Part-Time Interpreter/Translator

SUMMARY: The Interpreter/Translator under the general direction of the Chief Operating Officer works cohesively with all staff in providing effective communication (interpretation) between MedNorth Health Centers’ patients and clinical staff as needed.

PRIMARY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: (other duties may be assigned):

Responsible for listening to, understanding, and appropriately translating spoken or written statements from one language to another. Facilitate cross-cultural communication for non-English speaking patients of all ages.

• Facilitate effective communication between patient and clinical staff that do not speak a similar language by converting one spoken or written language to another.
• Provide written translation services.
• Follow-up with patients which may include making telephone calls and documentation.
• Provide language interpretation to non-English speaking patients.
  
  

Corporate Compliance: It is an essential job element that everyone be compliant with the full law and fully cooperate with the compliance program without fear of retaliations from the organization.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skills, and/or ability required:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High School diploma or equivalent; experience may be substituted for education; must have at least one year of health care related experience.

Successful completion of a formalized interpreter program and certification strongly preferred. Knowledge of medical terminology, practice and procedure.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL/MOTOR SKILLS: Must understand medical terminology, possess mathematical skills, accurate keyboarding skills, ability to process work error free -- Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and facsimile machines -- Ability to learn, understand, and use Internet insurance eligibility systems

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills -- Excellent telephone etiquette -- Teamwork and communication skills essential -- Treat all patients, co-workers, and managers with courtesy and respect Knowledge of cultural customs of the groups and communities using the specified language (s).

MENTAL ABILITIES: Cognitive reasoning -- Clear thinking in high-pressure situations -- Ability to prioritize and withstand pressure of continual work with variable requirements -- Ability to concentrate and maintain accuracy despite frequent interruptions -- Critical thinking and organization skills, problem solving, and reasoning capabilities

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, write and speak English and required language (s) fluently.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear, use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Ability to concentrate and listen for long periods of time.

The special vision requirements for this job are close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors).

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions for this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MedNorth Health Center provides comprehensive health care services, inside a multi-cultural medical/dental clinic, to all individuals; insured, uninsured, and underinsured. The building is heated in winter and air conditioned in the summer with noise levels of moderate to loud. We serve patients who speak multiple languages and who may need the assistance of an interpreter. In this position one may be subject to exposure to copier toner, correction fluid, bright fluorescent lighting, and continuous personal computer exposure.

This job is a bloodborne Pathogens risk category III position.

General Expectations

The employee is expected to attend work on a daily basis and to be at work on time.

The employee is expected to be a team player.

The employee is expected to report absences in accordance with personnel policies and procedures.

The employee's work is expected to be accurate, neat, and thorough, and completed on time.

The employee is expected to have a positive attitude, be cooperative, and considerate of others.

The employee is expected to be dependable and is expected to accept responsibility for assignments and duties given.

The employee is expected to dress and act in a professional manner and to adhere to all safety standards.

The employee is expected to participate in staff meetings, be courteous and polite with patients and other staff.

The employee is expected to maintain confidentiality.

NOTE: This job description may be changed only with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, and should be reviewed at least annually between the employee and the supervisor of the position.