Medical Interpreter 2, Spanish

Make an impact Everyday

Our Interpreters work in a hybrid environment – working remotely as well as supporting from multiple sites across San Francisco. 

Our Interpreters serve in the following roles for the Medical Center:

Conduit: Interpreting messages accurately and completely.

Communication Manager: preserving the triadic relationship where patients, providers, and caregivers relate to one another during interactions.

Cultural Broker: Providing observation and articulation of cultural diversity and influence which could be a presenting factor during interactions.

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/services/interpreters

UCSF seeks motivated and talented individuals

Medical Interpreters are responsible for providing concise, objective, and accurate interpretation for patients with limited English proficient (LEP) throughout the Medical Center, in person, by video and by phone in the following languages: Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. Under direction and operational oversight of the Administrative Director, medical interpreters function as a member of the health care team, including other health care professionals. Interpreters demonstrate the ability to consistently interpret complex and difficult communications/interface in any and all patient, caregiver and provider interactions in the medical center, including but not limited to diagnostic procedures/treatment, medical terminology, psychiatric evaluations, social service consultations, genetic counseling, nutritional counseling, family planning sessions, hospital rounding with clinical teams, pediatric and adult specialty and primary care consultations both in-patient and out-patient settings, medical consents, discharge instructions for the patient’s use such as pre-op and post-op care instructions, discharge orders and homecare regimen, routine medication instructions, physical therapy modalities, patient and family support groups, patient education webinars, contractual agreements, financial counseling, etc.

Maintains strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines and the protection of patient confidentiality and ethical practices, as mandated by the Medical Center. Comply with any Federal and State Language Access and interpreting requirements governing patients with LEP.  Utilizes independent thought processing and good issue resolution measures to manage conflicts and promote positive outcomes.

Organizes and prioritizes patient assignments previously allocated by a coordinator to ensure completion of tasks assigned, maintaining efficiency levels with workflow.  Demonstrates a strong knowledge base and understanding of Medical Center policies and procedures, including regulatory policies, ethics, and protocols respective to the role of a medical interpreter.  Demonstrates courtesy and professionalism with patients, staff, and clinical teams in all interactions. 

Provides translations, proofreading, and localization of documents including but not limited to after visit summaries, patient education materials, patient letters, signage, to/from target languages, etc.

Assists the management team when designated with training/coaching of new medical interpreters, using the established onboarding process.

Learn and grow

We’re committed to growing the capabilities of our people and supporting their development. Whether you’re a long-time employee or it’s your first day on the job, UCSF and our Interpreting and Translation Services Department have programs and resources to help you get started, support your work, develop your skills, and advance your career. We offer a variety of programs such as:

• Remote-flexible work incentive based on operational needs

• 40 hours per year of educational leave

• Resources to build and develop professional skills – e-courses, workshops, e-books, etc.

• Reimbursement program for credentials

• Family-friendly benefits 

If you're ready to join our community and be a part of this vibrant institution that contributes so much, every day, to people throughout California and around the world; we encourage you to take the first step and apply. 

Notes: Qualified applicants are required to obtain a passing score for both interpreting and translation skill assessment administered by UCSF Interpreting Services and/or approved third party before being considered for an interview

Required Qualifications

• 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

License/Certification:

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of UCSF Health policies, procedures, and protocols
• Knowledge of and experience in remote interpreting technology
• Knowledge of and experience with translation memory software provided by UCSF Health
• Familiarity with Zoom video conference software’s simultaneous interpreting functionality or other industry-related technology
• Proven competency in additional languages not listed above