Interpreter (Level II) at Swedish American – Rockford, Illinois

At UW Health in northern Illinois, you will have:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package including: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, retirement, short and long-term disability, paternity leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance

• Annual wellness reimbursement

• Opportunity for on-site day care through UW Health Kids

• Tuition reimbursement for career advancement--ask about our fully funded programs!

• Abundant career growth opportunities to nurture professional development

• Strong shared governance structure

• Commitment to employee voice

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs bi-lingual (Spanish/English) verbal interpreting for patients, family, visitors, and care providers. Must be able to use medical terminology effectively through interpretation or translations. Interprets accurately and completely for patients and providers via the telephone and in person. Documents the provision of all services accurately and in a timely manner. Prepares simple written translation of patient/family education documents. Helps patients and visitors find their way. Able to troubleshoot video remote interpreting devices and create service tickets with Information Systems or vendor sites. Able to access surgery, inpatient & outpatient schedules to identify LEP patients and coordinate appropriate communication services. Able to schedule American Sign Language services for patients. Be able to educate / inform staff about interpreter services. Acts as a guest relations liaison between Spanish-speaking patients and the patient care staff. Other duties as assigned.

Helps cover overflow of Guest Relations data entry by entering Service Recovery Forms, Press Ganey surveys and Grievance forms in the Complaint Management System. Able to facilitate team meetings and educate others on interpreter services. Assist in the development of policies & practices for the department. Participates in continuous quality improvement activities and educational experiences in support of departmental and Health System initiatives.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

High school diploma or GED.

Require certification of successful completion at least 40 hours of medical interpreter training from a nationally recognized organization (i.e. Bridging the Gap) or require Associates Degree in Medical Interpreting.

Must have proof of passing nationally recognized Medical Interpreter Skills Assessment exam within 12 months of hire.

Basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database software preferred.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Must be Nationally Certified through CCHI.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

At least 2 years of experience interpreting for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Spanish-speaking patients in a healthcare setting. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written English and Spanish using accurate bilingual medical terminology. Knowledge of interpreter ethics. Knowledge of local Hispanic community and culture. Ability to work independently. Ability to coordinate and manage multiple activities. Ability to establish and maintain effective and efficient working relationships with patients and their families, co-workers, all patient care providers and physicians.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

UW Health is committed to being a diverse, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Our integrity shines through in patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. Applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, LGBTQ+ and non-binary identities, women, persons with disabilities, military service members and veterans are strongly encouraged. EOE, including disability/veterans.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Interprets ethically and completely for patients and providers via the telephone and in person, using accurate bi-lingual (Spanish/English) medical terminology.

Maintains accurate and timely encounter records of the interpretation/translation services provided.

Provides accurate sight translation of English and Spanish for patient information or education materials and accurate written translation of English to Spanish for short phrases or words, as requested. Proof reads documents that are translated by outside vendors to verify accuracy and content.

Responds in a timely manner to all requests for interpreter services and prioritizes workload properly. Reports and refers all conflicts in priorities and unmet requests to supervisor or manager. Ability to recognize when cultural barriers to effective communication exit and intervene appropriately.

Establishes and maintains efficient, professional relationships with patients and their families, co-workers, supervisors, all patient care providers and physicians to better facilitate effective communications.

Acts as a guest relations liaison for Spanish speaking patients by participating in rounding and making discharge phone calls displaying excellent interpersonal and problem solving skills.