Job Description

Healthcare Interpreter

The Interpreter serves as a healthcare interpreter for patients and staff within Michigan Medicine (MM) Interpreter Services (IS). In this role, you will convey healthcare information between monolingual speakers while ensuring full compliance with all Interpreter Services (IS) and University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) policies and procedures.

You must adhere to HIPAA regulations regarding patient confidentiality and demonstrate competence in accordance with the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) National Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

This position requires travel across the main hospital and satellite locations, including sites outside Washtenaw County. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.

You will also have opportunities to participate in committees and contribute to assigned projects.

Perks and Benefits

• Free continuing education credits
• Career ladder with opportunities for advancement
• iPad, laptop, and necessary equipment provided

Responsibilities*

• Facilitate language services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients and English-speaking providers
• Provide sight translation and written translation of UMHS documents when required
• Document patient encounters in accordance with departmental standards
• Adhere to all UMHS and Interpreter Services policies
• Communicate Interpreter Services resources and protocols to staff and patients
• Follow the NCIHC National Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance team effectiveness
• Contribute to departmental projects and team initiatives
• Complete assigned tasks and additional duties as required

Required Qualifications*

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Successful completion of a minimum 40-hour medical interpreter training program from a recognized organization.
• Successful completion of a departmental language proficiency and interpreting assessment, which may include third-party testing and/or internal performance-based evaluations.
• Demonstrated fluency in English and (other language), including the ability to accurately interpret complex medical information in both languages.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work primarily on-site in a fast-paced healthcare environment, including frequent movement between patient care areas and clinical locations throughout the workday, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reliable transportation to travel between Michigan Medicine locations as operational needs require.

Ability to work in a variety of clinical environments, including inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and procedural settings, with potential exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and other clinical hazards while following required safety and PPE protocols.

Desired Qualifications*

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in healthcare, language studies, interpreting, communications, or a related field
• National interpreter certification through Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) or National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)
• Previous experience interpreting in a healthcare setting
• Experience with multiple interpretation modalities, including in-person, telephone, and video interpretation
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, healthcare systems, and interpreter ethics and standards of practice.
• Ability to interpret effectively in high-acuity, fast-paced healthcare environments, including inpatient, outpatient, procedural, emergency, and virtual settings.
• Ability to work primarily in an on-site clinical environment with limited hybrid flexibility, while providing interpretation services across multiple modalities, including in-person, telephone, video, and remote settings.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and cultural awareness skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to navigate electronic systems used in healthcare settings.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Work Schedule

Must be able to work a flexible schedule that supports early morning appointments beginning as early as 5:30 a.m., as well as occasional evening and weekend coverage based on operational needs.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

In addition to the screenings indicated above under Michigan law, a criminal history check including fingerprinting is required as a condition of transfer or employment for this position.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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