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Provides bilingual interpretation services to the target language or to Limited English Proficient (LEP) throughout the University for patients, their families and others.
Job Responsibility:
Manages flow of communication autonomously and efficiently between source and target language during medical and non-medical healthcare encounters across URMC’s diverse and numerous clinical specialties in inpatient and ambulatory settings
Interprets all assignments, whether prescheduled or received via pager, in a timely and professional manner in accordance with hospital policy
Weighs the goals of each encounter in collaboration with clinical healthcare providers and non-clinical hospital staff to determine the situational context of the patient interaction
Chooses appropriate communication ground rules and methods, informs all parties of the role of the interpreter, and briefs healthcare professionals on any knowledge possessed by the interpreter regarding the patient or encounter
Assesses and recommends most effective communication method for patients with barriers to communication, altered mental status, or other special communication needs
Verifies patient’s preferred language is correctly identified
Selects appropriate mode for optimal flow of communication (consecutive, simultaneous, sight‐translation)
Proposes most suitable service delivery modality (in‐person, video, telephone) based on the needs of the patient, and in the event of unforeseen communication barriers
Debriefs with healthcare professionals after the encounter, as necessary, to optimize the understanding of the conversational content and provide linguistic and cultural insights
Monitors for linguistic misunderstandings where they exist and recommends adjustments to level of formality and style as needed
Prioritizes, triages, and responds in a timely and appropriate manner to multiple service requests in order of critical urgency and patient acuity
Supports cultural responsiveness by assessing for cross-cultural impact on communication (verbal and nonverbal) between patients and healthcare providers during highly complex interpersonal encounters
Monitors for cultural misunderstandings where they exist and devises appropriate intervention as needed to empower the patient to participate in decisions related to their care
Intervenes by confirming with all parties if a possible cultural misunderstanding has occurred by culturally mediating order to avoid assumptions, disrespect, or immediate harm
Facilitates the understanding of cultural differences and promotes direct communication to build trust and enhance patient satisfaction
Informs patients of available supports as appropriate (Social Worker, Case Manager, Care Coordinator, Financial Coordinator, Chaplain, etc.)
Promotes inclusive and equitable communication during interactions with all parties
Contributes as integral member of clinical and non-clinical healthcare teams, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week as the specialist in language and culture
Provides interdisciplinary education to all team members for effective communication, as needed, during encounters, patient trainings and teachings
Facilitates meaningful access to URMC health programs for patients with limited English proficiency to remain compliant with various regulations
Identifies interpreting service needs based on patient/provider dynamics, best practices, and effective communication, and informs program leadership of recommendations for service enhancements
Applies established national healthcare interpreter code of ethics and standards of practice
Adheres to Joint Commission Standards, department policies, safety protocols and infection control standards, and completes service provision documentation in electronic medical record
Discloses and justifies any potential limitations, conflicts or need for recusal appropriately and timely
Supports and upholds patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA
Intervenes impartially and transparently, when necessary, acting within appropriate professional boundaries to protect autonomy, dignity, and safety of all parties
Maintains interpreter performance‐based skills assessed either at time of hire or through direct observation
Enhances skills by participating in activities for professional growth and development through interpreter webinars, conferences, annual trainings, and self‐directed learning
Completes scheduled training and other required staff activities
Completes all documentation, paperwork and administrative duties
Requirements:
Associate’s degree Required
Must be fluent in English and Spanish with strong verbal and written skills in both languages Required
Completion of 40 hour training course in medical interpreting Required
Ability to travel to offsite locations Required
Bachelor’s degree Strongly preferred
One year interpreting in a healthcare setting Strongly preferred
Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical tests and procedures in working languages Strongly preferred
Strong customer service and communication skills Strongly preferred
Certification in healthcare interpreting through CCHI or IMIA strongly preferred at time of hire or within 18 months of hire Preferred