Interpreter, Spanish

POSITION SUMMARY

Primarily responsible for interpreting health information between English and Spanish for clients receiving Family Planning, Adult Health/STD services at the Tulsa Health Department. May be asked to assist other clinical areas with translation/interpretation services as needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position, but is not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

(100% of Time): 1. Secures client health history by interpreting the history form for clients. 2. Interprets explanations for obtaining screening tests and diagnostic tests. 3. Interprets questions and explanations during physical assessment, routine visits, lab visits, and social worker intake. 4. Interprets diagnosis and plans of care for clients. 5. Interprets teaching or counseling provided in the clinic. 6. Interprets and facilitates referrals to community resources. 7. Translates materials from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English. 8. Completes Medicaid Eligibility forms for clients and prepares them for mailing. 9. Assists the clinician in rooming clients for health assessments. 10. Performs data entry in PHOCIS software. 11. Assists in all clinic programs as needed to improve patient flow by scheduling appointments for clients. 12. Communicates with clients through phone calls with appointment reminder information and instructions. 13. Act as interpreter liaison for the Tulsa Health Department in conjunction with contract physicians for tubal ligations and vasectomies. 14. Coordinate patient contact and referrals with the Family Planning nurse. 15. Assists with application and completion of the SoonerCare plan for eligible clients. 16. Assists with clerical duties as needed: answering phones, scheduling appointments, pulling and filing charts, making copies, and sending faxes. 17. Completes required training in support of duties and responsibilities. 18. Other duties as assigned, including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of English and Spanish languages, written and verbal, required.
• Prefer a bilingual person who is a native speaker of Spanish and has knowledge of medical terminology.
• Certificate in medical interpretation preferred.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in translating/interpreting.
• Experience in a medical office preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish and English at various educational levels in a wide range of circumstances.
• Ability to relate to people of all ages, races, socio-economic backgrounds, and cultures.
• Effective oral and written communication skills when working with various community organizations and interacting with diverse groups of internal and external contacts.
• Effective interpersonal skills in working with personnel at all organizational levels.
• Good communication skills with clients in completing forms and records to assure confidentiality in collecting and protecting personal health information (PHI).
• Flexibility in acquiring and learning new tasks.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) required.

Licenses:

None

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Frequent internal contact with physicians, nurses, and other department personnel to exchange information regarding patient care, test results, and to discuss medical problems and treatment.
• External contact with patients to gather and provide health information.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Physical effort is required to lift and move equipment and supplies (up to 20 lbs.)
• Often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Some stooping, bending, and squatting may be required when providing direct-client services
• Repetitive computer and telephone use
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication
• Frequent communication with clients and team members
• Must be able to exchange accurate information over the phone, email, electronic medical records, and other modes of communication

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY

Direct Supervision

• None Indirect Supervision
• None Budget/Money/Material
• Responsible for assigned equipment Reports to
• Administrative/Interpreter Supervisor

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be exposed to noisy environments, possible occasional exposure to communicable diseases, and emotional clients. Demanding, fast-paced, high-volume clinic.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess the ability and willingness to perform job-related travel
• Must maintain THD record confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt