The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is actively seeking Medical Interpreters with fluency in Spanish,  Cantonese/Mandarin,  and Arabic languages.

Job Information:

The Medical Interpreter provides professional services to non-English speaking patients, families and the organization in order to appreciate and assist with the unique language and cultural needs of families as they seek and receive care in the CHOP environment. The Interpreter provides language services including medical and non-medical interpretation during the delivery of services and support to families throughout the entire treatment cycle.

Direct Services are provided by the Interpreter as a member of the Patient Care Services team in order to ensure appropriate language and cultural family centered care as families seek and obtain clinical services throughout their interaction with CHOP.

• Identifies, assesses and responds to interpretation needs of patients and families as directed by the Manager.

• Performs language services during the inquiry process with the team for families who are seeking care at CHOP.

• Provides interpretation services to families during the process of scheduling initial visit and coordination of ongoing treatment.

• Serves as a medical interpreter for patients and staff clinical encounters by providing accurate, skilled interpretations to facilitate effective communications between clinical staff and Limited English Proficiency patients/families.

• Relays information accurately and completely between patient, family and caregivers who speak different languages in compliance with hospital policies and procedures, particularly relating to patient confidentiality and informed consent. Adheres to the National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care of the National Council of Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHI).

• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team provide appropriate language services in the care planning for non-English speaking patients and families. Presents assessment of needs as gathered from the family to assist other professionals in the overall treatment planning.

• Serves as an interpreter for family meetings during hospital stays as necessary. Works closely with support services (social work, child life, chaplaincy, etc.) in this regard to integrate non English speaking families into existing services.

• Provides language services during the necessary coordination of including local transportation, lodging and accommodations, food, cultural family requests. Promotes a culture of hospitality and service both internally with CHOP departments and externally to existing and potential international families and clients.

• Uses “ Language of Caring” in interactions to promote family-centered care.

 Institutional Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with professional colleagues in the development and implementation of family language service initiatives as directed by the Manager when appropriate.

• Upon request by supervisor, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at CHOP in the development of language service policies, practices and programs that improve direct services and contribute to an “ideal culturally responsive patient experience”.

Requirements :

Language proficiency testing (Language Line University) in both English and the target language Completion of Bridging the Gap (BTG) Training. Successful attainment of qualifying score through skills testing.

Bachelor’s degree preferred or the equivalent in life and work experience related to health care, language services for children and/or families.

International life experience is desirable. In particular experience serving an international clientele in a work environment is preferable.

Strong linguistic skills:

• understands variety of regional accents and linguistic styles and registers

• selects appropriate mode of interpretation for each situation

• interprets with highest degree of accuracy and completeness

• self-corrects, understands own linguistic limitations, seeks clarification and accepts correction

• picks up cues from encounter participants regarding level of understanding and/or need for clarification

• strong writing skills and understanding of translation process

Strong cultural awareness competencies:

• understands language as an expression of culture, recognizes the underlying assumptions of each party about medicine, the encounter, the illness etc.; uses this understanding to empower patient and provider to better understand each other.

• avoids generalizations and stereotyping

• uses culturally appropriate behavior and is able to choose appropriate time to clarify or interject by respecting the goals of the encounter

• is aware of own personal values, beliefs and cultural characteristics which may be a source of conflict or discomfort in certain situations, is able to acknowledge these and/or to withdraw from encounters when these may interfere with successful interpretation

Strong interpreting skills:

• explains role of the interpreter to patient and provider

• recognizes the complexity of the clinical encounter and added factor of linguistic barrier

• sets tone of the patient/provider encounter to manage spatial configuration and flow of communication to preserve accuracy and completeness, and to assess and address potential areas of discomfort for patient (age, gender of interpreter, no previous experience with interpreters)

• encourages and fosters direct communication between provider and patient

• maintains professional distance and integrity

• diffuses conflict between parties by remaining calm and impartial

• clarifies instructions, follow up steps in a diplomatic, effective manner

Ethical competency:

• understands and abides by hospital policies on patient confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination and by interpreters code of ethics

Interpersonal and customer service skills:

• projects positive attitude about the department and the hospital, and offers services to ensure positive experience

• works as a team with colleagues and providers

• addresses concerns raised during or after an encounter by encouraging provider to make appropriate referral and/or assisting with making of appointment with right resource and booking interpreter as needed

Organizational skills:

• works well under pressure to manage stressful situations

• flexible to meet scheduling needs and handle often unpredictable changes

• sound judgment and confidence

• ability to handle multiple tasks

• detail-oriented and accurate

SHIFTS VARY: 2 FTE – Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, works every 4th weekend; 2 FTE – Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, works every 4th weekend; 1 FTE – Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, works every 4th weekend;

1 FTE – Monday to Friday, 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, works every 4th weekend; Part-time (20 hrs wk)- Mondays, Fridays, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and every other weekend (Sat and Sun)

National Certification is not necessary upon hire, but shall be completed within 18 months after start of employment.

All CHOP employees who work in a patient building or who provide patient care are required to receive an annual influenza vaccine unless they are granted a medical or religious exemption.

• Child Abuse Clearances

• FBI Fingerprint Clearance

• Drug Screening

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer.

For full posting information,  please visit www.chop.edu/careers

You may also email:

Megan Morris

Senior Recruiter,  The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Morrism@email.chop.edu