Department Overview

Multiple positions are available, schedules will be determined at time of interview

The Language Access Specialist is responsible for providing objective and accurate interpretation and translation for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Under the direction of the Interpreter Services Manager, the language access specialist functions as a member of the health care team alongside other health care professionals and helps patients navigate and understand the health care system and connect with internal and external resources. Specialists in this position will also provide counsel to and consult with other stakeholders in healthcare.

The language access specialist’s role extends beyond the spoken and written conversions of messages from source languages to target languages; language access specialists must serve as a conduit; interpreting messages accurately and completely, a communication manager; preserving the triadic relationship wherein patient and providers relate primarily to each other, a cultural broker; sensing and articulating cultural influences.

Function/Duties of Position

Language Interpretation Services

Provides interpretation between patients, employees, and OHSU staff via telephone, videoconferencing, and on-site for patients with limited English proficiency while maintaining a friendly disposition. Understands and analyzes the spoken message, and re-expresses that message faithfully, accurately, and objectively in the target language, considering the cultural and social context. Serves as a cultural and linguistic resource to both patients and providers in contributing to successful outcomes.

Language Translation Services

Completes translations projects by rendering written text from one language into another language while maintaining the meaning, structure, style, and intended impact of the original. Provides accurate translation of medical documents, letters, educational materials, and other translation projects as assigned by the department.

Consulting and Education Services

Works with medical staff to promote alternative communication approaches for more effective medical treatment of non-English speaking patients. Consults and educates department management on best practices of working and communicating with LEP employees. Serves as a cultural and linguistic resource to patients, staff, management and providers in contributing to successful outcomes. Educates staff and faculty on topics of cultural awareness, LEP populations, and working with interpreters.

Patient Services

Respectfully aids patients in finding internal and external resources when deemed appropriate. Works collaboratively with other auxiliary departments to ensure Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients can access and actively participate in their health care. Works with medical staff to promote alternative communication approaches for more effective medical treatment of LEP patients.

Documentation

Documents interpretation encounters and keeps logs related to program and operation required for accurate billing submitted within deadlines communicated by the Interpreter Services Manager. Complies with all OHSU mandatory requirements including annual TB Screening, required education, and immunizations and takes responsibility for following accurate timekeeping processes.

Professional Contribution

Complies with OHSU’s Code of Conduct, core department and job specific competencies, the Interpreter Code of Ethics, and consistently performs the job duties in a professional manner. Stays involved in growing the profession by holding memberships in national and local interpreting organizations. Works with other interpreters to research best standards for delivery of services. Participates in training and staff meetings as required. Maintains a safe and healthy workplace.

Customer Services

Uses independent decision-making and judgment skills to provide prompt, efficient and courteous service to all staff, patients and their families. Utilizes customer service recovery skills to ensure patients and staff have a good experience. Identifies problematic trends in patient and employee system navigations and provides proposed solutions to management for resolution.

Confidentiality Conduit

Holds confidentiality of all information learned via interpreting or providing translation services.

Miscellaneous

Provides support on departmental language access projects and activities as assigned by the Interpreter Services Manager.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Five years of documented professional interpreting experience
Three years of experience interpreting in healthcare settings
Fluent bilingual proficiency in English and designated language. Native or native-like fluency in English – both written and spoken;
Full understanding of the interpreting process and knowledge of linguistic principals as it applies to interpreting;
Extensive knowledge and understanding of medical terminology
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint);
Ability to work with a wide range of patients and families with diverse language needs;
Must have (or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire) national certification from either the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) and be in good standing
Qualification or certification through the Oregon Health Care Interpreter Program under Oregon Health Authority
NCICH Code of Ethics
Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

American Translators Association (ATA) Certification

Additional Details

Pay Range: $29.96 - $40.50 per hour (Commensurate with qualifications, experience and internal equity)

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to speak and hear. The employee is required to be able to navigate (with or without any reasonable accommodation) the Marquam Hill campus and South Waterfront to access all clinics and departments.

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

Medical, dental and vision coverage at low or no cost to employees
- Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
Several retirement plans to choose from! – Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan and University Pension Plan, voluntary savings plans (403b, 401a and 457b)
Up to 200 hours (equal to 25 full days) a year of paid time off
96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated by FTE status)
Commuter subsidies
Tuition reimbursement
Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
Annual Raises
Employee discounts to local and major businesses
Childcare service discounts
Growth/Development Opportunities

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.

Oregon Health & Science University

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