Medical Interpreter - Flagstaff Medical Center

Overview

The Medical Interpreter provides general and Navajo medical interpretation services to assist limited-English proficiency Navajo speaking patients, their families and healthcare providers at FMC. The Medical Interpreter collaborates with other departments and interpreters to assist and support the interpretation services as needed for patient care, family communication and health care provider services. This role assesses and monitors patients' understanding of information conveyed via the interpretation services and advises medical personnel of any issues that may impact patient care. The position records and monitors interpretation activities, and trains others to do the same, according to hospital and department standards. This position participates in the implementation, orientation to and training and evaluation of various language interpreting and language assistance services related to the FMC language assistance plan.

A single incumbent Lead Medical Interpreter also maintains the powerpoint for new hires and orients new hires, participates in the Ethics Committee and Donor Network as needed, participates in grant research and application writing for interpreter services funding as needed, maintains the interpreter training manual and the interpreter log, facilitates certifications for interpreters, liaisons for the Cyracom ipads, phones and TTY, and mentors, answers questions and shares information with fellow interpreters.

Responsibilities

Operations* Demonstrates ability to communicate sensitive information.

* Provides language support to all providers, staff and administration.

* Demonstrates ability to collaborate with diverse populations from various economic backgrounds and full range of age groups.

* Assist with the development of reports, presentations and grant proposals.

* Demonstrates ability to cope with varying/unpredictable situations.

* Collaborates with interdisciplinary staff to provide care and support for patients and their families.

* Maintains charting and provides data reporting of interpreter services.Equipment Management* Maintains knowledge of troubleshooting protocol and support resources.

* Demonstrates ability to assist all staff in providing language support to patients/families.Compliance/Safety* Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety-related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.

* Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility.

* If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.

* Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame.

* Adheres to department standards for best practices with documentation and reports.

Qualifications

Education:

Associate’s Degree in related field or equivalent experience - Preferred

Certification & Licensures:

Fingerprint Clearance Card application number- Required upon hireFingerprint Clearance Card- Required within 90 days of hireRegistered for Navajo Interpreter course - Required within 6 months of hireNavajo Interpreter course certification - Required within 12 months of hire

Experience:

Fluent in the Navajo language - Required

Minimum 1 year work experience in an academic or healthcare setting- Preferred

Minimum 1 year Navajo medical interpretation or direct patient care experience- Preferred

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.