American Sign Language Interpreter

GENERAL SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing clinical language interpretation for Hurley Medical Center’s Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind patients, their families and hospital associates. The qualified American Sign Language (ASL) Medical Interpreter performs interpretation requiring proficiency in oral and written English and American Sign Language, to ensure Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind patients obtain equal access to medical care. The qualified American Sign Language (ASL) Medical Interpreter will provide interpretation to patients, medical providers and medical center staff. The interpreter will adhere to an exemplary code of ethics at all times. Complies with all appropriate safety and infection control standards.  Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities.  Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direct supervision of the Language Services coordinator or designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Serves as a resource and consultant to nursing personnel, physicians, residents, and other health professionals throughout the Medical Center, ambulatory site locations, and surrounding communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Provides interpreting services to patients, families, designated care partners, and employees to ensure appropriate access to information and exceptional care is provided. 
2. Provide information and education to staff regarding ADA, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Deaf Persons Interpreter Act, and Title VI requirements for language access services of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients are met. Serve as a cultural broker providing cultural awareness as appropriate relating to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and LEP (Limited English Proficient) patients.
3. Initiates and develops positive relationships with patients, visitors , health care providers, fellow interpreters and staff, exhibiting respect, flexibility and cooperation at all times.
4. Communicates accurately and concisely without bias between patients, staff and health care providers. Abide by the RID Code of Ethics. 
5. Proactively communicates with all staff members in an accurate and timely manner.
6. Assist in the Language Services department by tracking and trending patient and family complaints and satisfaction. Audits daily reports to ensure hospital compliance and standards are met. 
7. Strives to meet or exceed the expectations of patients, visitors and other staff members in the spirit of quality and excellence. Utilizes all HMC resources in a cost effective manner.
8. Documents accurately and completely in the patients EMR any pertinent information such as the occurrence of language interpreting services, patient's refusal for interpreting services, or when it is felt that communication has not taken place and should that occur, follows up appropriately.
9. Utilizes computer systems effectively including: Epic, MIDAS and Google office applications. 
10. Is responsible/accountable for professional development in accordance with professional medical interpreting standards. 
11. Must maintain constant and open verbal and written communication when on assignment and report to the office upon completion of assignment.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree from an Interpreter Training Program or equivalent experience in the field of interpreting and deafness is required.
• Applicant must hold one of the following certifications for employment:  MI BEI II, CI, CT, OTC, NAD IV, NIC, NIC Advanced or NIC Master
• Michigan medical/mental health endorsement and DeafBlind endorsements are required
• Must be a registered interpreter with the State of Michigan and listed on the Michigan Interpreter online System (MOIS). 
• Valid MI Driver’s license 

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional codes of conduct covering confidentiality, informed consent and privacy as outlined by the Registry of Interpreter of the Deaf.

• Three years of direct customer service experience, preferably in health care, including: - two years of ASL interpreting experience in a hospital or medical setting or - two years of ASL interpreting experience in other types of settings. 

•Proficient language skills in written English, spoken English and American Sign Language. 

• Must have knowledge of technical ASL/English vocabulary related to the medical field. 

• Ability to cooperate and work well with internal/external customers.

• Excellent communication, organizational and customer service skills. 

• Knowledge of computer applications is highly desirable

• Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations. 

• Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week, including nights, weekends and holidays. 

• Ability to balance and prioritize multiple interpretation requests on the same day or during the same time. 

• Ability to quickly respond to referrals to meet the needs of patients and families.