Job Title: Interpretive Services Coordinator
 
Department: Clinical Services
 
Reports To: Clinical Services Manager or Patient Services Manager
 
Supervises: (Insert titles of appropriate staff supervised such as overseeing interpreters/translators)
 
Overtime Status:   ☐ Exempt    ☐ Non-exempt
 
Job Summary: This position is responsible for ensuring that interpretation and translation services are available to patients and staff in line with federal mandate that health care providers ensure accurate communication in any language. May personally provide some of these services and manage the outsourcing of other services to contractors.
 
Primary Job Responsibilities: (Select and/or modify these job responsibilities for your position) 

1. Translates written health care materials, health education materials, and administrative forms from English into specified language, e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, and Russian.
2. Performs oral interpretive services between medical staff and patients/families to facilitate communication in a variety of clinical settings to overcome any language and cultural barriers to understanding.
3. Conducts phone interviews, coordinates appointments, and documents relevant information under the direction of the provider.
4. Travels occasional to satellite offices, contractor offices, and community outreach centers.
5. Interviews patients/families to gather information on medical histories and patient complaints/concerns/questions.
6. Translates information into English-written medical records, documenting diagnosis, recommendations, and instructions. Records progress elicited in ongoing visits.
7. Assists providers in educating patients on diseases, disease prevention, clinic procedures, immunization schedules, and health management.
8. Identifies qualified contractors who can provide similar services in other languages.
9. Maintains database of outsource services including translation/interpretation in person or remotely by phone or other electronic means. Ensures both linguistic and medical terminology competence.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education: High school diploma required; college degree with emphasis on language skills preferred. Course work in basic anatomy and medical terminology.
 
Experience: Minimum three years of experience as professional translator/interpreter, preferably in clinic setting.
 
Other Requirements:

• Medical interpreter’s certificate from state.
• Successful completion of translation examples, interpreter practice sessions, and medical terminology tests.

Performance Requirements:
 
Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of written translation techniques and principles.
2. Knowledge of linguistics in English and specified language(s). Understanding of standards in language interpretation field.
3. Knowledge of specified culture’s beliefs and values, particularly those related to health care. Familiar with community resources for specified target population, including refugee and immigrant social services.
4. Knowledge of human anatomy, clinical procedures/protocols, and medical terminology.

Skills:

1. Skill in identifying and managing competent translator/interpreter contractors.
2. Skill in using interview techniques.
3. Skill in identifying appropriate community resources.

Abilities:

1. Ability to communicate in culturally sensitive, confidential manner while interpreting.
2. Ability to collaborate closely with health care team to ensure clinicians obtain accurate information and patient/family are fully informed.
3. Ability to analyze psychosocial aspects of culture and problem solve appropriately.
4. Ability to competently use Microsoft Office and appropriate practice management software.

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment, including computer hardware and software.
 
Work Environment: Medical office and exam rooms. Some travel to satellite offices and community cultural centers. Occasional exposure to communicable diseases.
 
Physical Requirements: (Documenting physical demands and work environment conditions ensures ADA compliance.) Either go to this link to customize and insert MGMA’s ADA Matrix for this position or, modify and use this recommended statement: “Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with an Interpretive Services Coordinator that is mostly sedentary with some standing, walking, and bending. Some stress related to ensuring accuracy of translation/ interpretation and dealing with patients who may be confused about instructions.
 
Salary Range:
 
Date: