Medical Interpreter

Job Title: Medical Interpreter

Location: Various Locations

Company Overview:

Cooperative Health has been serving the Midlands area since 1981. We are South Carolina's largest and most cost-effective community health center system and we are hiring! We are looking for people who are passionate about providing accessible, high quality, compassionate healthcare in the Spirit of the Good Samaritan.

Position Summary:

The role of the Medical Interpreter is to provide services for our Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Patients by breaking down the language barrier. Medical Interpreters provide accurate medical interpretation of critical medical information between Cooperative Health Staff and patients. Travel amongst all clinical sites as needed to provide English/target language interpretations. Act as a cultural consultant to staff and as advocate for non-English speaking patients/families. Assesses and monitor the patient's understandings of the information conveyed and keeps physicians/staff informed as to the level of that understanding. The Coordinator will also provide ongoing training and testing for employees who are designated as medical interpreters.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Performs medical interpretation/translation for patients and their families, including in-group settings such as family conferences.
• Makes notations in the patient's chart indicating the origin of the request for interpretation or translation, the nature of the service provided (such as interpreting treatment orders, pharmacy instructions) and an assessment of the patient's understanding and level of acceptance of the information. Ensures the above occurs accurately and consistently with all staff under the direction of the ISC.
• Translates correspondence, medical histories, medical consent forms, medical procedures and instructions, legal documents, manuals, brochures, and other pertinent documents as necessary.
• Assesses patient's/family's comprehension of "informed consent" as needed. Advises physician/patient care staff of any need for clarification.
• Ensures access to community resources for non-English speaking patients and their families.
• Participate in monthly medical interpreter meetings.
• Fill in as needed at any of the Cooperative Health locations for interpretive services.
• Works with management to ensure ADA and national interpreter standards are met and complied with.
• Ability to handle protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
• Maintains up to date data sheets
• Ability to work well with all individuals at all levels of the organization
• Bi-annual Medical Terminology Testing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience :

• High School diploma or GED
• Candidate must have one year of medical interpreting or related work experience.
• Strong interpretation/translation skills in target language.
• Certification for Medical/Healthcare Interpreters preferred.
• Experience in providing quality customer service preferred; must be able to work with diverse clientele
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Must have experience working with computers and other office equipment (i.e., copiers, scanners, etc.)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
• May be required to take a bilingual test.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

The above information is intended to describe the most important aspects of the job. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required in order to perform the work.

Cooperative Health provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Cooperative Health complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation and training.