Spanish Medical Interpreter, Certified/ 40 Hours/ MGH- Revere Health Center

Under the direction of the Administrative Director the incumbent serves as a Spanish medical interpreter for patients and staff. Relays information accurately and completely between speakers of two different languages in compliance with all office and health center policies and procedures, particularly relating to patient confidentiality and informed consent, the MMIA Standards of Practice, and the Interpreters Office Code of Ethics.

Provide accurate and skilled interpretations to help facilitate successful delivery of services to non-English Spanish speaking consumers. Explain RHC resources, office protocols, and limitations to clinicians and patients; make appropriate referrals; serve as a resource to both patients and providers to contribute to successful outcomes.

Face to face interpretation for all types of encounters in the health center setting, such as:

• medical appointments and nurse assessments
• family meetings
• psychiatric and social work consultations
• informed consents and explanation of tests and procedures
• patient visits
• financial services

Interpretation over the phone in various situations such as:

• helping patients obtain information
• making, confirming or re-scheduling appointments
• providing simple medical instructions
• helping patients with any questions

Written translations as required in patient encounters such as filling out forms and medical instructions, and medication schedules; administrative translations such as letters to patients, documents, and patient materials.

Document encounters in EPIC and verify future appointments. Utilize on-line computer systems such as Outlook, Partners Directory, and Clinical Messaging in EPIC.

Special projects as assigned.

Fluency in English and one or more foreign languages (Spanish), both oral and written

Strong customer service skills and a positive approach

1 year of experience in a healthcare setting as a medical interpreter with strong medical vocabulary

Familiar with diversity of cultural/socio-economic backgrounds

Good interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills

Knowledge of computer systems

CCHI Certification preferred

Offer contingent upon passing Cyracom Language test

Interpreters testing at MGH Boston

Strong linguistic skills:

• understands variety of regional accents and linguistic styles and registers
• selects appropriate mode of interpretation for each situation
• interprets with highest degree of accuracy and completeness
• self-corrects, understands own linguistic limitations, seeks clarification and accepts correction
• picks up cues from encounter participants regarding level of understanding and/or need for clarification

Strong cultural awareness competencies:

• understands language as an expression of culture, recognizes the underlying assumptions of each party about medicine, the encounter, the illness etc.; uses this understanding to empower patient and provider to better understand each other.
• avoids generalizations and stereotyping
• uses culturally appropriate behavior and is able to choose appropriate time to clarify or interject by respecting the goals of the encounter
• is aware of own personal values, beliefs and cultural characteristics which may be a source of conflict or discomfort in certain situations, is able to acknowledge these and/or to withdraw from encounters when these may interfere with successful interpretation

Strong interpreting skills:

• explains role of the interpreter to patient and provider
• recognizes the complexity of the clinical encounter and added factor of linguistic barrier
• sets tone of the patient/provider encounter to manage spatial configuration and flow of communication to preserve accuracy and completeness, and to assess and address potential areas of discomfort for patient (age, gender of interpreter, no previous experience with interpreters)
• encourages and fosters direct communication between provider and patient
• maintains professional distance and integrity
• clarifies instructions, follow up steps in a diplomatic, effective manner

Ethical competency:

• understands and abides by hospital policies on patient confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination and by interpreters code of ethics

Interpersonal and customer service skills:

• projects positive attitude about the department and the health center, and offers services to ensure positive experience
• works as a team with colleagues and providers
• addresses concerns raised during or after an encounter by encouraging provider to make appropriate referral and/or assisting with making of appointment with right resource and booking interpreter as needed

Participates in, and contributes to, the successful operation of the interpreters office resulting in the highest level of satisfaction of internal and external clients of the office. Performs duties in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation. Adheres to hospital policies on customer relations and hospitality. Understands the health center system of service delivery.

Organizational skills:

• works well under pressure to manage stressful situations
• flexible to meet scheduling needs and handle often unpredictable changes
• sound judgment and confidence
• ability to handle multiple tasks
• detail-oriented and accurate

Well-organized and fast pace office environment. Adapts to priority change of clinical importance.

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Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.