(RIH) Interpreter

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, as well as Sign Language interpretation 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, and demonstrate core Success Factors including 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 or directs patients to appointments.
• Assists hospital personnel with billing systems, insurance procedures, and completion of paperwork by interpreting and explaining processes.
• 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 training to hospital personnel on cultural issues and ethnicity.
• Translates medical documents (e.g., medication instructions, letters) accurately for staff, patients, and families.
• Records and maintains logs, documentation, and statistical data.
• Maintains quality assurance, safety, and infection control standards.
• 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, including medical terminology.
• Medical Interpreter Training Program Certificate.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to handle emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to interview, assess, and train student interpreters and act as a liaison for educational purposes.
• Knowledge and sensitivity to bridge ethnic values, cultural beliefs, and American medical practices.
• For Sign Language interpreters: certification and/or license.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one to two years of formal medical interpreting experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide care considering aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.

Work Environment

• Works in a normal office environment with significant exposure to patient care settings.
• No supervisory responsibility.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. Union: International Brotherhood Teamsters.