Language Services Interpreter- U of L Health, University of Louisville Hospital- PRN- Shift varies
Employment Type : Full-Time
Overview: This position will provide interpreter services for patients, families, staff, visitors, physicians, and others regarding consents, medical treatments, discharges, instructions, and other concerns as needed. The interpreter in this position will accurately and completely convey information between patient and provider; manage the flow of communication; facilitate rapport between the provider and patient; recognize and address clarifications both cultural and in language to ensure accurate and complete understanding. These duties enable patients and families to effectively communicate which allows UofL Hospital to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Other duties include assisting the manager in problem-solving with patient and family communication needs and proactively identifying opportunities for improving services to our limited or non-English speaking patient and family population.Responsibilities:- Perform interpretation for limited- and non-English speaking patients, families, staff and visitors. Interpreted information includes, but is not limited to, giving directions and instructions for medical care, explaining hospital policies and procedures, informing and obtaining medical consents, and providing other verbal interpretation as needed to ensure a positive patient and family experience.
- Educate hospital staff, physicians, and clinicians on the importance of using translated forms with LEP patients and families when available and how to access the forms when needed.
- Investigate and problem-solve communication issues for limited- and non-English speaking persons.
- May be asked to assist in translation and/or editing both medical and non-medical hospital documentation from English to target language (may on occasion need to translate from target language to English), as directed by manager.
- Educate hospital staff, physicians, and clinicians on the importance of using interpretation tools when needed. Tools may include the proper use of over-the-phone, video remote interpreters, and in-person interpreters.
- Make recommendations as appropriate for additional language assistance and corresponding programs, marketing, and services.
- Ensure that patients and families understand the information presented, seeking help of staff to further clarify when needed. Ensure that patients and families are comfortable with what is happening in their medical treatment and that anxiety is reduced.
- Maintain positive working relationships with staff and physicians, including manager and fellow interpreters.
- Assist admissions staff, medical staff, and ancillary services in gathering background information on patients, as needed. This includes rounding on patients who are limited-English proficient (LEP) or deaf.
- Maintain a professional presence with patients and families. Does not speak for or about patients and families but facilitates the conversation between them and their care team.
- Remain current on the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of language assistance/interpretation/translation and incorporates appropriate ideas into a clinical setting. Must also acquire at least 4 continuing education credit hours per year.
- Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc. that impact language assistance and ensure compliance in all areas.
- Must acquire continuing education credits of at least 4 hours per year.
- May be asked to conduct, prepare, assist or participate in internal medical interpretation and translation classes and/or other educational programs to enhance cultural competency and language services compliance of the general hospital population.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:Education / Accreditation / Licensure (required & preferred):Associate or Bachelor Degree in a Social Science field or Language preferred. Successful completion of hospital approved translation/interpretation training program, such as Bridging the Gap, required (40 hours minimum). Proof of attendance and successful completion of continuing education defined as a minimum of 4 hours per year.
Successful completion of a nationally recognized certification process highly preferred. CMI (National Board of Medical Interpreters) or CHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters) national certification highly preferred.
Experience (required and preferred):Prior experience in medical interpretation required, minimum of two years preferred. Must be able to clearly communicate instructions, questions, and answers in both English and target language based on the patient, family member, or employee’s preferred language. Knowledge of medical terminology required. Documentation of successful completion of a hospital approved language proficiency assessment.