Medical Interpreting
POSITION SUMMARY:
The interpreter serves as the communications liaison between non-English speaking clients and health center providers and staff to facilitate accurate and complete communications. The interpreter may be a health center employee or an outside interpreter. Employee interpreters will normally combine interpreting duties with the duties of another position.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Interprets for clients who visit the health center for medical or other purposes. Interprets completely and accurately, keeping all parties fully involved in the conversation. Private, exclusionary conversations between interpreter and staff or between interpreter and client are inappropriate. Interpreters should not make decisions for the client or filter information.
- Asks for feedback to ensure all parties understand each other completely. Asks all parties if they have any questions or confusion and clarifies as needed.
- Notifies provider or other staff immediately if unable to communicate fluently with client. If clinical or other essential information is being discussed, interpreter should request the assistance of another interpreter who is better able to communicate with the client.
- Interprets over the telephone for clients calling to schedule appointments or calling for other reasons.
- Serve as chaperone as needed.
- May translate written materials as needed.
- Adheres to health center’s policies at all times, particularly the policy on confidentiality.
MINIMUM SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:
- Medical Interpreter Certificate is required from an accredited institution.
- Must be fluent in English and another language spoken by health center clients.
- Excellent interpersonal skills are required including sensitivity to individual and cultural issues that may affect the information gathering process. Utilizes tact, courtesy, and discretion.
- Must possess the ability to maintain a stable presence under stress, including instances when clients may be highly emotional.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in a busy community health center in a downtown business district. Work is often stressful due to time pressures and the emotional needs of clients.
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