ASL Interpreter (American Sign Language)

Tufts Medical Center
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
800 Washington Street (Show on map)
Nov 01, 2024
Summary This role focuses on performing activities associated with evaluating, developing, recommending, implementing, and carrying out the policies and procedures related to the delivery of high quality patient care. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Language Services duties: Listens to, understands, translates and provides support to those individuals with physical or mental impairments when it comes to language, such as speech therapy or speaking a foreign language. A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. An experienced level role that applies practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Works independently with general supervision, problems faced are difficult but typically not complex, and may influence others within the job area through explanation of facts, policies and practices. Job Summary THIS IS ASL INTERPRETER SERVICES SPECIFIC Provide interpreting services for deaf patients and hearing healthcare professionals across various medical settings. Facilitate communication through sign language, spoken English, cultural mediation, and visual accessibility. Function as a liaison between patients, clinicians, and departments, coordinating all aspects of the referral process and serving as a trainer to educate staff working with deaf and hard of hearing patients. Ensure accurate and complete relay of information, complying with hospital policies, patient confidentiality, informed consent, and the Code of Ethics for the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. May also oversee auxiliary aids and services, track ASL requests, and support daily schedules. Job Description Minimum Qualifications: 1. High School diploma or equivalent. 2. An accredited American Sign Language (ASL) Certification. 3. State Licensure where applicable. 4. One (1) year of relevant ASL interpreting experience Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 1. Interpret the spoken language from English into ASL and from the ASL into English for patients, physicians, and staff. 2. Participate in family meetings with social workers to assist in completing forms, obtaining financial aid for clients, transferring patients, etc. 3. Contact hard-of-hearing patients to obtain consent signatures, give notification of appointments, and explain procedures, diagnosis, medical history, etc. 4. May accompany hard-of-hearing speaking patients to the operating room or other departments when presence is needed. May participate in patient/client care conferences. 5. Translates correspondence, brochures, documents, and special diagnostic procedures from English into ASL. 6. May be required to take on-call requests to be available for emergencies at night and on weekends. 7. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment. 8. Adhere to applicable policies, procedures as they pertain to patient/client care and to applicable personnel qualifications. 9. Participates in all mandatory in-services. Physical Requirements: 1. Prolonged, extensive, or regularly standing/walking. 2. Regularly lifts and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. 3. Frequently requires reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing stairs. 4. Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, sick patients, bodily substances, noise and possible exposure to radiation, lasers, electric shock, etc. 5. Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases and other transmissible infections. 6. Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances. 7. Specific vision abilities apply including close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. 8. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Skills & Abilities: 1. Ability to read/write and communicate in English. 2. Ability to provide effective and clear interpretation and communication. 3. Advanced knowledge and skills in ASL. 4. High degree of courtesy and tact required in regular contacts with patients and their families involving patient related information of a sensitive and or/confidential nature. 5. Excellent interpersonal skills. 6. Ability to function well in very busy situations. 7. Responsible and reliable. 8. Good organizational skills. . Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org.