Medical Interpreter 2, Spanish

UCSF Health; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health is seeking a Medical Interpreter 2 to provide concise, objective interpretation for LEP patients across UCSF Health in person, by video, and by telephone in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, or Vietnamese. Under supervision, performs translations and supports staff and patient education while maintaining HIPAA and confidentiality.

The role requires 5+ years of interpreter experience in clinical settings, active national certification (CCHI or NBCMI), and strong medical terminology

Qualifications

• 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 language(s); intermediate-to-advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• 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 and the ability to exercise sensitivity and patience with patients and staff.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to function efficiently in a fast-paced setting.
• Flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Health locations.

Responsibilities

• 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 affect interactions.
• Patient Advocate: appropriate advocacy per hospital policies and interpreter ethics and standards.

Skills

5+ years experience

National certification

English/Spanish bilingual

Medical terminology knowledge

Continuing education

Certification tests (CCHI/NBCMI)

Strong communication

Independence

Multi-location flexibility

Job description

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.

Roles and Responsibilities of Interpreters

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.