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Medical Interpreter 2

University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
United States, California, San Francisco
Feb 05, 2026

Medical Interpreter 2

Ambulatory Capacity Management

Full Time

87782BR

Job Summary

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 utilize 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.

Interpreters serve in the following roles for UCSF Health:

  • 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 good 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.

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

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.

The salary range for this position is $81,200 - $131,100 (Annual Rate).

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Department Description

The Interpreting and Translation Services department at UCSF Health is committed to the provision of interpreting services 24/7 to patients, families, providers, and staff to facilitate optimal care and services. We provide services at no cost to patients who are non-English speaking, limited English proficient, deaf, hard of hearing, and sight or speech impaired. We offer on-site, over-the-phone, and video medical interpreting in over 200 languages, including American Sign Language. Interpreting services are provided by our own UCSF staff interpreters as well as qualified vendor and contract staff who collaborate with our staff to optimize communication. We also offer document translation services and bilingual certification for clinicians and staff. Using Lean principles and innovative improvement strategies, we partner with all levels of staff to continually evaluate multi-source data and trends to provide the most comprehensive, compliant, efficient, user-friendly, and excellent program for our patients and staff.

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 written and spoken English and target language/languages: Spanish, Chinese (both Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, or Vietnamese, with proficient reading and writing skills in English and target language/languages
  • 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

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

License/Certification


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

About UCSF

At UCSF Health, our mission of innovative patient care, advanced technology and pioneering research is redefining what's possible for the patients we serve - a promise we share with the professionals who make up our team.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report - UCSF Health is committed to providing the most rewarding work experience while delivering the best care available anywhere. In an environment that allows for continuous learning and opportunities for professional growth, UCSF Health offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

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.

Organization

Health

Job Code and Payroll Title

008795 CLIN APPLICATIONS PROFL 2

Job Category

Professional (Non-Clinical), Support Services

Bargaining Unit

99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)

Employee Class

Career

Percentage

100%

Location

San Francisco, CA

Campus

Mission Bay (SF)

Work Style

Fully On-Site

Shift

Days, Weekends, Variable

Shift Length

8 Hours

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