French Hospital Interpreter

Interpreter Services within the Office of the Patient Experience at the UI Health Care has an opening for a full-time French Hospital Interpreter.  The Hospital Interpreter will:

• Provide interpretation and translation services for non-English speaking patients, their families and hospital staff on a as needed basis

• Provide information and consultation to interdisciplinary team members

• Comply with departmental standards regarding EPIC documentation and statistics, departmental policies and procedures, and the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Healthcare

• Keep current with interpreter and health care knowledgebase and pursue further enhancements of job-related knowledge

• Participate in on-call responsibilities

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Hospital Interpreter will follow the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Healthcare:

• The interpreter treats as confidential, within the treating team, all information learned in the performance of their professional duties, while observing relevant requirements regarding disclosure.

• The interpreter strives to render the message accurately, conveying the content and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration its cultural context.

• The interpreter strives to maintain impartiality and refrains from counseling, advising or projecting personal biases or beliefs.

• The interpreter maintains the boundaries of the professional role, refraining from personal involvement.

• The interpreter continuously strives to develop awareness of his/her own and other (including biomedical) cultures encountered in the performance of their professional duties.

• The interpreter treats all parties with respect.

• When the patient's health, well-being, or dignity is at risk, the interpreter may be justified in acting as an advocate. Advocacy is understood as an action taken on behalf of an individual that goes beyond facilitating communication, with the intention of supporting good health outcomes. Advocacy must only be undertaken after careful and thoughtful analysis of the situation, discussion with

• supervisors and if other less intrusive actions have not resolved the problem.

• The interpreter strives to continually further his/her knowledge and skills.

• The interpreter must at all times act in a professional and ethical manner.

Provides accurate and effective interpretation of procedures and other interactions for non-English speaking patients, their families, and hospital staff:

• Interprets with accuracy and maintains fidelity to verbal and non-verbal cues (tone, mood, gestures, and facial expressions).

• Is alert to client's reactions/comprehension.

• Explains/clarifies role of interpreter to clients.

• Demonstrates knowledge of specialized terminology.

• Demonstrates knowledge of culture, traditions and customs.

• Demonstrates respect for all members of the University community in the course of performing duties and in response to administrators, supervisors, coworkers, and customers.

Provides accurate and effective translation of written documents, correspondence and brochures used by patients and families:

• Translates with accuracy and adheres to tone, style and register of original.

• Demonstrates knowledge of specialized terminology.

• Demonstrates knowledge of culture, traditions and customs.

Provides information and consultation to interdisciplinary team members:

• Provides cultural or communication information to other team members.

• Participates in team consultations as needed.

• Refers patient problems to appropriate hospital professional discipline (Chaplain, Social Worker, Patient Relations Specialist, etc.)

• Demonstrates understanding of role of interpreter and functions within role.

• Demonstrates knowledge of and uses University/Hospital resources.

• Fosters or promotes a welcoming and respectful work environment where people of all backgrounds and perspectives feel welcomed and appreciated.

Participates in activities and programs related to the Office of the Patient Experience (OPE):

• Participates in orientation both as a tool for growth and development

• Participates in Language Bank training programs.

• Conducts day-to-day problem solving.

• Demonstrates commitment to professional growth and development.

• Contributes to the development, strengthening and delivery of needed health and interpreter services.

• Represents the interests of the University and of OPE leadership in the use of resources to meet service and productivity demands within OPE and division goals and budgets; strives to promote continual process and quality improvement.

• Seeks opportunities to enhance professional knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to current position and/or to prepare for potential future roles and overall career development.

Performs other projects and tasks as assigned:

• Completes other projects or tasks within agreed-upon time.

Percent of Time: 100%, full-time

Work Schedule: Some flexibility between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

Location: This position is located at the UI Health Care Medical Center on the University Campus, at 200 Hawkins Drive in Iowa City, IA. 

Pay level 3A. Starting salary will be based on applicant qualifications and relevant experience.  To view the entire range for salary level 3A: Professional and Scientific Pay Structures | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa

Benefits Highlights:  Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits

Office of the Patient Experience website: Office of the Patient Experience | University of Iowa Health Care