Scope of Position

Interpreter services are a critical aspect of effective patient care, patient satisfaction, and directly links to the promise of providing personalized healthcare to improve peoples lives. The department provides interpretation and translation of critical medical information to physicians and health care providers who see patients with Limited English Proficiency by providing highly qualified and well-trained staff in medical interpretation via three resources: 1) Telephone 2) Two-way video services and 3) On-site Interpreters. Interpreter Services are provided 24/7 to ensure all Limited English Proficient, Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients, their families and surrogate decision-makers are able to understand their medical conditions and treatment options in their primary language and have interpreter services provided to them during the delivery of all significant healthcare services.

This positions primary role is to respond to the need of our culturally diverse patient population by ensuring that information is accurately communicated between Deaf /Blind and hard of hearing patients and healthcare providers or support personnel at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The quality of interpreting services and the cost effectiveness of the program are central to this role. This position serves as a Sign Language Interpreter utilized by OSUWMC staff to meet the communication needs of Deaf /Blind and hard of hearing patients seeking health care services. Patient volume fluctuates, as do the needs of the region, country, and dialect of the Deaf /Blind and hard of hearing population served. As these fluctuations are unpredictable, the flexibility of an onsite interpreter allows OSUMC to maintain highly trained medically specialized staff who work closely and support the needs of the patients.

Position Summary:

This positions primary role is to respond to the need of our culturally diverse patient population by ensuring that information is accurately communicated between Deaf /Blind and hard of hearing patients and healthcare providers or support personnel at OSUWMC. This is accomplished by providing language interpretation in coordination with the patients plan of care. This position must provide culturally competent care to patients and act as the benchmark for staff on cultural areas of importance when interpreting for patients. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing guidance to other staff interpreters and contracted agency interpreters, explaining and/or teaching about interpreter services to our health system staff, and reminding patients of their appointments/procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

For Hire: Applicant must pass language assessment screening and demonstrate prior medical interpreter experience. Desire 2-4 year degree in language interpreting or linguistic degree and/or degree in a clinical field. Must be a licensed driver with ability to travel to various locations for patient appointments throughout the work day. Completion of 40-hour medical interpreter training program along with passing score on examination post-offer. Internship and progress toward national certification exam within a year of employment for medical interpreters are preferred. Successful completion of a language proficiency test over the following: code of ethics, standard practices, and medical terminology. Other skills required: customer service, ability to collaborate with a variety of individuals across the organization, maintains confidentiality of records and information, ability to interact and communicate with people (often in stressful situations), ability to work outside of normal working hours as needed, and highly refined interpersonal, conflict resolution, problem solving, and listening skills. Ability to interpret medical and non-medical terminology to the target language.