Medical Spanish Interpreter - West Region

Job Description:

Under general supervision, facilitates the communication process between Hospital physicians/staff and Spanish speaking patients and their families by providing interpreter services and translation of written communications. Assists physicians/staff with patient assessments, explains all medical procedures and treatments thoroughly and to ascertain through careful questioning to make sure the patient understands the explanations and instructions they have received. Counsels patients and families on the community resources available to assist in post hospital care. Works with peers in making schedules in Epic, responds to immediate need of interpreters across the health system.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assists the Spanish speaking patient and their family in coping with illness and the associated stress by interpreting and translating medical instructions and procedures. Records results of patient encounter in the patient’s medical chart as needed.
2. Assists Spanish speaking patients with completion of various healthcare forms as needed with the corresponding department.
3. Provides emotional support by listening to patient and family concerns and communicating with the physician/medical staff for additional clarification.
4. Translates written communications and materials from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.
5. Serves as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers. Translates patient's medical history and complaint and passes it on to the provider. Communicates physician's recommendations to patient and assists patient in setting up an appointment.
6. Gives support to health care providers in dealing with Spanish speaking patients so that a comprehensive and culturally sensitive assessment may be performed.
7. Counsels patients and their families as well as medical staff on community resources available to assist in post hospital care.
8. Assists in the development and presentation of training programs designed to enhance the employee’s understanding of the cultural needs of Spanish speaking patients. Help WellSpan become a model of cultural proficiency.
9. Obtains instructions and clarification from other interpreters to provide follow up services to patients and their families.
10. 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:
  • 1-2 years
  • Strong Medical Terminology vocabulary is a must.

• Minimum Education:
  • 2 year postsecondary education preferred
  • Other combinations of formal education, training and experience may be considered

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

• Required Certification:
  • Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) certification required within 6 months
  • Preferred Cert/Registration: Certificate from an Accredited 40-hour Medical Interpreter Training Program

• Skills:
  • Fluent in reading, writing, speaking and translating English and Spanish languages

West Region: Gettysburg, Chambersburg, Hanover, and Waynesboro hospitals