Medical Interpreter American Sign Language

• Provides interpretation for patients and their providers in a manner that promotes confidentiality and at a professional distance within the particular cultural context in all clinical and diagnostic settings for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists.
• Encourages direct communication between patient and health care team to build rapport and provides assurance that the listener understands the message.
• Facilitates follow up appointments, assists with appropriate referrals, transportation issues and bill processes.
• Reviews all translation (written) projects for designated language for patient education materials.
• Adheres to all federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the practice of medical interpreting in healthcare. Assists with Americans with Disabilities Act compliance as needed.
• Functions in a collaborative relationship with Social Services, Behavioral Health, financial counseling and chaplaincy, including advanced directives, psychiatric evaluation and issues of homelessness, domestic violence and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA).
• Documents daily work activity certification on official departmental logs and charts interpretation in patient medical records.
• Assists with technology needs for the deaf and hard of hearing patients.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department’s policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Sign Language Interpreter license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHH), and
• A valid drivers license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles, or
• Driver license issued by the state of Illinois.

Education Required:

• Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Medical Interpreter or related field.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 1 year of experience in using American Sign Language in a medical setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Must be bilingual in spoken English and American Sign Language.
• Must possess demonstrable, advance/professional experience using and understanding medical terminology, including anatomy, diagnostic process, and treatment and prevention models.
• Must be able to use American Sign language and command of medical terminology to interpret in all clinical and diagnostic settings for patients, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists.
• Must possess an understanding and sensitivity of the cultural identity of deaf and hard of hearing patients. Must also understand the need for confidentiality, and the cultural aspects of the medical environment.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to utilize video interpreting techniques.
• Ability to travel between sites.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• May be exposed to blood and body fluids; therefore, personal protective equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Position requires travel. May be exposed to road and weather hazards.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Must have functional speech, vision, touch and hearing.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.