Foreign Language Interpreter - Spanish

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

31d•$20 - $34

About The Position

UVA Health is hiring an experienced Spanish medical interpreter to support communication among Spanish-speaking patients and families and healthcare professionals across an academic health system. The interpreter facilitates accurate, complete, culturally responsive communication so patients with limited English proficiency can understand their care, express their needs, and participate in healthcare decisions. The role covers inpatient and outpatient encounters across a wide range of specialties, from routine visits and patient education to complex conversations about treatment options, goals of care, transplantation, and end-of-life decisions. Services are provided in person and through telemedicine. Interpreters rotate among UVA Health locations and specialties, typically handling approximately 8 to 11 appointments a 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 requires travel among UVA-associated clinical locations, including University Hospital, Fontaine, Northridge, Moser, and the Battle Building. The position is part of a collaborative Interpreter Services team. UVA Health describes the work as contributing to patient understanding, informed decision-making, safety, trust, and equitable access to care. The environment includes a nationally recognized academic health system, diverse patient populations, and opportunities to support programs such as transplantation, cancer care, trauma services, women’s health, and pediatric care.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of an accredited interpreter training program; the posting specifies completion of a 40-hour Medical Interpreter Training Program.
Strong Spanish and English fluency.
Working knowledge of healthcare terminology and procedures.
Required licensure must be attained within one year of hire or transfer; accepted licensure is described in the position specifications.
Ability to travel frequently, with a minimum distance of one mile daily.
Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills.
Attention to detail and ability to write legibly.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

National medical interpreter certification is preferred.
Prior medical interpretation experience is described as desirable in the role description.

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 appropriate 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.