues from encounter participants regarding level of understanding and/or need for clarification.
• Strong writing skills preferably in both English and target language (s)
• Understands language as an expression of culture, recognizes the underlying assumptions of each party about medicine, the encounter, the illness etc.; uses this understanding to empower patient and provider to better understand each other.
• Intervenes as intercultural mediator when communication is compromised by culture-bound messages.
• Avoids generalizations and stereotyping. Uses culturally appropriate behavior and is able to choose appropriate time to clarify or interject by respecting the goals of the encounter.
• Is aware of own personal values, beliefs and cultural characteristics which may be a source of conflict or discomfort in certain situations, is able to acknowledge these and/or to withdraw from encounters when these may interfere with successful interpretation

Strong interpreting skills:

• Explains role of the interpreter to patient and provider; recognizes the complexity of the clinical encounter and added factor of linguistic barrier; sets tone of the patient/provider encounter to manage spatial configurationand flow of communication to preserve accuracy and completeness.
• Assess and address potential areas of discomfort for patient (age, gender ofinterpreter, no previous experience with interpreters)
• Encourages and fosters direct communication between provider and patient
• Maintains professional distance and integrity
• Diffuses conflict between parties by remaining calm and impartial
• Clarifies instructions, follow up steps in a diplomatic, effective manner

Organizational skills:

• Works well under pressure to manage stressful situations
• Flexible to meet scheduling needs and handle often unpredictable changes
• Produces expected quality and quantity of work
• Sound judgment and confidence
• Ability to handle multiple tasks
• Detail-oriented and accurate

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Fast-paced clinical and office environment, frequently changing priorities.
• Physically demanding with a lot of walking and standing time.
• Flexibility required in adjusting to schedule and patient demands.

• Emotionally challenging, as some interactions may be highly stressful requiring maturity, composure, critical thinking & sound judgment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Is responsible for ongoing development of his/her work skills through the use of available resources (i.e.: in services, formal educational programs, other work groups and on-the-job training).
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and in services and/or reviews documentation as required.
• Assists in the orientation of others and actively participates in mentoring.
• Performs analytical and decision making functions with minimal supervision.
• Recognizes and seeks assistance/consultation when appropriate.
• Demonstrates an understanding of relative Hospital and all-departmental policies and procedures including safety issues.
• Possesses awareness of programs/services provided by Hospital and where they are located.