Medical Interpreter

University of Missouri Health Care; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement options

Tuition assistance

Discounts on services

Job summary

MU Health Care is seeking a compassionate Medical Interpreter for on-site, PRN shifts to support language services. The role focuses on clear communication between patients, families and care teams, delivering culturally aware interpretation with empathy.

The ideal candidate will have strong language skills, one year of medical interpretation experience, and a readiness to work variable shifts in a dynamic clinical environment. Benefits begin on day one.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of medical interpretation experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Complete oral fluency and ability to read/write in English and the target language (certifications may be required).

Responsibilities

• Provide language assistance by verbal interpretations for all medical communications between staff, patients, families and visitors to ensure continuity of care.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Bilingual: English and target language

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree (preferred)

Job description

Shift:PRN – Variable Shifts

Work Arrangement:On-Site
Department: Language Services

Facility: University Hospital – 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO

Compensation:

• Base Pay Range: $30.00 per hour, Flat PRN Rate

ABOUT THE JOB

MU Health Care is looking for a compassionate and culturally aware Medical Interpreter who is passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and supported during some of life’s most important moments. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator who thrives in diverse environments, builds trust quickly, and navigates sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy. We value individuals who are collaborative, service-oriented, and committed to creating meaningful connections between patients, families, and care teams. Successful candidates will bring strong language skills, cultural awareness, and a dedication to delivering an outstanding patient experience. If you are motivated by making a direct impact on patient care and fostering understanding across cultures, this is an opportunity to join a team that truly makes a difference every day.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that’s largely a result of the incredible culture and team we’ve built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger — to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system — the only in mid-Missouri — is home to seven hospitals, including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions — with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including ten holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8%and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more
• See a comprehensive list of benefits here.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

• To provide language assistance by means of verbal interpretations for all medical communications between MUHCs staff and patients, patients' families, and visitors in order to ensure continuity of care.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired; plus one year of experience working in medical interpretation is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Complete oral fluency, as well as the ability to read and write in both English and the target language, as demonstrated by passing the appropriate medical interpreter examination(s). is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of an Associate's Degree is preferred.
• Prefer previous experience to medical terminology through either previous employment or education.
• Prefer previous experience in acute inpatient and outpatient care facilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and may require ambulating, remaining in a stationary position and positioning self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 lbs and occasionally move objects up to 25 lbs. This role may also routinely come into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holidays and work during inclement weather will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.