Interp, Deaf/Hard of Hearing I

Job Description

The Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) operated by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to join our compassionate team. In this role, you will play a vital part in enhancing the lives of psychiatric patients by providing specialized interpreting services. Your expertise will contribute to patient rehabilitation through accurate communication and understanding. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to educate staff, patients, and stakeholders on effective communication strategies and promote an inclusive environment.

WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients.

• Provide specialized interpreting services for medical and psychiatric evaluations, staff meetings, and patient treatment groups to facilitate effective communication and support patient rehabilitation.
• Educate clinical staff, advising on interpreter utilization and strategies for improving communication with patients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Educate patients on the role of interpreters and the benefits of utilizing interpreter services, fostering patient engagement and empowerment in their treatment process.
• Foster a collaborative and professional atmosphere within the treatment team and communication department, contributing to a positive work environment.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, upholding ethical standards, and respecting confidentiality while interacting with patients, staff, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of deaf culture and cross-cultural dynamics to enhance communication effectiveness.
• Utilize strong interpersonal skills to engage with patients and colleagues, building relationships based on empathy and inclusivity.
• Contribute to the unit's goals and objectives by aligning your educational efforts and interpreter services with the overall mission of the facility.

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (R.I.D.) certification at the CICT level, NIC (interpreting and transliterating) or state screened.
• Ability and willingness to work with mentally ill and forensic patients.
• In depth knowledge of and adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct established by national RID
• Ability and willingness to function as a team member
• Knowledge of Deafness and its effects on linguistics, social, cultural and developmental aspects of the lives of deaf people.
• Capacity to interpret highly stressful technical situations such as medical and psychiatric emergencies and crises.
• Willingness to work early morning, evening and or weekend hours.
• Ability to participate in educational presentation regarding interpreting and communication issues.

• Previous experience working as an interpreter in medical or psychiatric settings, demonstrating familiarity with relevant terminology and procedures.
• In-depth understanding of deaf culture, communication norms, and cross-cultural dynamics, promoting effective interaction with diverse patient populations.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, to facilitate clear and empathetic interaction between patients, staff, and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality, adhere to ethical guidelines, and uphold professional conduct while interacting with sensitive patient information.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling the establishment of positive relationships with patients, colleagues, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs or workshops, showcasing the capacity to educate staff on interpreter best practices and effective communication strategies.
• Passion for enhancing patient experiences and promoting accessibility in healthcare, exemplified by a demonstrated commitment to patient-centered care.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Teams, and Outlook.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

• An Associate's or higher degree in Interpreter Studies may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience.
• One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
• A certificate as evidence of completion of a two-year Interpreter Training Program may be substituted for the required experience.
• Certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. or other interpreter certification judged equivalent by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing may be substituted for the required experience.

• Successful completion of the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Screening is required.
• Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

• Certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. or other interpreter certification judged equivalent by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• Satisfactory completion of a full year performance evaluation cycle.