Hybrid Lead Interpreter- Portuguese & CV Creole na BROCKTON NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER INC

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Interpreter Lead serves a dual function for the health center, providing direct service to health center clients for the majority of the work day along with an administrative/supervisory role within the department for a few hours weekly. The role of the interpreter is to work as the communications liaison between non-English speaking clients and health center providers and staff to facilitate accurate and complete communications. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service Responsibilities:

• Interprets for clients who visit the health center for medical or other purposes.  Interprets completely and accurately, keeping all parties fully involved in the conversation.  Private, exclusionary conversations between interpreter and staff or between interpreter and client are inappropriate.  The role of the interpreter is to interpret only.  Interpreters should not make decisions for the client or filter information.
• Asks for feedback to ensure all parties understand each other completely.  Asks all parties if they have any questions or confusion and clarifies as needed.
• Notifies provider or other staff immediately if unable to communicate fluently with client.  If clinical or other essential information is being discussed, interpreter should request the assistance of another interpreter who is better able to communicate with the client.
• Interprets over the telephone for clients calling to schedule appointments or calling for other reasons.
• May translate written materials as needed.
• Serves as chaperone when needed.   
• Adheres to health center's policies at all times, particularly the policy on confidentiality.

Administrative/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Daily check-ins with charge nurses and office management supervisors re: daily flow and needs.  Problem solve when necessary seeking guidance from supervisor when appropriate.
• Daily editing of on-line interpreter request system.
• Conduct annual employee evaluations, ensuring that assigned evaluations are completed with-in one month of due date.
• Provide support and guidance to assigned employees.
• Work one evening shift per week and 1 Saturday a month.
• Serve as back-up for Supervisor of Interpreter Services when the supervisor is away from health center.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in a busy community health center in a downtown business district.  Work is often stressful due to time pressures and the emotional needs of clients.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical demands requiring lifting of small pieces of equipment and/or boxes not to exceed over 20 pounds. Mostly standing and walking required. Visual acuity sufficient for frequent reading. Hearing acuity sufficient for holding conversations with or without audio devices.

Qualifications

MINIMUM SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

Must be fluent in English and another language spoken by clients of the health center (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Haitian Creole, or French).

Two years’ experience as a certified Medical Interpreter.

Excellent interpersonal skills required including sensitivity to individual and cultural issues that may affect the information gathering process.  Utilizes tact, courtesy, and discretion. Must possess the ability to maintain a stable presence under stress, including instances when clients may be highly emotional.