Medical Interpreter - Spanish - Good Samaritan Hospital

Job Description:

Facilitates the communication process between providers and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients and their families by providing medical interpretation services and translation of written medical communications. Assists providers with all communications of medical information, including but not limited to consents, patient assessments, explanation of all medical procedures and treatments to ascertain through careful questioning, ensuring the patient understands the explanations and instructions they have received. Works with peers in making schedules in Epic, responds to immediate need of interpreters across the health system.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Maintain confidentiality as required by HIPAA, WellSpan policy and adhere to the Medical Interpreter Code of Ethics.
2. Generates reports in Epic; use reports to round with patients in hospital settings and to provide services in off-site settings
3. Assists the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients and their families in coping with illness and the associated stress by interpreting and translating medical instructions and procedures. Documents encounters in Epic.
4. Assists LEP patients with completion of various healthcare forms as needed with the corresponding department.
5. Provides emotional support by listening to patient and family concerns and communicating with the clinical care team for additional clarification.
6. Translates written communications and materials from the targeted language to English and from English to the targeted language.
7. Serves as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers. Communicates providers’ recommendations to patients. Strong medical terminology vocabulary preferred.
8. Educates staff on resources available for limited English proficient patients and the importance of language services in conjunction with system policies to maintain compliance for accreditation and licensure.
9. Serves as a cultural broker so that a comprehensive and culturally sensitive assessment may be performed.
10. Assists in the development and presentation of training programs designed to enhance the employee’s understanding of the cultural needs of LEP patients. Help WellSpan become a model of cultural proficiency.
11. Obtains instructions and clarification from other interpreters to provide follow up services to patients and their families.
12. Provide cross-coverage for emergency situations, time off, and other staffing needs. Is willing to work beyond normal working hours, on weekends and holidays as needed, on shifts other than the one hired, and to perform on call as needed or required.

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience:
  • 1 years
  • Must have strong medical terminology
  • Must be fluent in both writing and speaking Spanish

• Minimum Education:
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D and 2 years post-secondary education

• Preferred Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

• Required Certification:
  • Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) certification required within 6 months
  • Valid PA Driver’s License - Must possess a valid driver’s license in the current state of residence.  Driving record must meet requirements established by WellSpan Risk Management.

• Preferred Certification:
  • Certificate from an Accredited 40-hour Medical Interpreter Training Program

• Skills:
  • Fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and translating English and targeted languages. Medical terminology