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.

Responsibilities :

Provides both oral and written foreign language interpretation services to non-English and Sign Language for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients.

Interprets medical providers and staffsquestions responses and / or instructions to patients including technical terms : interprets the patientsresponses and / or questions. In person or by telephone.

Interviews patients to complete required forms.

Schedules and Directs patients to appointment 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;

i.e. 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 allay anxiety of patients.

Requires ability to translate medical documents or information to be utilized by hospital staff patients and their families accurately and precisely (i.

e. 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 (i.e. answers telephone input data into computer etc.)

Other information : BASIC KNOWLEDGE :

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.

Able to accurately interpret and translate verbal and written.

Must have Medical Interpreter Training Program Certificate.

Requires proficiency in Medical Terminology in English and a Foreign Language in order to interpret and translate accurately.

Requires 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.

Requires the 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 / institutions (i.

e. : Brown University Interpreter Aide Program).

Provides support to student interpreters.

Requires the 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.

EXPERIENCE :

Minimum of one to two yearsof formal Medical Interpreting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY : None