Medical Interpreter , Spanish

Overview

The Medical Interpreter 2 position provides concise, objective, and accurate interpretation for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients across UCSF Health in person, by video, and by telephone in English and Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, or Vietnamese. Under the direction of the departmental management team, interprets and translates using UCSF Health tools for document translations. The role may shadow and orient new medical interpreters and participate in staff, provider, and patient educational opportunities.

Functions as a member of the health care team and interprets/translates complex communications in patient, caregiver, and provider interactions in a medical setting.

Maintains HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality and adheres to applicable language access and interpreting requirements governing LEP patients. Interpreters serve in the following roles:
Conduit, Communication Manager, Cultural Broker, and Patient Advocate.

Utilizes independent thought processing, critical thinking, and conflict-resolution skills to manage conflicts and promote positive outcomes. Under management guidance and with minimal supervision, demonstrates flexibility and the ability to apply critical thinking to respond to dynamic situations. Maintains effective and open communication and demonstrates a collaborative, team-centered approach with UCSF Health colleagues. Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with UCSF Health policies and procedures, including regulatory policies and protocols relevant to medical interpretation, ethics, infection control, patient safety, and administrative/clinical practice requirements.

Demonstrates courtesy and consistently provides high-quality service to patients, staff, and clinical teams while meeting UCSF Health standards.

Notes:
Qualified applicants are required to obtain a passing score for both interpreting and translation skill assessments administered by UCSF Interpreting Services or approved third party before interview consideration.

• 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 its influence on interactions.
• Patient Advocate: appropriate advocacy in accordance with medical center policies and medical interpreter ethics and standards.

• 5+ years of experience as a Medical Interpreter in an academic or clinical setting
• Active national certification for healthcare interpreting (CCHI or NBCMI)
• 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 languages; intermediate-to-advanced knowledge of human anatomy and systemic physiology, as validated by a prerequisite competency assessment
• Maintains active national certification with required continuing education units
• Passing score on one or both nationally recognized certification tests (CCHI or NBCMI)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with sensitivity and patience in interactions with patients, caregivers, families, and clinical staff in high-pressure situations, while maintaining patient confidentiality and cultural awareness
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to function effectively in a complex, fast-paced setting
• Flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Health locations

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

• Extensive knowledge of UCSF Health policies, procedures, and protocols
• Knowledge of remote interpreting technology and translation memory software provided by UCSF Health
• Experience with Zoom or similar video conferencing tools for interpreting
• Proven competency in additional languages not listed above

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