In collaboration with other departments and contracted services, the Language Access Services team provides language services to healthcare providers, patients, and families as required by patient care needs and regulatory compliance for non-English speaking, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Interpreter services are provided 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Interprets and translates spoken and written English into spoken or written language or other dialect for patients and providers at multiple affiliates. Understands the culture and community served and applies that knowledge to promote effective cross-cultural communication.  Works with people of diverse cultures.  Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Quality, Integrity and Stewardship that support our mission, vision and values.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Certification by Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) and/or The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (CMI) or equivalent within one year of start date.
• American Translator Association (ATA) Certification preferred.

Experience:

• Three years of experience as a language interpreter.
• Previous work experience in a medical environment preferred.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to understand medical terminology and work under various environmental conditions.
• Must be skilled to speak and write fluently in both English and at least one other language.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with all levels of staff.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Quality, Integrity and Stewardship that support our mission, vision and values:

• SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I will put safety first in everything I do.  I will speak up, without fear, on matters of patient and colleague safety.  I will take action to create an environment of zero harm.

• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes -  I will continually advance my knowledge and skills.  I will seek out continuous improvement opportunities.  I will deliver evidence-based care that leads to excellence in outcomes.

• INTEGRITY: Show respect and Compassion  - I will respect others and show compassion.  I will behave honesty and ethically.  I will be accountable for my attitude, actions and health.

• STEWARDSHIP: Reduce Waste - I will use resources wisely and maintain financial stability.  I will work together to coordinate care and services across the health system.  I will promote healthier communities.

2. Participates as a neutral party while facilitating and interpreting medical encounters, discussions, announcements, conversations, meetings, events, and other situations as needed throughout the health system in a professional, focused manner.

3. Accurately interprets patients’ words and speech.

4. Accurately site translates written documents from English to another language.

5. Ensures patients’ questions and concerns regarding the information are appropriately addressed.

6. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide interpreting services appropriate to all age groups.

7. Works in teams with other interpreters to interpret difficult or lengthy situations or events.

8. Maintains accurate and timely documentation.

9. Acts as a cultural mediator when necessary to enhance communication between providers, patients, and families.

10. Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care, The International Medical Interpreter Association (IMIA) Code of Ethics, and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.

11. Other duties as assigned.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.