Per-Diem Interpreter - Mandarin Fluency

Job details

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

Exciting Opportunity at MSK: Join Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) as a Per Diem Interpreter supporting Mandarin-speaking patients and families throughout their cancer care journey. This role ensures clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication across all stages of treatment.

Role Overview

• Provide in-person medical interpretation between Mandarin-speaking patients, caregivers, and clinical teams.

• Accurately interpret complex medical discussions, including diagnoses, procedures, consent conversations, and treatment instructions.

• Ensure understanding by clarifying messages as needed and adapting communication to cultural context.

• Serve as a cultural liaison to foster trust, comprehension, and patient comfort.

• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and accurate documentation of interpreted encounters.

• Translate written materials (e.g., patient communications, educational resources, clinical instructions) as needed.

Key Qualifications

• Fluency in spoken Mandarin (including comprehension); fluency in Cantonese is a plus.

• 2–4 years of professional interpreting or translation experience in a medical setting, preferably in oncology

• Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret medical terminology and complex clinical information.

• CCHI or CMI certification is a plus. Completion of a Professional Medical Interpreter Training course or verification through professional language proficiency testing (e.g., ALTA) will be required.

Core Skills

• Clear, precise communication—especially when conveying sensitive or complex information.

• Cultural competency and sensitivity when working with Chinese-speaking communities.

• Calm, empathetic presence in high-stress clinical environments.

• Strong judgment, critical thinking, and ability to navigate nuanced clinical interactions.

• Attention to detail with documentation and digital tools.

Additional Information:

• Hours: potential for up to 30 hours/week (based on need), general availability between 8 am - 5 pm. Schedules are coordinated the day before.

• Location: MSK Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion, 160 E. 53rd Street, flexibility to travel to other Manhattan MSK Locations is required as needed.

• Reporting to the Patient Access Manager.

Helpful Links:

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Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.