Addressing Language Access Issues in Your Practice: A Toolkit for ...

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS 36
Appendix C: Sample Job Description
Bilingual Staff Interpreter
Position: Insert name of practice role
Location: Insert name of practice
Hours per week: 40
Salary level: Insert wage
Duties:
Insert all the job responsibilities for the employee’s clinical role.
Note: It is important that the non-interpreting job responsibilities for a dual-role interpreter be
scaled back to accommodate the time that this employee will spend interpreting. An
MA/Interpreter, for example, will not be able to complete the same amount of medical assisting
work that a non-interpreter would, and this should be recognized in the job description.
Qualifications:
Insert qualifications necessary for interpreter role.
For example:
- Provide accurate and complete interpretation for Spanish-speaking patients and practice staff as
requested, in support of successful delivery of services. Provide interpretation in compliance with
all office policies and procedures, particularly relating to patient confidentiality and informed
consent, the CHIA Standards of Practice, and the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in
Health Care.
- Provide short written translations as required in patient encounters such as filling out forms and
medical instructions, and medication schedules.
Qualifications:
Insert qualifications necessary for clinical practice interpreter role.
For example:
- Proof of oral and written fluency in English and Spanish. Candidates may be asked to take and
pass a Language Competency exam in Spanish.
- Proof of successful completion of at least 40 hours of training in health care interpreting.
- Superior interpersonal and customer service skills.
- A positive attitude toward people from diverse cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Education and
Experience
Insert education and experience required for clinical practice and interpreter role.
For example:
- At least one year experience in health care interpreting preferred.
- Experience working with a broad range of people from diverse cultural, ethnic and socioconomic
backgrounds.