Medical Interpreter , Spanish

Job Description

The Medical Interpreter 2 position duties are to provide concise, objective, and accurate interpretation for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients throughout UCSF Health in person, by video, and by telephone in the following languages:
English and Spanish, Chinese (both Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, or Vietnamese. Under the direction and operational oversight of the departmental management team, performs translations and utilizes technology and tools provided by UCSF Health for document translations. In addition, shadows and orients new medical interpreters and participates in staff, provider, and patient educational opportunities. Functions as a member of the health care team and demonstrates the ability to consistently interpret/translate complex and difficult communications in all patient, caregiver, and provider interactions in a medical setting.

Maintains strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines and the protection of patient confidentiality and ethical practices as mandated by UCSF Health. Complies with all federal and state language access and interpreting requirements governing LEP patients.

• Conduit: interpreting messages accurately and completely.
• Communication Manager: preserving the therapeutic relationship between patient, providers, and caregivers during interactions.
• Cultural Broker: providing observation and articulation of cultural diversity and influence which could be a presenting factor during interactions.
• Patient Advocate: appropriate advocacy in accordance to medical center policies and medical interpreter ethics and standards.

Utilizes independent thought processing, critical thinking, and resolution measures to manage conflicts and promote positive outcomes. Under the guidance of management but with minimal supervision, demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and ability to apply critical thinking skills to respond to dynamic situations.

Maintains effective and open communication and demonstrates a collaborative and team-centered approach with UCSF Health colleagues.

Demonstrates strong knowledge of and consistently complies with all UCSF Health policies and procedures, including but not limited to regulatory policies and protocols relevant to the role of a medical interpreter, such as national standards and ethics for medical interpreters, infection control, patient safety, regulatory policies, administrative and clinical practice requirements.

Demonstrates courtesy and consistently positive level of service with patients, staff, and clinical teams in communications while meeting UCSF Health House and Telephone Standards and Customer Service standards.

• 5+ years of experience as a Medical Interpreter in the setting of an academic or clinical institution
• Active national certification for healthcare interpreting (CCHI or NBCMI)
• Must be fluent in spoken English and Spanish with proficient reading and writing skills in English and Spanish.
• Extensive knowledge of medical terminology in source and target language(s); intermediate-to-advanced knowledge of human anatomy and systemic physiology, as validated by achieving a passing score on the prerequisite competency assessment
• Maintains active national certification with required continuing education units
• Passing score on one or both nationally recognized certification tests (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters [CCHI] or National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters [NBCMI])
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to exercise sensitivity and patience during interactions with patients, caregivers, families, and clinical staff in high pressure situations, while maintaining strict adherence to patient confidentiality and awareness of cultural differences
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to function efficiently in a complex, multi-faceted, and fast-paced setting
• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Health locations

• Active national certification for healthcare interpreting (CCHI or NBCMI)

• Exten…