MEDICAL INTERPRETER

About the role

The Medical Interpreter provides accurate language interpreting services for patients to ensure effectively communication with health care providers and promote a positive patient care experience, provides accurate sign language interpreting services to patients with hearing impairments, and all interpretations are to be absolutely accurate and complete, without substitutions or omissions maintains competency in language skills and interpretive proce maintains strict confidentiality of patient information and does not disclose information outside the treating team.

Key responsibilities

• Provides accurate language interpreting services for patients to ensure effectively communication with health care providers and promote a positive patient care experience.
• Provides accurate sign language interpreting services to patients with hearing impairments.
• All interpretations are to be absolutely accurate and complete, without substitutions or omissions.
• Maintains competency in language skills and interpretive proce.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient information and does not disclose information outside the treating team.
• Promotes Carilion Clinic's Culture of Excellence and quality service through team work, respectful communication, maintenance of a professional environment, partnership with those we serve in anticipation of patient/customer needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Must be proficient in both written and spoken English and must be proficient in sign language with 1 to 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting as an medical interpreter with proficiency in medical terminology.
• No licensure, certification, or registration required.
• No life support certification required.

Qualifications

The interpreter is responsible for professional performance and must interpret and repeat all that is said in communications between patients and care providers without adding, omitting or substituting words. The interpreter may not substitute explanations for any term or expression a provider or patient uses, but may ask the speaker to re-express themselves to be more easily understood by the other party. The interpreter may not convey personal feelings regarding communications through tone of voice, body language, or any other verbal or non-verbal method. The interpreter's role is that of a neutral and objective conduit of information and, as such must limit personal involvement with all parties during an assignment. If there is a potential conflict of interest the interpreter must disclose the conflict of interest and withdraw from the assignment if necessary. The interpreter must disclose skill limitations with respect to particular assignment. If unfamiliar with a highly technical medical term the interpreter may ask for an explanation before continuing to interpret. The interpreter avoids sight translation, especially of complex or critical documents. If asked to sight translate a surgery consent form an interpreter instead asks the provider to explain its content and then interprets the explanation. The interpreter may not advise patients on health care questions. Should questions regarding healthcare arise, the interpreter should direct the patient to ask the provider.

Pay

Compensation Range $20.10 - $28.14. Employee pay is based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, credentials, education, and prior work experience. The compensation range does not include benefits or pension plan.