Healthcare Interpreter

CORE VALUES 

The core values of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) are dignity and stewardship. Each staff member is expected to perform their job duties in a way that preserves dignity for our patients and maintains good stewardship of the Center's resources. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position provides accurate interpretation and translation of critical medical information in direct service to physicians and/or other health care providers or support staff who are seeing patients who cannot speak or understand English.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Precisely and accurately interprets critical medical advice and information given by the provider into equivalent terminology in the patient’s native language.
• Interpret information regarding the patient’s and family’s medical needs including consent for treatment, history and physical assessment, etc.
• Ensure the patient and the health care provider understand the questions, answers and instructions transmitted by the speaker.
• Assist health care providers in understanding patient’s culture as it relates to health service interaction.
• Assists in translating medical text from English on behalf of internal and external customers; may translate patient education information as requested.
• Establishes and maintains quality service and positive interaction with patients, customers, visitors, health care providers and other staff members.
• Assists with patient follow-up as necessary, to include contacting patients with appointment reminders.
• Provides occasional services outside of normal working hours on an as-needed basis.
• May accompany and/or transport a CHC/SEK patient to another appointment outside of the CHC/SEK health system, such as to rehabilitation services or to a specialist appointment.
• Perform all duties, services and documentation in full compliance with CHC/SEK policies and procedures.
• Trains new interpreters to the organization and may assist with interview process of applicants.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Medical terminology.
• Valid drivers license.
• Interpreter/Translator Certificate and/or Certificate of competency from an approved Interpreter/Translator training program required. Certification must be obtained within six months from either date of hire or effective date of transfer to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient-and employee-base
• Demonstrate knowledge of the rationale of appropriate patient care.
• Communicates through appropriate channels. Use proper chain of command for patient complaints.
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Must be computer literate.
• Must be able to maintain good inter-personal relationship with co-workers and other members of the health care team and the organization.
• Provide customer service in accordance to the organization’s mission.
• Be courteous and respectful when interacting with patients and family members.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance to organization’s policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Computer work is frequent. Good lighting and comfortable temperature of ventilation at all times. May be exposed to situations where personal protective equipment and other safety precautions need to be used.