Medical Interpreter

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION: JOB DESCRIPTION: The Medical Interpreter is a representative of Emory Healthcare that uses their knowledge and skills as a cultural broker and qualified medical interpreter. The Medical Interpreter has a strong understanding of the Healthcare service system and bridges linguistic and cultural barriers that non-English speaking patients may encounter when interacting within the healthcare system. This position carries the responsibility of conveying another individuals thoughts and intentions while maintaining the integrity of the conversation. Accurately transmits messages between non-English speaking patients and healthcare providers and supports personnel at EHC using consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation modes. Starts the process of exchange, equality and communication. Reports directly to the Manager of Interpretation and Translation Services. The interpreter must also be thoroughly knowledgeable and abides by policies and procedures of EHC and the Interpretation and Translation Services department. Provides education and consultation to both providers and patient/families on culturally specific values, beliefs, and practices that are relevant to the health care encounter. Rounds on patients serving as an advocate who speaks the same language as the patient and understands their culture. Contributes to better care coordination by promoting adherence to care plans with the goal of improving the health of the community. Provides EHC staff and providers with support and guidance in overcoming cultural barriers by bridging, linking, or mediating between groups or persons of differing cultural backgrounds for the purpose of reducing healthcare disparities and producing positive change between LEP patients and EHC staff and providers. As a Cultural broker, interpreters facilitates deeper understanding and enhance providers understanding of different situations. Cultural ambassadors are partners to clinicians by creating trust, building better communication, improving assessment and treatment, enriching the knowledge of both systems, de-stigmatizing treatment, building capacity in the community, and fostering a more holistic treatment approach . Medical Interpreters provide cultural and linguistic competence in health care delivery systems with the goal to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health. Has openness to community understanding. Provides system-wide and operating unit specific training on EMITS services, interpretation needs, and interpretation specific compliance policies. Keeps any information shared by the patient confidential. Convert dialogue and convey the intent of the original speaker, understanding that many idioms and slang terms do not translate exactly between languages. Ensures that medical information is understood by patients by simplifying any jargon. Adheres to the National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care and to the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care. Supports team members to ensure a positive work flow. Will assist with new employee orientation and mentoring of new team members. Works in a fast-paced clinical and hospital environment with frequently changing priorities. Provides Over the phone interpretation services during down time and or in between in-person interpretation assignments, providing Emory healthcare staff, providers and patients with excellent customer service standards in the role of the interpreter or as a cultural ambassador. Supports department as needed in all dispatching operations and functions. Organizes and coordinates the schedules of interpreters for patients, nurses/doctors and EHC staff. Provides information regarding services of the department to on-site and off-site facilities. Provides video remote interpretation services during down time and or in between in-person interpretation assignments, providing Emory healthcare staff, providers and patients with excellent customer service standards in the role of the interpreter or as a cultural ambassador. During down times will help with other tasks as needed. Updating inventory of interpretation phones and office supplies. Delivering interpretation iPads and interpretation phones to units and clinics. Troubleshooting equipment. Preparation and distribution of informational materials. Job may be physically demanding with frequent walking and standing and at times may also be emotionally challenging and highly stressful, requiring maturity, composure and sound judgment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree preferred. One year in medical interpreting. Must be fluent in English and Target language (able to speak, read, and write in both languages, with emphasis and expertise in medical terminology). 40-60 hours of Medical interpretation certification from Bridging the Gap or similar institution preferred. One year experience as medical interpreter. Broad knowledge of medical terminology. Extensive knowledge of culture, cultural humility and advocacy. Microsoft Office knowledge a must. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.