Program Coordinator - Interpreter - Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health

Assumes leadership for developing the interpreter services program, including performing an initial assessment, developing policies/ procedures and establishing systems so the program can thrive. Manages the ongoing program for inpatients, outpatients and their families. Interprets federal guidelines for providing services to those with limited English proficiency

1. Performs a comprehensive needs analysis of the population D-H serves who have limited English proficiency, what languages are spoken, what modes of language assistance are needed, how D-H is currently serving their medical needs, and the costs associated with providing interpreter services to this population.
2. Develops a management plan and administers the interpreter services program, coordinating with all outpatient clinics and inpatient units, D-H regional practices, and state and community agencies. Acts as the institutional resource and advocates for those patients who have language assistance needs. Accomplishes ongoing evaluation of the program to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and identify what improvements need to be made. Provides regular oversight of the clinics and inpatient units provision of interpreter services. Reduces costs by ensuring that established policies are followed.
3. Develops policies and procedures, including protocol for staff to follow when interpreting services are needed by patient and families, when to use internal volunteer staff versus certified interpreters, competency of interpreters, etc.
4. Evaluates and maintains systems to identify patients/families that require interpreter services, to ensure that available technology is used efficiently and effectively, and to inform patients and families of the services.
5. Establishes competency guidelines for interpreters and translators. Monitors adherence to these guidelines by keeping records of competency testing and licensure.
6. Provides training and education to D-H staff about the program, the population requiring these services, and the systems in place to provide language assistance to those patients and their families who need them.
7. Promotes the interpreter services to ensure awareness and utilization of the services by the patient population who need them. Oversees the program communications.
8. Identifies essential/critical documents needing translation and identify into what languages they are to be translated. Identifies, recruits, and establishes relationships with community groups and agencies that can provide interpreting or translation services.
9. Develops and maintains a database of all interpreters/translators within the institution, in the community and state-wide.
10. Collaborates and maintains relationships with State and community agencies to ensure best practice in delivering language assistance services to our patients and their families.
11. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of language assistance experience/health care experience or the equivalent in education and experience required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal and demonstrated excellent customer service skills required.

• None