Medical Interpreter, National Certification, Spanish

The Medical Interpreter II, National Certification (Spanish) is responsible for assessing the needs of patients and providing assistance by interpretation of consent forms, diagnoses, discharge plans and any other type of patient-related information.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life‑changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high‑risk and underserved populations.

We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow’s physicians and researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School‑affiliated hospitals.

• Respond immediately and effectively to requests for interpretation throughout the Institute, prioritizing emergency and urgent requests.
• Arrive on time to appointments and provide services from entry to discharge.
• Interpret and transmit accurately and in understandable terms complex medical information from providers to patients (e.g., consent forms, diagnoses, discharge plans) and vice versa.
• Assist patients and clinical providers throughout the hospital system professionally and courteously, providing the highest quality of service and referring patients to appropriate resources when necessary.
• Seek evaluation, certification, and additional training in interpreting, health care practices, beliefs, and cultural differences.
• Maintain a collaborative work environment and assist Interpreter Services staff with office tasks as needed.
• Accept and process assignments for his/her language, following office protocol, logging information, and notifying the Interpreter Services department of any changes promptly.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of services rendered and documentation of all patient‑related information.
• Resolve most issues that arise in daily responsibilities, answer questions, and make appropriate referrals; more complex issues are handled by the Supervisor of Interpreter Services.
• Interpret medical information between providers and patients/families in three modalities: in‑person/on‑campus, video, or telephonic.
• May perform translation services.
• Recognize and respect diversity for all patients and the DFCI workforce.
• Act as a cultural broker when communication is compromised by culture‑bound messages.
• Follow the recognized Medical Interpreter Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Perform other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as needed.
• Adhere to department procedures for initial interpreter screening and ongoing competencies by completing and passing assessments on medical terminology, code of ethics, standard practices, and interpreter skills.

• Strong ability to concentrate, detail oriented, and possess culturally sensitive care skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills in difficult and demanding situations.
• Excellent organizational skills to evaluate relative needs, set priorities, solve problems, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow directions with minimal supervision.

• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in a human relations field (e.g., Sociology, Psychology) preferred.

• 3 years of experience working as a medical interpreter.
• Must have working knowledge of medical terminology, basic anatomy, physiology, diagnostic procedures and treatments, and the roles of the medical interpreter and nationally recognized medical interpreting codes of ethics and standards of practice.
• Must be fluent, both verbal and written, in English and the target language.

• National Certification for Medical/Healthcare Interpreters required.

At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. We are committed to having faculty and staff…