Medical Interpreter - Spanish

About the role

This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and reports to the Manager, Medical Interpreter Services. The Medical Interpreter performs interpretations in the target language for scheduled and unscheduled patient encounters within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication between parties accurately without judgment or making comments.
• Maintain impartiality in all conversations, never giving an opinion even if asked by the patient or client.
• Strictly adhere to the IMIA Code of Ethics.
• Strive to develop a relationship of trust and respect at all times, treating every patient with dignity and respect.
• Disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest that could affect objectivity, and withdraw from assignment when appropriate.
• Explain cultural differences or practices to healthcare providers when appropriate.
• Maintain a low profile by neither expressing personal opinions nor reacting to what is said.
• Maintain level of knowledge of evolving language and medical terminology through continuing education and ties with IMIA.
• Provide interpretation services in target language within the CDH facility and off-sites, both in person and via telephone, with the goal of filling as many requests as possible without utilizing outside agencies.
• Complete encounter forms at conclusion of each encounter for all interpretations provided.
• Enter encounter information on computer system.
• Provide coverage for the Manager, Medical Interpreter Services in his/her absence.
• Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, compliance, safety, infection control, and environmental standards.
• Maintain professional growth and development through attendance at seminars, workshops, conferences or in-services, professional affiliations, or journals to stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.
• Meet annual competency and retraining requirements.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform other related functions/duties as requested.

Qualifications

• Education: 60-hour Interpreter Training Certificate (AHEC or equivalent) required.
• Licenses and Credentials: Class D Passenger Vehicle Driver’s License (Massachusetts) required.
• Experience: 1–2 years of interpreting experience preferred; experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Education and training relative to medical interpretation in target language required; oral and written fluency of English and target language and demonstrated proficiency in medical terminology required; reliable transportation to fill requests in surrounding physician offices required; flexible hours required.

Physical Requirements

• Standing: Frequently (34–66%)
• Walking: Frequently (34–66%)
• Sitting: Occasionally (3–33%)
• Lifting: Frequently (34–66%) 35 lbs+ (with assisted device)
• Carrying: Frequently (34–66%) 20–35 lbs
• Pushing: Occasionally (3–33%)
• Pulling: Occasionally (3–33%)
• Climbing: Rarely (less than 2%)
• Balancing: Frequently (34–66%)
• Stooping: Occasionally (3–33%)
• Kneeling: Occasionally (3–33%)
• Crouching: Occasionally (3–33%)
• Crawling: Rarely (less than 2%)
• Reaching: Frequently (34–66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling): Frequently (34–66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering): Frequently (34–66%)
• Feeling: Constantly (67–100%)
• Foot Use: Rarely (less than 2%)
• Vision – Far: Constantly (67–100%)
• Vision – Near: Constantly (67–100%)
• Talking: Constantly (67–100%)
• Hearing: Constantly (67–100%)

Pay

$23.70 – $32.95 per hour

Schedule

Per Diem; rotating shifts; scheduled weekly hours vary.