Interpreter

EPBH Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health seeks a medical interpreter to provide bilingual interpretation and translation for patients and families across hospital departments. You will explain policies, assist with language barriers, and support care teams in high-emotion situations.

The role requires an associate degree or equivalent, and a certified medical interpreter program of at least 40 hours. Prior healthcare interpreter experience is preferred for accurate terminology handling.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and a foreign language is required.
• Ability to accurately interpret and translate medical terminology.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills for emotionally charged situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide oral and limited written foreign language interpretation to patients.
• Translate medical instructions, forms, and dietary information.
• Explain hospital policies and billing processes to patients and families.
• Interact with medical staff, patients, and families to facilitate communication.

Skills

Bilingual English/Foreign

Medical terminology

Interpersonal communication

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Medical interpreter certificate (40 hours)

Job description

SUMMARY

Reports to the Manager Interpreter Services. Provides both oral and written foreign language interpretation and translation services to patients and families in all areas of the hospital. Explains hospital policies and procedures and provides assistance to patients who have language difficulties. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides both oral and (limited) written foreign language interpretation services to patients. Converts messages uttered in a source language into an equivalent message in the target language so that the intended recipient of the message responds as if heard in the original language. Interprets with precision and accuracy. Translates and provides directions to patients on such things as complex treatments, procedures, medications and diets. Directs patients to appointments by phone instructions or by physical escort. Interviews patients to complete required forms. Interprets doctors ', nurses ', and other hospital employees ' questions, and/or instructions to patients, including technical terms; explains the patients ' responses and/or questions to doctors, nurses, and others. Translates diets to nutritionists, prescribed diet to patients, and their food consumption. Translates medication instructions, letters, medical summaries, and general translations regarding various subjects. Provides explanation of hospital billing system, hospital bills, and third party procedures by interpreting and assisting the patients in completion of the materials. Assists patients in finding financial aid, nursing home care, etc., by translating information for them. Interprets and translates for employees and their department supervisors, in areas of the Personnel Health Clinic, employment process, departmental and/or individual employee meetings involving work procedures, problems, or hospital-prevalent actions. Communicates for the patients and employees with outside agencies; i.e., hospitals, clinics, welfare, social security, and insurance companies, and when required, provides medical information to overseas doctors and hospitals. May provide training and teaching of foreign words and phrases to hospital personnel and employees, to facilitate communication, and to allay anxiety of patients. Provides general information regarding cultural issues and ethnic attitudes. Records and maintains related logs, records, and statistical data. Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies, procedures, and objectives. Performs other related duties, as required. Fosters patient and family centered care in accordance with the Brown University Health mission, vision and values and the philosophy of nursing at The Miriam Hospital and with consideration of the life span, including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's Degree or its equivalent level of experience. Fluency and proficiency in both English and target foreign language. Completion of a registered medical interpreter certificate program of a minimum of 40 hours duration, with a passing score on the final assessment. Ability to accurately provide oral and written interpretation services. Demonstrated proficiency in Medical Terminology in English and a foreign language in order to interpret and translate accurately. Interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with medical providers treating patients and their families in situations that may be difficult and highly emotional for both parties.

EXPERIENCE

Three years of formal training or experience and fluency in a foreign language.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Healthcare environment such as acute care hospitals, physicians ' offices and ancillary healthcare enterprises. Any hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions.

Pay Range: $24.29-$40.07

EEO Statement: Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location: 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway - Campus - N/A Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type: Variable Work Shift: Variable Daily Hours: Per Diem - As required Driving Required: No As Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is the state's premier provider of health services and includes the only Level I Trauma Center for southeastern New England. Today, more than 20,000 people work at Brown University Health and bring their unique skills, experiences, and compassion to their jobs every day. Formed in 1994, Brown University Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Providence, RI comprising three teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital for children; Newport Hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital, community hospitals offering a broad range of health services; Gateway Healthcare, the state’s largest provider of community behavioral health care; and Brown Health Medical Group, the largest multi‑specialty practice in Rhode Island. Brown University Health is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of cultural background, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and perspectives - we are actively committed to a diverse workforce that represents the patients and community that we serve. We are invested in creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the holistic well‑being of our employees and their families. Join us and help build a healthier future for our patients - and for yourself. Company Location Belonging and Engagement Nursing Our Mission