American Sign Language Interpreter II (PRN) Job at Medstar in Washington

General Summary of Position Provides medical interpretation and coordination for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf with additional Disabilities, non-verbal, neurodivergent ASL users, Deaf Low Vision, and DeafBlind [tactile/ pro-tactile] patients and families. Identifies and triages needs and issues to ensure language access and culturally sensitivity; provides appropriate care for these patients and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings.



Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Provides accurate and unbiased medical interpretations to facilitate and assure culturally appropriate, clear understanding and direct communication between MWHC providers and Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf with additional Disabilities, non-verbal, neurodivergent ASL users, Deaf Low Vision, and DeafBlind tactile/ pro-tactile patients and families/support person(s).

Performs a variety of administrative and clerical tasks including, but not limited to answering phones, triaging and dispatching interpreters, entering appointments in the department schedule, scheduling interpreters, collaborating with vendors, collaborating with counterparts in the department, etc.

Provides a cultural interface and assessment of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf with additional Disabilities, non-verbal, neurodivergent ASL users, Deaf Low Vision, and DeafBlind tactile/ pro-tactile patients and families to alert and refer issues and concerns appropriately to management, patient advocates, the medical team or supporting services that may be related to differences in cultural practices, views, or beliefs and that may impact care or place the patient, provider, or institution at risk.

Supports team process for interviewing, screening, selection, and mentoring interns. They will participate in providing internship assessments for the ASL interpreting students.

Works collaboratively with manager to develop systems, interpreter reports, patient profiles, and notes on cases in progress to ensure effective hand-off and continuity of service in the event of absence or uses of vendor interpreter.

Maintains the strict confidentiality of all interpreted conversations, and written documents concerning the patient's medical condition and treatment.

Maintains the highest level of professionalism, correctness, and neutrality in providing language interpretation services to MWHC patients. Adheres to the National Association for the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct.

Participates in rotating, after hours on-call program.

Provides training and in-services to hospital staff and departments on Standard Practices and Cultural insights.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher required
• 7 - 10 years of interpreting with National Certification, preferably medical interpreting, may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Experience

• 3-4 years interpreting, preferably medical interpreting required

Licenses and Certifications

• NIC-National Interpreter Certification (through RID-Registry for Interpreters for the Deaf) required or
• CT/CI-Certificate of Interpreters/Certificate of Translation required or
• BEI-Board Evaluation of Interpreters-Medical Certificate required or
• BEI-Board Evaluation of Interpreters-Advanced Certificate required or
• BEI-Board Evaluation of Interpreters-Masters Certificate required or
• NAD-National Association of Deaf-Level IV or V required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to identify and address obstacles to high-quality patient care and satisfaction; diffuse stressful situations; and to work in multi-culturally diverse environment
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Well-developed listening, interpretative and conciliation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and TEAMs

This position has a hiring range of $33.86 - $63.13