Bilingual Interpreter (English and Spanish)

About the position

The medical interpreter acts as a conduit between patients and medical/behavioral professionals or office staff by listening to the CRCHC staff and orally translating information into a patient's native language in layman's terms. The interpreter translates the patient's response back to the professional, using proper medical terminology. This role involves translating various types of information, including the reason for a medical visit, past medical history, family medical history, medical and surgical procedures, medical care instructions, drug information, and scheduling follow-up appointments. Additionally, interpreters provide translation services for clerical staff, ensuring accurate capturing of demographics, billing, and pre-clinical coding information. They collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure clinicians obtain accurate information and that patients and families are fully informed. Interpreters also anticipate and help staff avoid culturally inappropriate interactions while protecting patient privacy.

Responsibilities

• Performs oral interpretive services between medical/behavioral staff and patients/families to facilitate communication in a variety of clinical settings.
• Conducts phone interviews, coordinates appointments, and documents relevant information under the direction of the provider.
• Travels to satellite offices, contractor offices, and community outreach centers as needed.
• Interviews patients/families to gather information on medical histories and patient complaints/concerns/questions, translating information into English-written medical records.
• Assists providers in educating patients on diseases, disease prevention, clinic procedures, immunization schedules, and health management.
• Translates written health care materials, health education materials, and administrative forms from English into a specified language as requested.
• Participates in quality improvement activities by initiating or contributing to monitoring, measuring, analyzing, improving and/or controlling program goals, objectives and/or services.
• Supports current incentive, regulatory, and certification requirements through documentation, participation in initiatives, and other activities as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Fluent in English and the specified language(s) both in verbal and written communication.
• Understanding of specified culture's beliefs and values, particularly as it relates to health care.
• Minimum two years of experience as a professional healthcare interpreter.
• Knowledge of medical terminology in English and the specified language(s).
• Familiarity with basic computer operations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English and the specified language(s).

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of interview techniques and adult learning theory.
• Familiarity with community resources for specified target population, including refugee and immigrant social services.