Foreign Language Interpreter - Spanish

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

3d•$17 - $34

About The Position

The Spanish Medical Interpreter with UVA Health facilitates accurate, complete, and culturally responsive communication among Spanish-speaking patients, families, and healthcare professionals across an academic health system. The interpreter supports inpatient and outpatient encounters spanning a wide range of specialties, from routine visits and patient education to complex discussions about treatment options, goals of care, transplantation, and end-of-life decisions. Services are delivered in person and through telemedicine. Interpreters rotate among UVA Health locations and specialties. The work requires adaptability, discretion, linguistic accuracy, cultural awareness, sound judgment, command of medical terminology, and adherence to interpreter ethics and patient advocacy. The typical schedule includes approximately 8 to 11 appointments per day, with higher volumes possible in busy clinics. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, with either an 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. shift. There are no routine weekend or after-hours requirements; team members may voluntarily join a callback list for evening or weekend Spanish interpretation needs. The role is part of a collaborative Interpreter Services team. UVA Health describes the position as supporting patient understanding, informed decision-making, safety, trust, and equitable access to care across its clinical programs and locations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of the Bridging the Gap Interpreting Course or an equivalent 40-hour course.
At least one year of medical interpreting experience.
Strong Spanish and English fluency.
Working knowledge of healthcare terminology and procedures.
Ability to perform consecutive interpreting, including written and sight interpreting.
Obtain licensure within one year of employment through NBCMI or CCHI if not already certified.
Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills; attention to detail; and ability to write legibly.
Ability to travel frequently, at least one mile daily.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum and frequently lift or carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of medical interpreting experience.
National medical interpreter certification.
Ability to perform simultaneous interpretation.

Responsibilities

Provide professional Spanish interpretation for inpatient and outpatient encounters.
Interpret medications, diagnoses, procedures, treatment plans, and discharge or follow-up instructions accurately and neutrally.
Support sensitive conversations, including goals-of-care and end-of-life discussions.
Facilitate patient and family education across a wide range of clinical specialties.
Participate in education sessions for heart, lung, liver, and kidney transplant programs.
Help clinical teams recognize and navigate relevant linguistic, cultural, and dialect differences.
Advocate for clear communication while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Travel among University Hospital, Fontaine, Northridge, Moser, the Battle Building, and other UVA-associated clinical locations.
Manage a typical schedule of approximately 8 to 11 appointments per day, with higher volumes possible in busy clinics.