Interpreter: MetroWest Medical Center

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under general supervision and according to established procedures, interprets Spanish, Portuguese, and English for patients of all ages, family members, physicians, and Hospital staff, as necessary, to facilitate communication across language barriers. Ensures quality and safe delivery of care to patients in the following age groups: All ages; Neonates; Infancy; Toddler; Preschool; School age; Adolescent; Adult; Geriatric. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Communication: Communicates patient information, medical procedures, diagnostic information, discharge instructions, etc. Attends patient exams so that steady two-way communication can be maintained. Is alert to breakdowns in communication and suggests appropriate solultions, within the role of medical interpreter. Functions as a cultural broker between patients and providers to bridge their different cultural understanding. 2. Interpreting: Interprets Spanish/English and Portuguese/English for patients, physicians, and other Hospital staff, accurately and completely, using necessary terminology and combining the ability to interpret both the cultural and linguistic needs of the patient/provider. Explains cultural differences or practices to health care providers and patients when appropriate and communicates any special patient need to provider. Maintains and improves expertise through appropriate continuing education. Participates in training and informational sessions as they become available and as required by Coordinator. Interprets and acts according to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Medical Interpreters Association (MMIA). 3. Supporting Duties: When not performing interpreting, assists in performing office support duties, which may include answering phone calls, retrieving messages from voice mail, writing down requests for interpreters and making phone calls to fill such requests, as well as followup calls. Provides office assistance as needed. Keeps accurate statistical data of encounters for the program's statistical purposes. As part of a team, offers linguistic knowledge for occasional translation and proofreading of translations as requested. 5. Customer Service: Refers inquires and suggestions for improving services and care to appropriate personnel and refers complaints and problems to Administration according to established procedures. Must have utmost discretion, ability to maintain patients' and employees' confidentiality and ability to recognize the potential impact of actions upon patients, employees, and Medical Center morale and operation. Treats all patients and Hospital personnel with respect and courtesy. Handles situations within the department and according to established procedures. Promotes understanding and commitment to the Hospital's philosophy of patients' rights and assists in strengthening the level of satisfaction with Hospital services. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS: 1. Satisfactory flluency in English and target language(s) at a level that ensures accurate and understandable interpretation. Formal medical interpreting training preferable. Satisfactory medical terminology. 2. Strong interpersonal skills to maintain harmonious relationships with all levels of Hospital personnel and patients. Tact, poise, sensitivity in eliciting and presenting facts and ideas, and the ability to inspire professional respect and trust in dealing with complex, sensitive, and emotional issues. Excellent organizational skills, the ability to set priorities, and problem solving skills.
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