Major Responsibilities:

• Provides qualified interpreting services for staff, physicians, patients, family members, companions, and visitors.
  • 3)Accurately logs interpretation requests in order to track productivity and trend key areas of utilization.
  • 8)Follows the Standards of Practice for the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care for all interpreter interactions. These include but are not limited to accuracy of content, maintaining a non-judgmental attitude, acceptance of assignments, and professionalism.
  • 6)Maintains confidentiality of patient information and respects the patient's right to privacy.
  • 4)Assists staff with assessing the most appropriate mode of providing interpreting/other language services to patients, family members, companions, and visitors.
  • 5)Refers requests for interpreting services not handled by staff Medical Interpreters to telephonic, video remote interpreting, or agency. Assists with arranging for these other modalities.
  • 7)Demonstrates teaching strategies with patients/families/companions ensuring that language is not a barrier to the understanding of patient related information and take home materials.
  • 9)Demonstrates the ability to interact with internal customers and act as a liaison to the patient/family member/companion utilizing appropriate communication techniques.
  • 10)Provides emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to patients, family members, and companions.
  • 1)Provides continuous interpreting services for hospital patients, family members, companions, staff, physicians, and visitors during all phases of the patient experience. This includes but is not limited to registration, admission, medical treatment/procedures, obtaining informed consent, and the discharge process. May also be required to provide simultaneous interpretation.
  • 2)Interprets forms, non-technical instructions, patient information, and other patient related information.
• Coordinates scheduling of interpreting requests.
  • 3)Provides resources to obtain translation of documents.
  • 1)Coordinates the scheduling of employed Medical Interpreters, telephonic, video remote interpreting, and agency interpreters for requesting departments/units.
  • 2)Serves as a resource to care providers, patients, family members. and companions in determining the appropriate method of providing interpreting services.
• Actively enhances site patient experience initiatives..
  • 1)Triages patient complaints regarding language services; notifies supervisor of complaint.
  • 5)Continuously interacts with all associates, and internal and external customers in a professional, respectful, and collaborative manner.
  • 2)Completes Patient Safety Event Forms to identify communication barriers, gaps, and other opportunities for improvement.
  • 3)Identifies trends and key issues that impact the patient experience for patients with language services needs.
  • 4)Rounds and assists with leadership patient rounding for patients with language services needs.
• Responsible for ongoing education and development of staff and associates.
  • 1)Participates in education offerings and completes safety and other educational assignments within established time frame.
  • 2)Assists with educating associates as to the necessity for providing interpreting and other language assistance to patients, family members, and companions.
  • 3)Advises and teaches staff about cultural issues/concerns regarding diverse patients.
  • 4)Assists with ensuring that appropriate signage is posted at the main entrance, Admitting, Emergency Department, and Outpatient area(s).

Education/Experience Required:

• *Associate's degree in allied health or related field or minimum of 1-year equivalent experience as an interpreter preferably in healthcare

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• *Ability to read, write, fluently speak, and interpret a foreign language. *Ability to cooperate and work well with internal and external customers. *Excellent communication skills. *Excellent organizational skills. *Excellent customer service skills. *Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel computer applications
• *Certificate of Achievement indicating completion of a medical interpreting class such as Bridging the Gap (BTG) required. *Medical Interpreter Certification preferred. *Illinois licensure required for American Sign Language Interpreter.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• *Ability to stand and/or walk for up to 80% of shift. *Ability to work under stressful conditions and highly emotional, difficult situations. *Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week, including weekends, nights, and holidays. *Ability to handle multiple, complex tasks in a timely manner. *Resiliency and flexibility to work in a rapidly changing environment. *Ability to travel to offsite locations. *Must present a clean, well groomed, professional appearance at all times. *Must be able to push/wheel video remote interpreting computer/iPad carts.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.