An Interpreter or Translator uses language and communication skills to convert words and concepts from one spoken language to another, or from spoken language to sign language. Works with written information and texts to create translations that are accurate and capture the style and nuance of the original text.
A Certified Multi-Lingual Health Care Interpreter provides oral simultaneous, consecutive interpretation and sight translation throughout the medical center/designated location, in two (2) or more languages and/or dialects of service.
Essential Responsibilities:
Performs on-site and over-the-phone interpretation for patients, families and Kaiser Permanente and non-Kaiser Permanente health care providers who prefer to speak in their primary languages, other than English. Provides simple translation, under the supervision of Department Manager and/or Translator. Completes interpretation work requests as per protocol and provides accurate and timely documentation of work done. Participates as a member of the health care delivery team, exercising sensitivity and maintaining confidentiality of employee and patient information at all times. Provides expert knowledge regarding the interplay of medical treatment and key aspects of culture. Participates in educational programs from medical center staff, members and prospective members. Performs as mentors for interns of partnering interpreter programs.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
N/A Consistently demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other.
Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality; treats co-workers, patients and facility visitors with respect. Oral Communicatio n - Listens and gets clarification to ensure that instructions and requests are fully understood and ensures that interpretations are accurate and understood.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The incumbent is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The incumbent may regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The wok environment characteristics described here are representative of those an incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the incumbent is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to inpatients and outpatients who may be experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Grade 335
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
Experience N/A Education High School Graduate. Candidates must have completed a health care interpreter certificate training program that (1) is administered by an accredited educational institution. OR (2) is recognized by the California Healthcare Interpreter Association (CHIA) and exceeds 200 contact hours.
Typing speed: 35 wpm. Excellent oral command of English and more then one other language/dialect of Kaiser specified service, e.g., Cantonese, Spanish, etc. Ability to demonstrate professionalism in a demanding, high stress and fast-paced environment. Demonstrated understanding of cultural issues related to health care. Must be sensitive and knowledgeable of the distinction between neutral interpreting and patient advocacy. Must pass an oral and written competency exam. Basic computer skills required, i.e., Microsoft Office. Must be flexible and able to prioritize multiple tasks. Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment. Bilingual (English/Cantonese/Mandarin) Level II required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience as an Interpreter in a multi-specialty health care environment strongly preferred. Previous experience as an Interpreter strongly preferred (usually one (1) year) 2 years of college preferred.
