Job Description

Overview

The Medical Interpreter I is responsible for assessing the needs of patients and providing assistance by interpretation of consent forms, diagnoses, discharge plans and any other type of patient-related information.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for immediately and effectively answering requests for interpretation throughout the Institute, with a priority for emergency and more urgent requests. 
• Responsible for arriving on time to the appointments and to provide services from the point of entry throughout discharge.
• Interprets and transmits accurately and in understandable terms, complex medical information from medical providers to patients, including interpretation of consent forms, diagnoses, during medical procedures, discharge plans and any other type of patient-related information.  Interprets and transmits accurately and in understandable terms information from patients to medical providers.
• Assists patients and clinical providers throughout the hospital system in a professional and courteous manner.  Provides the highest quality of service at each appointment to every patient and if necessary, refers the patient to the appropriate resource. 
• Seeks evaluation, certification and additional training in interpreting, health care practices and beliefs, and cultural differences.
• Maintains an environment that promotes collaborative work relationships and provides assistance to Interpreter Services staff to perform office related tasks as needed. 
• The Interpreter accepts and processes properly the assignments for his/her language.  This task may include following office protocol, logging information properly, contacting patients and informing the Interpreter Services department of any changes in a timely manner.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of services rendered and documentation of all patient related information.
• Resolves most issues that arise in their daily responsibilities, answer questions and makes appropriate referrals.  More complex issues will be handled by the Supervisor of Interpreter Services.
• Interpret medical information between medical providers and patient and/or family in three different modalities, in-person/on-campus, video, or telephonic interpretation.
• Recognizes and respects diversity for all patients and DFCI workforce.
• Intervenes as a cultural broker when communication is compromised by culture bound messages.
• Follows the recognized Medical Interpreter Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Performs other tasks, duties and responsibilities as needed. 
• Adhere to the department procedures for initial interpreter screening and ongoing competencies by completing and passing an assessment. The assessments include medical terminology, code of ethics and standards of practice, the role of the medical interpreter, and the interpreter’s skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong ability to concentrate, detail oriented and possess culturally sensitive care and underlying issue regarding their patient, as well as transmit all information as accurately and completely as possible
• Strong interpersonal skills in situations that are very difficult and demanding.
• Must have excellent organizational skills to evaluate relative needs and set priorities, problem-solving skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow directions with minimal supervision.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in a human relations field (i.e., Sociology, Psychology) preferred.
• 1 year of experience working as a medical interpreter required. 
• Must have working knowledge of medical terminology, basic anatomy, physiology and diagnostic procedures and treatments, as well as the roles of the medical interpreter and the nationally recognized medical interpreting codes of ethic and standards of practice.
• Must be fluent, both verbal and written, in English and target language.
• Certificate of completion of medical interpreter training program required.  National Certification preferred.

License/Certification/Registration Required:

• Certificate of completion of medical interpreter training program. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Patient Contact: Yes, all ages.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

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