As the region's only Level I Trauma center, Harborview Medical Center (HMC) is well known for innovations and excellence in trauma care and its centers of emphasis: Trauma, Burn, Neurosciences, AIDS/STD CARER, and mentally-and medically- vulnerable populations. In addition to the centers of emphasis, HMC serves a mission population for King County. Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region. HMC is owned by King County and managed by the University of Washington (UW) and serves as a training site for UW’s School of Medicine. The UW is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

HMC INTERPRETER SERVICES has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time, day shift MEDICAL INTERPRETER 1 - VIETNAMESE INTERPRETER. This individual performs interpretation services to patients who have limited English skills, enabling the patient(s) to access medical care. The Medical Interpreter will provide spoken language interpretation to patients, medical providers, and staff, which includes sight translation, consecutive and simultaneous interpretation.

Under general supervision, the Medical Interpreter I perform interpretation services to patients who have limited English skills, enabling the patient(s) to access medical care. This position requires proficiency in oral and written English and Vietnamese languages. The Medical Interpreter I will provide spoken language interpretation to patients, medical providers, and staff, which includes sight translation, consecutive and simultaneous interpretation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Transmit information accurately between patient and provider or staff.

Encourage direct communication between patient and provider or staff.

Manage complexity of cross-cultural encounter; and utilize/integrate ethical practice to guide behavior in all interpretation.

Provide sight translation in the presence of provider and/or other medical staff.

Consult with providers prior to encounter, assess patients’ communication needs, and explain and clarify cultural behaviors as needed.

Provide video remote and telephonic interpretation (in four-hour shifts): VMI Equipment Operator; and Access Database Data Entry.

Assist patient to complete medical, financial, or other forms.

Report no-shows and cancellations promptly to be able to take substitute assignments.

Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA and UW Medicine policies.

Competent use of technology (e.g. MS Office Suite, email, internet, pagers, etc.).

Assist in way-finding throughout the medical center.

Promote and protect general safety for patients/families/friends and co-workers through adherence to HMC and UW Medicine procedures.

Participate in and support quality assessment and improvement activities.

Maintain interpreter certification by obtaining required continuing education.

Complete annual competencies, participate in annual evaluation, and attend department-specific in-service educational offerings and meetings as assigned.

Round on Limited English Proficient patients of any language admitted to
the hospital (includes informing about the right to an interpreter, use of the I Speak card, providing interpretation as needed, and documenting the rounds).

Assist and participate in translation and/or proofreading projects.

Ability to work in a call center, by sitting or a combination of standing/sitting, for a four-hour shift is required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school graduation or equivalent AND three years of interpretation experience with two years interpretation experience in a clinic or hospital setting AND Washington State Department of Social and Health Services certification or qualification
OR
equivalent education/experience.