Certified Medical Interpreter

Certified Medical Interpreter

Lebanon Center - Lebanon, PA 17046

Overview

Level Experienced Position Type Full Time

Description

Family First Health is seeking a Certified Medical Interpreter for a Lebanon Medical location.

Family First Health is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) that is accessible and community minded. We take a beyond healthy approach that goes outside the confines of the doctor's office. As an inclusive health care model, we put everyone first. We want happy, healthy patients who can live better lives in better health. We strive to build a healthy community by being accessible in the communities we serve. Family First Health is proud to offer care to our patients in York, Adams, Lancaster, and Lebanon counties, providing compassionate and comprehensive health services to people seeking accessible and affordable quality care.

At Family First Health, we improve lives in big ways and small ways. From high quality health services and innovative partnerships to daily acts of compassion. Family First Health Center makes a difference in the health and quality of life of the people and communities we serve by:

• providing quality, compassionate primary medical and dental care and social services to those who need it most;
• coordinating care and working with other providers to provide the full range of services our patients need;
• promoting and supporting healthy lifestyles;
• collaborating with others to improve access and break down the barriers of affordability, language and culture; and
• advocating for our patients and the medically underserved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Interpretation and Language Services

• Provide accurate, complete, and impartial interpretation between English and Spanish for patients, families, providers, and staff.

• Facilitate communication during medical visits, procedures, patient education, care coordination, and follow-up activities.

• Interpret in accordance with professional standards, ethics, confidentiality requirements, and organizational policies.

• Assist patients in understanding healthcare instructions, appointment information, forms, and available services.

• Identify and appropriately address cultural or communication barriers impacting patient care.

• Document interpretation services as required by organizational procedures.

• Assist patients with forms, paperwork, and patient portal enrollment when language assistance is required.

Clinical Support Functions

• Provide interpretation support during patient rooming, examinations, procedures, care planning, and discharge activities.

• Collaborate with providers, nurses, medical assistants, and other clinical staff to ensure effective communication.

• Assist in coordinating care and follow-up appointments for Spanish-speaking patients.

• Support patient education and health literacy efforts.

Downtime and Operational Support Responsibilities: When interpretation services and primary job duties are not actively needed, the Interpreter will assist with clinic support activities, including:

Patient Experience and Facility Appearance

• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming waiting room environment.

• Monitor patient-facing areas for tidiness and report concerns as appropriate.

• Ensure informational materials are organized and accessible.

Administrative Support

• Hang and update signs on office doors, bulletin boards, and designated communication areas.

• Complete lamination projects for patient education materials, signage, and department resources.

• Make copies and assemble materials for clinical and operational departments.

• Assist with organizing and distributing educational or administrative materials.

Clinical Operations Support

• Wipe down exam room chairs and high-touch patient seating surfaces throughout the day according to infection prevention guidelines.

• Restock exam rooms with approved supplies and educational materials.

• Assist with exam room turnover between patients following established protocols.

• Notify appropriate staff when supplies need replenishment.

• Support general clinic flow and operational efficiency as assigned.

Additional Duties

• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Complete other duties as assigned within the scope of training and organizational policy.

Education, Certification, and Training Requirements

Required Education and Training

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current professional medical interpreter certification from a recognized certifying organization, such as:
• Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI), or
• National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI).
• Demonstrated fluency in both English and Spanish, including medical terminology
• Completion of a recognized medical interpreter training program (minimum 40-hour healthcare interpreter training preferred).
• Knowledge of medical interpreter ethics and standards of practice.
• Understanding of cultural competency principles and health equity practices.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare workflows.
• HIPAA and patient confidentiality training.
• Customer service and patient relations skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including electronic health record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience interpreting in a healthcare setting, preferably in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), primary care, or community health environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of computer software applications (Microsoft Office Applications, others)
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation as it relates to correspondence necessary to perform essential job functions
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic to make calculations, balance and reconcile figures necessary to perform essential job functions
• Excellent customer service skills
• Skill in operating office equipment
• Ability to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish/other language, verbally and in writing, to perform the essential functions of the position, including communicating with patients, providers, and staff; accurately documenting information in the electronic health record; and interpreting written and verbal communications in both languages
• Ability to critically think which means the ability to think clearly and rationally about what to do or what to believe; understand logical connections between ideas; and identify, construct, and evaluate arguments
• Ability to set positive examples for team members through exceptional work performance including adherence to company policies and processes.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work in, and respond appropriately to a demanding environment including crisis situations
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to communicate well and in a caring and supportive manner with individuals of all backgrounds.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately with strong attention to detail
• Ability to sort and file materials correctly by alphabetic or numeric systems
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, volunteers, and the public
• Ability to be organized, proactive in follow-up and follow-through, and to juggle multiple competing tasks
• Ability to adhere to all Family First Health's policies, processes, and procedures, especially, Code of Conduct, Workplace Conduct, and the Remote/Telework Policy if indicated eligible to work remotely or telework.
• Ability to articulate and advocate Family First Health's mission and values

Employee Benefits

• 3 Weeks of Accrued Paid Vacation accrued per year
• 9 Days Accrued Paid Sick Leave Time accrued per year
• 4 Personal Days provided per calendar year
• No Late Evenings or Weekend Hours
• Paid Time Off on