Interpreter - Somali

Hennepin Healthcare; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis seeks a dedicated interpreter to provide spoken language services for LEP patients and their companions. The role supports communication across healthcare providers and teams, in person or via remote modalities, with emphasis on accuracy and confidentiality.

Qualified candidates will have at least 12 months of healthcare interpreting experience, be enrolled in the Minnesota MDH Interpreter Roster, and hold or pursue 40-hour interpreter training or national

Qualifications

• Must have 12 months interpreting experience in healthcare.
• Enrolled in MDH Interpreter Roster or equivalent.
• 40-hour interpreter skills-based training with recognized tests.
• National certifications (CCHI/NBCMI) preferred or required by test results.

Responsibilities

• Interpret accurately between LEP patients, companions, and providers, face-to-face or remote.
• Provide non-complex translation of documents between languages.
• Share cultural information to ensure patient understanding and equitable access.
• Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA and HHS policies.
• Document and bill interpreter services provided.
• Use EMR and other software to complete job functions.
• Assist with language services deployment and training activities.
• Adhere to NCIHC ethics and standards of practice.

Skills

Interpreting experience

Bilingual fluency (Somali/English)

HIPAA knowledge

Computer skills (EMR)

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

12 months interpreting experience in healthcare

MDH Interpreter Roster enrollment

40-hour interpreter skills-based training

National interpreter certifications (CCHI/NBCMI)

Job description

JOB DETAILS

Department: Interpreter Services FTE: 1.0 (80 hours per pay period) Workdays: Monday - Friday Shift(s): Days (9:00am - 5:30pm) Shift Length: 8 hours Location: In-Person Other: Bilingual Somali/English Purpose of this position: Provides spoken language interpretation services in a variety of settings to facilitate communication between Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients, their companions, and Hennepin Health System (HHS) providers and team members.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Precisely and accurately interprets between LEP patients, companions, and providers or other healthcare team members, face-to-face or via remote modalities (such as telephone or video)
• Provides non-complex document translation services between the target and source languages
• Shares relevant cultural information with all parties involved and collaborates to the goal of full patient/provider understanding, providing equitable access and healthcare outcomes for LEP patients
• Maintains strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HHS policies and HIPAA
• Accurately documents and bills interpreter services provided
• Maintains basic computer skills to complete job functions using various software, including EMR (Electronic Medical Record)
• Supports departmental and organizational initiatives around language access by working constructively in a team, participating in program functions, and performing tasks as requested by the department leadership, such as participating in training new team members and in-service training for existing team members as needed
• Assists with coordination of the deployment of language services, as needed
• Adheres to National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) medical interpreter standards of practice and code of ethics. Demonstrates honest and ethical conduct

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• 12 months of interpreting experience in healthcare
• Interpreters employed by HCMC prior to October 1, 2009 are considered qualified as long as they have an approved equivalent combination of education and experience and/or have passed the proficiency exam or national certification as detailed below.
• Enrolled in MDH, Minnesota Department of Health Interpreter Roster
• 40-hour interpreter skills-based training such as Bridging the Gap or The Community Interpreter and successful completion of one of the interpreter competencies tests for spoken languages:
  • Language Line: Interpreter Skills Test or Medical Certification Test
  • Pacific Interpreters: Two test versions are accepted. On Medical Skills Report Level 3, a score of Competent or Outstanding in the categories of "Bilingual Fluency and Conversion Skills" and "Interpreting Skills." On the Interpreter Readiness - Assessment Report Level 2, a score of Competent or Outstanding in the single score category of "Bilingual Fluency and Conversion Skills."
  • Cyracom's Interpreter Skills Assessment
• Or any approved test of healthcare interpreting skills conducted by an independent third-party entity, as they represent a more rigorous level of overall interpreter skills testing.
• OR - National certification by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) OR - National certification by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate in Translation and Interpreting from the University of Minnesota
• Associates Degree or Certificate/Diploma in Translation and Interpreting from Century College, or Certificate of Competency from an approved Interpreter/Translator training program
• National Certification in healthcare interpretation
• National Boards for Certified Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)
• Commission of Certified Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)
• Equivalent program or degree
• Associate or Bachelor's degree
• Previous experience in healthcare

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Highly proficient with medical terminology in both the target and source languages
• Ability to understand a variety of regional accents and linguistic styles and registers
• Ability to select the appropriate mode of interpretation for each encounter
• Demonstrated ability to interpret competently both consecutive and simultaneous in English and one or more other needed language(s)
• Knowledge of the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care and Standards of Practice developed by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC), attained by either formal training or independent study