The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.
Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital’s policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.
* Is partially accountable for work product of others. Has the authority to work as group leader. Elements of direct control over other positions including assisting in the training of new staff members, communicating instructions, assigning work to others, monitoring progress and work flow, checking work for timeliness and accuracy or completeness, establishing work standards, scheduling work, and providing input into supervisor’s actions, including performance appraisals.
* Performs medical interpretation for patients and their families in consecutive and sight translation modalities in every area of the hospital and clinics including fast-paced and emotionally taxing situations; such as care conference, poor prognosis, and end-of-life discussions, short and long teaching sessions, rounds.
* Performs medical translation for patients and their families. Independently translates, edits and proofreads simple After Visit Summaries in an accurate, clear and timely manner (e.g., maternity, well baby, basic surgery procedures, etc.). Independently, translates, edits and proofreads complex After Visit Summaries in an accurate, clear and timely manner. (e.g., correspondence, Transplant, Oncology, medical procedures and instructions, etc., and other pertinent documents as necessary.)
* Connects patients and families to hospital resources, as needed.
Shares observations with medical staff, clinical social workers, patient experience staff, chaplains, and ancillary staff about potential patient’s needs to ensure quality patient care.
* Responds to Code emergency requests, confirms language preference, and provides interpretation for crisis interventions as necessary.
* May arrange interpretation for all languages for patients and families including: outside agencies, phone interpretation, spoken and sign language services, as needed
Participates in leadership activities in the department, which may include but not limited to: the Interpreter Services Professional Practice Council, the Buddy Program and/or the Internship Program.
* Assists with basic linguistic and advanced cultural brokering as needed, including non-verbal cues, hospital culture, and timing.
* Proficiently and independently implements principles of advocacy to support patient safety and autonomy with diplomacy and collaboration.
* Participates in Interpreter Services Professional Practice Council.
* Provides in-services and other presentations on behalf of the Department. Represents the Interpreter Services department on hospital-wide committees or other unit committees.
* Conducts ongoing review and development of department policies and procedures.