Medical Interpreter

JOB SUMMARY

The Medical Interpreter provides communication services between patients, and health care providers to ensure the provision of quality health care and patient safety.

The Medical Interpreter conducts medical interpreting for health care providers, patients, and their families. S/he assesses and monitors patients' understanding of information conveyed, advises medical personnel about any cultural issues that might impact patient care. The post holder records and monitors interpretation activities according to hospital and department standards.

The Medical interpreter may be required to translate written documents.

KEY ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Contributes towards patient safety, quality and patient experience through interaction assistance provided; the interpreted conversation will impact the patient conclusions and health care provider decisions.
• Works with non-English speaking patients.
• Facilitates medical service by interpreting language between patients/families and health care providers accurately and completely by using international best practices.
• Clarifies information that cannot be literally translated from one language into another in order to facilitate understanding between the health care provider and patients/families.
• Interprets over the phone if required.
• Maintains a professional distance and non-judgmental attitude when providing interpreter services.
• Carries out the required medical and non-medical interpretation activities for the assigned shift.
• Maintains language assistance with clinical follow-up or discharge instructions.
• Delivers dynamic language services from a diverse cultural perspective, to promote superior interpersonal communications with all stakeholders.
• Sets tone of the patient/provider encounter to manage spatial configuration and flow of communication to preserve accuracy and completeness, and to assess and address potential areas of discomfort for patient (age, gender of interpreter, no previous experience with interpreters).
• Supports in selected organizational initiatives, where medical interpretation services are requested.
• Collaborates with patient and family educators when required to assist in the provision of clear and concise educational literature in appropriate languages.
• Actively contributes to maintaining high standards of quality, patient safety and ensures patient experience is maintained.
• Requires familiarity with medical terminology and maintain high knowledge of medical terminology.
• Operates in compliance with interpreter and hospital policies and procedures, particularly those relating to patient confidentiality.
• Maintains an organized and clean appearance in all work areas and follow Sidra’s dress code.
• Attends and participates in departmental / facility projects and initiatives, and wears Sidra’s uniform if requested.
• Works well under pressure to manage stressful situations.
• Flexible to meet scheduling needs and handle often unpredictable changes.

QUALIFCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in any area related to Science or Human services and/or Linguistics

Experience

3+ year’s relevant experience in interpretation in a hospital environment performing all essential duties of a translator/interpreter

Certification and Licensure

Completion of The Weill Cornell “Bridging the Gap” Medical Interpreter Training Program or equivalent Medical Interpreter Certification Program

(Or Successful completion of the essential certification program within the first year of employment.)