Language Access Expert - Signed Languages and Communication Accessibility Job at

Overview

Language Access Expert (LAE) for Signed Languages and Communication Accessibility is responsible for managing signed language needs for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and creating solutions for communication barriers to ensure VCU Medical Center services receive support and guidance on ADA best practices. They report to the Language Services Manager and partner with other language access experts to oversee daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Interpretation: Act as an experienced American Sign Language Interpreter to provide medical and general interpreting for patients, families, physicians, and the healthcare team during consultations, diagnostic testing, medical procedures, etc.
• Signed Languages and Communication Accessibility: Ensure accuracy of services for patients and community members relying on signed languages for healthcare communication; identify accessibility issues under ADA guidelines and develop strategies to adhere to best practices across the Medical Center.
• Communications: Work with management and other experts to handle office communications such as responding to pages, emails, office calls and EMR requests regarding language access and internal team communication.
• Daily Operations and Team Engagement: Collaborate with management, vendors, and other LAEs and team members to fulfill requests from clinical and administrative teams in a timely manner.
• Standardization and Optimization of Workflows: Contribute to processes for language requests involving clinical services, data collection and analytics; support training of team members and vendors in departmental operations.
• Process Improvement: Engage in solution-oriented discussions with stakeholders and leadership to create innovative processes, tools, and resources to ensure an optimized work experience and financial sustainability within the domain.
• Project Development: Partner with the manager on designated projects that advance the clinical impact of language access.
• Presentations and Meetings: Collaborate with leadership on presentations and meetings with clinical stakeholders and internal departments, representing the department as subject matter experts on language access.
• Recruitment and Onboarding: Support leadership in interviewing candidates, onboarding new hires, interns, or contractors from external vendors, and training current team members on updated processes.
• Other duties: Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of VCUHS and the Department.

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; Combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Language Studies, or Interpretation and Translation; or Master’s Degree in Interpreting/Translation in lieu of certification.

Licensure/Certification Required: National Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID) or the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) certification.

Minimum Qualifications: 3 Years in language services or language access position.

Other Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required: Experience in language interpretation, document translation, and coordination in language services; Cultural Responsiveness (commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion).

Additional Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Preferred: Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Tableau, Automation systems, Computerized Assisted Translation (CAT).

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse. May be required to travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May have periods of constant interruptions. Prolonged periods of working alone.

Physical Demands: Lifting/Carrying 0-50 lbs.; Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing. Other Physical Requirements/Hazards: Perform shift work, hear alarms/telephone, reach above shoulder. Mental/Sensory: Recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, speak clearly, write legibly, reading, logical thinking. Emotional: Fast-paced environment, able to handle multiple priorities, frequent and intense interactions, noisy environment, able to adapt to frequent change.

Days: EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology
• Industries: Hospitals and Health Care

Note: This description consolidates and refines content from the original posting to remove boilerplate and ensure job-focused information remains clear and actionable.