Spanish Medical Interpreter

About the role

Interpreter services are a critical aspect of effective patient care and patient satisfaction, directly supporting the promise of personalized healthcare to improve lives. The department provides interpretation and translation of critical medical information to physicians and health‑care providers serving Limited English Proficient patients via telephone, two‑way video, and on‑site interpreters, available 24/7. This position’s primary role is to respond to the needs of our culturally diverse patient population by ensuring accurate communication between Limited English Proficient patients and healthcare providers or support personnel at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Responsibilities

• Respond to the need of the culturally diverse patient population by ensuring accurate communication between Limited English Proficient patients and healthcare providers or support personnel.
• Provide language interpretation in coordination with the patient’s plan of care.
• Provide culturally competent care to patients and act as a benchmark for staff on cultural areas of importance when interpreting for patients.
• Provide guidance to other staff interpreters and contracted agency interpreters.
• Explain and/or teach about interpreter services to health‑system staff.
• Remind patients of their appointments or procedures.

Requirements

• Pass language assessment screening and demonstrate prior medical interpreter experience.
• Hold a valid driver’s license and be able to travel to various locations for patient appointments throughout the work day.
• Complete a 40‑hour medical interpreter training program and achieve a passing score on the post‑offer examination.
• Successfully complete a language proficiency test covering code of ethics, standard practices, and medical terminology.

Qualifications

• Possess a 2‑4 year degree in language interpreting, linguistics, or a clinical field (desired).
• Have or be pursuing an internship and progress toward national certification within the first year of employment (preferred).

Skills

• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of individuals across the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Interact and communicate effectively with people, often in stressful situations.
• Willingness to work outside of normal working hours as needed.
• Highly refined interpersonal, conflict resolution, problem‑solving, and listening skills.
• Ability to interpret both medical and non‑medical terminology into the target language.