Medical Interpreting Volunteers

Volunteer Overview

Have more questions?

For volunteer specific questions,
please reach out to our Volunteer Program Coordinator!

  • Medical Interpreting volunteers provide essential language support to ensure clear and accurate communication between providers and patients. This role is vital to enhancing patient understanding and providing a safe, positive healthcare experience for our patients. Volunteers are present in the room with the patient and provider giving first person interpretation.

    • Medical Visit Interpreting: Facilitate effective communication between provider and patient by giving accurate interpretation of diagnosis, treatment plans, and instruction

    • Accuracy and Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and provide precise interpretation to protect the integrity of medical information and avoid misunderstandings

    • Cultural Sensitivity: Provide culturally sensitive interpretation, considering the cultural context and nuances of both the patient and the healthcare providers to foster mutual understanding and respect

    • Charting and Notes: Assist providers with writing post visit notes for the patient

    • Scheduling and Phone Calls: Help medical reception volunteers interpret incoming phone calls and making appointment reminder calls for patients within your language scope

    • At least 18 years of age

    • Vaccinated for COVID

    • Can provide proof of a negative TB test within the last 12 months

    • Can commit to a minimum of 6 consecutive months volunteering (two, four hour shifts per month) 

    • Can commit to in person orientation and trainings at 35 Onondaga Ave, San Francisco

    • Language Proficiency: Fluency in both English and target language with strong comprehension of medical terminology in both languages

    • Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and active listening skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and potentially stressful situations with professionalism and empathy

    • Confidentiality: Understanding and adherence to HIPAA regulations

    • Comfortability using computers including medical scheduling software

    • Teamwork

    • Time management

    • Organization

    • Attention to detail

  • Clinic Days:

    • Monday

      • 12pm-3pm

    • Tuesday

      • 12pm-4pm

      • 4pm-8pm

    • Thursday

      • 10am-2pm

      • 2pm-6pm

What’s the next step?

Fill out your volunteer application today!
  • Reception desk with three computer monitors, a stack of papers, and various health-related items including masks and brochures, situated in a medical office with green walls and wooden flooring, and a potted pink flower plant nearby.

    Learn more about all Non-Medical Volunteer Roles

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Please fill out a volunteer application and we will contact you as soon as possible to start with an initial phone screening.

Contact us at 415.405.0207 ext.305 or volunteer_team@clinicbythebay.org to learn more about volunteering today.

How to Become a Volunteer

Volunteer application
Six-step volunteer orientation process diagram with icons: 1) online form, 2) phone contact, 3) volunteer session, 4) in-person interview, 5) reference checks, 6) schedule training shift.
Existing Volunteers: Schedule Shifts