Summary:
Reports to the Manager Interpreter Services. Provides both oral and written foreign language interpretation and translation services to patients and families in all areas of the hospital. Explains hospital policies and procedures and provides assistance to patients who have language difficulties. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients.

 

Responsibilities:
Provides both oral and (limited) written foreign language interpretation services to patients. Converts messages uttered in a source language into an equivalent message in the target language so that the intended recipient of the message responds as if heard in the original language.



Interprets with precision and accuracy. Translates and provides directions to patients on such things as complex treatments procedures medications and diets.



Directs patients to appointments by phone instructions or by physical escort.

Interviews patients to complete required forms.



Interprets doctors� nurses� and other hospital employees� questions and/or instructions to patients including technical terms; explains the patients� responses and/or questions to doctors nurses and others.



Translates diets to nutritionists prescribed diet to patients and their food consumption. Translates medication instructions letters medical summaries and general translations regarding various subjects.



Provides explanation of hospital billing system hospital bills and third party procedures by interpreting and assisting the patients in completion of the materials.



Assists patients in finding financial aid nursing home care etc. by translating information for them.



Interprets and translates for employees and their department supervisors in areas of the Personnel Health Clinic employment process departmental and/or individual employee meetings involving work procedures problems or hospital-prevalent actions.



Communicates for the patients and employees with outside agencies; i.e. hospitals clinics welfare social security and insurance companies and when required provides medical information to overseas doctors and hospitals.



May provide training and teaching of foreign words and phrases to hospital personnel and employees to facilitate communication and to allay anxiety of patients.



Provides general information regarding cultural issues and ethnic attitudes. Records and maintains related logs records and statistical data.



Maintains quality assurance safety environmental and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies procedures and objectives.



Performs other related duties as required. Fosters patient and family centered care in accordance with the Lifespan mission vision and values and the philosophy of nursing at The Miriam Hospital and with consideration of the life span including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns.

 

Other information:
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Associate�s Degree or its equivalent level of experience.



Fluency and proficiency in both English and target foreign language.



Completion of a registered medical interpreter certificate program of a minimum of 40 hours duration with a passing score on the final assessment.



Ability to accurately provide oral and written interpretation services.



Demonstrated proficiency in Medical Terminology in English and a foreign language in order to interpret and translate accurately.



Interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with medical providers treating patients and their families in situations that may be difficult and highly emotional for both parties.



EXPERIENCE:

Three years of formal training or experience and fluency in a foreign language.



WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Healthcare environment such as acute care hospitals physicians� offices and ancillary healthcare enterprises.



Any hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions.

 

Lifespan is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status.   Lifespan is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

 

Location: The Miriam Hospital USA:RI:Providence

 

Work Type: Full Time

 

Shift: Shift 1

 

Union: Non-Union

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