Medical translator job description

In this post, you can ref job description of Medical translator in details. A complete job description concludes Medical translator key duties/responsibilities, Medical translator job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Medical translator duties:

1. Answers phone calls from unknown outside non-English speaking callers and triages and orients the caller for proper assistance inside or outside the hospital.
2. Arranges interpretation for all languages for patients and families through language bank volunteers, phone interpretation, outside agencies, interns, including sign language services.
3. Assesses patient's/family's comprehension of "informed consent" as needed. Advises physician/patient care staff of any need for clarification.
4. Conducts in-services and consultations relating to medical interpretation/ translation, health cultural practice or pertinent issues with medical and healthcare staff personnel, and appropriate hospital departments or committees.
5. Cooperates maintaining the quality of service by being flexible in providing coverage for vacation, sick leave, and emergencies.
6. Ensures access to hospital resources for non-English speaking patients and their families.
7. Makes notations in the patient's chart indicating the origin of the request for interpretation or translation, the nature of the service provided (such as interpreting treatment orders or pharmacy instructions), and an assessment of the patient's understanding and level of acceptance of the information.
8. Must possess high verbal and written skills in both English and the appropriate language.
9. Performs medical interpretation/translation for patients and their families, including in-group setting, such as family conferences.
10. Suggests referrals to medical staff, clinical social workers, patient relation, staff, chaplains, and ancillary staff for patients and/or families who could benefit from their assistance.
11. Trains doctors and hospital staff in protocol for accessing Interpreting Services.
12. Translates correspondence, medical histories, medical consent forms, medical procedures and instructions, legal documents, manuals, brochures and other pertinent documents as necessary.
13. Triages crisis interventions for non-English speaking patients and families.

II. List of Medical translator qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in a work-related discipline/field from an accredited college or university
2. Three (3) years of progressively responsible and directly related work experience
3. Ability to adjust communications to fit the needs and level of understanding of the receiver.
4. Ability to establish and maintain excellent client relationships, exhibit exemplary interpersonal skills and exercise sound judgment and professionalism in business and personnel matters.
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
6. Ability to remain calm under pressure and apply sound judgment.
7. Ability to work well with individuals at all levels of the organization.
8. Knowledge of cultural and perceptual factors that may affect patient treatment and communication.
9. Knowledge of Medical Terminology.