Certified Medical Interpreter

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Provides medical interpretation services between health care providers and patients and patient families with limited English proficiency. Demonstrates knowledge of the culture of the patient and family, the health care environment, and provides a cultural framework for understanding the message being interpreted.

Provision of Medical Interpreter/Translation Services

Assists in the delivery of competent, accurate, medical care and treatment by performing medical interpreting and translation services to all patients and patient families including but not limited to:

• Clarifies the role of a Medical Interpreter to patients and families. Serves as a resource regarding the culture and practices of Vibrant Health Clinics.
• Uses training and knowledge to ensure complete provider understanding of varying cultural beliefs and practices, as well as best practices regarding the use of interpreters.
• Works closely with providers and care teams to provide high-quality and culturally competent interpreting services.
• Provides English/Spanish interpreting during patient appointments at Vibrant Health Clinics. Accurately transmits what has been said one language into another in order to support the communication between the health care provider and the patient and family. Adjusts language and dialect to fit needs of families.
• Provides interpreter assistance to help families overcome barriers to care for patients referred for specialty appointments external to Vibrant Health Clinics.
• Carries out Vibrant Health’s mission to provide access to respectful, empowering, culturally sensitive and appropriate high-quality health care for the community, regardless of socio-economic obstacles.
• Accepts and uses supervision, direction and consultation to maximize available resources in the completion of work duties.
• All job responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed to maintain and improve effective functioning of the department and to advance the mission of the organization

Abides by the Medical Interpreter Code of Ethics:

1. Maintains confidentiality of patient and family “Protected Health Information” (PHI) and “Nonpublic Personal Information” (NPI); abides by HIPAA regulations.
2. Maintains non-judgmental attitude; refrains from interjecting personal opinions or counseling patients.
3. Respects patient self-determination- shall not influence the opinion of the patient/family.
4. Discloses any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
5. Maintains professional distance.
6. Refrains from engaging in interpretations that relate to issues outside the provision of health care services, unless qualified to do so.
7. Refrains from accepting assignments beyond professional skills, language fluency, or level of training.
8. Positions self appropriately to respect patient privacy during the physical examination.
9. Translates written patient-specific health care information or care instruction into the language of the patient or family as appropriate and as needed.
10. Seeks to increase and maintain interpreter skills and knowledge through continuing studies and training. Participates in continuing education programs as available; keeps abreast of evolving languages and medical terminology.
11. Develops relationships with external agencies for on-site and telephonic interpretation services for diverse populations.

Medical Records Administration and Technical/Support Services

As part of a team-based health care delivery model, assumes responsibility for electronic medical records quality control services including but not limited to:

1. Assists in monitoring patient demographics by ensuring the appropriate information is entered into the patient management system. Reviews patient documents for accuracy of data.
2. Scans and appropriately routes patient documents in the patient management system.
3. Reviews and distributes faxes received.
4. Inactivates patients from the clinic electronic health record when the Medical Office Receptionists indicate that they are no longer active patients.
5. Submits requests for outside interpreters for other languages.

Certification as a Medical Interpreter (CMI) or Health Interpreter (CHI) required. At least 6-12 months clinic/practice experience required. Bilingual fluency in written and oral English/Spanish required. Proficiency in use of personal computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Word & Excel) required.

Individual must:

1. Develop rapport with patients and their families, community, and other health care personnel.
2. Must exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor.
3. Work successfully within team environment and collaborate with other professional staff.
4. Demonstrate excellent customer service, helpfulness, and a positive attitude.
5. Possess superior organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
6. Demonstrate the ability to recognize, understand, and appreciate the value of cultural diversity. Demonstrate social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patients and staff.
7. Occasionally travel to each of the Vibrant Health facilities and throughout the community.

Working knowledge of electronic health records, medical terminology, and third party health care coverage preferred. Prior experience working in a health care environment.

Americans with Disability Specifications

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move materials that may weigh up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must have manual dexterity and experience to perform handwritten paper work, recordkeeping, and filing.
• Prolonged sitting, standing, or walking may be required.
• Frequent bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above the shoulders, twisting and turning, kneeling, and pushing/pulling may be required.
• Employment is contingent upon successful clearance from Criminal, Kansas and Missouri Child/Elder Abuse and Neglect, Sex Offender background investigations, TB testing, pre-employment drug testing, and verification of Hepatitis-B immunization.
• Occasional evening and weekend availability is required.

Trauma Informed Care

At Vibrant Health, we understand that many, if not most, people have experienced trauma in their lives. We have made a commitment to trauma informed care and support and educate team members continued development of understanding of how trauma affects individuals and coping strategies. We expect employees to incorporate their understanding about trauma into interactions with our patients and families, clinic visitors, and with each other.

Commitment to Diversity

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans.