Interpreter PD

About the role

Under general supervision of the Manager of Interpreter Services & Information Desk, the Medical Interpreter provides oral and written foreign-language interpretation services to non-English speaking patients and employees, including sign language for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients. The role involves explaining hospital policies and procedures, assisting patients with limited English proficiency, and ensuring age-specific needs are met. Employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, as well as demonstrate core Success Factors such as instilling trust, valuing differences, and collaborating effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provides oral and written interpretation services for non-English speaking and Deaf/Hard of Hearing patients, including medical terminology.
• Interprets medical providers’ questions, instructions, and patients’ responses in person or by telephone.
• Interviews patients to complete required forms and schedules/directs them to appointments via telephone or physical escort when medically necessary.
• Assists hospital personnel with billing systems, insurance procedures, and completion of paperwork for patients.
• Interprets cultural beliefs of non-English speaking patients for hospital staff.
• Interprets for employees and supervisors across hospital departments as needed.
• Communicates with external institutions (e.g., hospitals, clinics, VNA, Providence Center) on behalf of patients and staff, including providing medical information to overseas doctors.
• Provides cultural competency training to hospital personnel.
• Translates medical documents (e.g., medication instructions, letters) accurately for staff, patients, and families.
• Records and maintains logs, documentation, and statistical data.
• Ensures quality assurance, safety, and infection control in accordance with hospital policies.
• Performs additional duties such as answering phones, data entry, and supporting student interpreters.

Requirements

• Associate Degree in a science or human services-related field or equivalent experience.
• Fluency and proficiency in both English and a target foreign language (or sign language for Deaf/Hard of Hearing interpreters).
• Medical Interpreter Training Program Certificate.
• Proficiency in medical terminology in English and the target language.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to interview, assess, and train student interpreters, and act as a liaison for educational programs (e.g., Brown University Interpreter Aide Program).
• Cultural sensitivity to bridge ethnic values and American medical practices.
• For sign language interpreters: certification and/or license.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1–2 years of formal medical interpreting experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of patient care considerations, including aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.

Work Environment

• Primarily works in an office environment with significant exposure to patient care settings.
• No supervisory responsibilities.
• Per-diem position with variable shifts.
• Driving required.
• Union: International Brotherhood Teamsters.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.