Medical Interpreter

Medical interpreter in Springfield, MA | Baystate Health Careers

Department: Interpreter services

Location: Baystate Medical Center, Springfield MA

Job Type: Per diem

Shift: Night

Schedule:

Per Diem position. One week of on-call work (8p - 6a for 7 days including weekend) every 4-6 works. Additional shifts available daytime, evenings and weekends as needed. Testing to prove fluency prior to hire. On the job training will be provided. Individual must become nationally certified within 18 months of hire date. Very interesting job that provides an on-ramp to a career in healthcare.

Summary: 

Provides oral interpretation and limited written translation between limited English proficient (LEP) patients and their families and English-speaking providers and other members of the patient care team. Will provide minimal clerical assistance to the department as necessary. Must have proven verbal and written fluency in English and a second language. Must possess excellent customer service skills, be able to work independently, be able to multitask, and be a self-starter. Will follow the national standards of practice and ethics as defined by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care. National certification as a medical/health care interpreter is preferred. Adheres to federal and state laws regarding medical interpreting as well as system and department policies. Is courteous and helpful in all interactions with patients, visitors, and coworkers. Observes and promote BH organizational standards of behavior. Adheres to all system and departmental compliance policies and any and all applicable laws and regulations. Required to perform other duties as assigned. Management has the right to add, remove, and/or change responsibilities at any time. Although not required at hire, has 12 months to gain experience and knowledge and then must obtain the highest level of national certification for the individual's language pair as a healthcare/medical interpreter from either national organization providing testing within 18 months of hire. Subsequent to obtaining national certification, one must fulfill continuing education unit (CEU) requirements to maintain it. If not fully certified CHI/CMI (written and oral), must take an oral certification exam within six months of when it becomes available for language pair.

Job Responsibilities: 

1) Provides fluid consecutive or simultaneous verbal interpretation to assist patients, families, and providers. Follows national standards of Accuracy, Confidentiality, Impartiality, Respect, Cultural Awareness, Role Boundaries, Professionalism, Professional Development, and Advocacy.

2) Spot/Sight translates only brief passages of up to 3 paragraphs. Forwards frequently used documents/instructions to Interpreter & Translation Services for translation.

3) Documents interpreting encounters in electronic medical records and other systems as required by the department during or at the end of each shift with at least 80% accuracy.

4) Functions as a team member both within the health system as well as with Interpreter and Translation Services. Informs departmental office staff of his/her availability between encounters and returns to the office if possible or if requested. Logs in to automated call distribution telephone line when in the main office. Responds as appropriate to requests for assistance by other interpreters. Responds to pages by anyone within 5 minutes to assess need. Accurately documents appointment requests by phone onto paper forms or other means required. Checks BH e-mail daily or at a minimum each time s/he works. Assists with clerical duties as needed or assigned.

5) Attends at least 9 monthly Interpreter & Translation Services staff meetings each year. Attends a minimum of 10 hours of a medical interpreter or related training during the first 12 months after hire and works toward national certification. Studies medical terminology in English and target language continuously.

Required Work Experience: 

1) None

Preferred Work Experience: 

1) 1 year

Skills and Competencies: 

1) Above average written and oral fluency in English and at least one other language

2)  Must be able to move swiftly throughout the hospital and outpatient locations

3)  Must be able to translate brief passages (no more than 3 paragraphs) from English to the target language or target language to English

4)  Must be able to move swiftly throughout the hospital and outpatient locations

5)  Within 18 months of hire, must obtain the highest level of national certification for the individual's language pair as a healthcare/medical interpreter from either national organization providing testing, and fulfills continuing education unit (CEU) requirements to maintain it

6)  If not fully certified CHI/CMI (written and oral), must take an oral certification exam within six months of when it becomes available for language pair

Education:

Certifications:

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

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