Medical Interpreter

Location

Main Hospital Bldg - 1st Flr

Primary Purpose

Provides Spanish language medical interpretation, in person or by video/phone for patients, family members, and medical staff for Parkland's full scope of services.

Minimum Specifications

• Education: GED or High School Diploma.
• Experience: None.
• Equivalent Education and/or Experience: None.
• Certification/Registration/Licensure: None.

Required Tests for Placement

• Clinical Spanish Screening Exam must be passed with a 75% or higher (may be waived if the candidate is nationally certified, a Qualified Medical Interpreter, or already has qualifying clinical proficiency exam scores on file).
• Clinical proficiency exam: Must achieve a Non‑clinical or Clinical designation in Overall Language Proficiency.
• Garcia Shilling Test Scores of 80% or above in Oral and Medical Terminology may be substituted if already on file.

Skills and Special Abilities

• Successfully complete intensive Medical Interpreter Qualification Training Program.
• Achieve Clinical designation for Overall Language Proficiency by the end of the training program.
• Adhere to the Medical Interpreter Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Speak formal, clinical English and Spanish.
• Communicate effectively, orally, with patients, families, and hospital staff.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of medical terminology and medical procedures.
• Demonstrate patient‑centered, patient‑valued behaviors.
• Provide in‑person medical interpretation in all of Parkland's locations/settings; may be required to rotate to other areas as needed.
• Provide video and audio interpretation in a call‑center environment; may be required to rotate to other areas as needed.
• Maintain acceptable productivity and quality standards as established by management.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of personal computers, software packages, and standard office equipment.
• Successfully complete additional job‑related training when offered.
• Function effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform medical interpretation duties in person and by phone/video for Spanish‑speaking patients, families, and visitors for Parkland's full scope of services, following the Medical Interpreter Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Comply with and support all department standard operating procedures.
• Create and maintain accurate and compliant documentation for the electronic medical record.
• Meet or exceed department productivity and quality standards.

Job Accountabilities

• Identify ways to improve work processes and customer satisfaction; make recommendations to supervisor, implement, and monitor results.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure; integrate knowledge into current work practices.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area.
• Develop effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans.
• Seek advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.