Interpreter (Navajo)

Description

Under general supervision of the Director of Quality Management, the interpreter provides meaningful access to appropriate communications for patients; patients legally authorized representative(s), and other individuals whom the patient authorizes, in their preferred language. Upholds the principles of WIHCC’s Vision, Mission, and Value Statements. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information at all times.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Greets patients and provides customer service assistance by interpreting for them
• Provides direct care to tribal members and service eligible patients in clinical settings.
• Assist the patients in all area of clinical areas, including but not limited to, patient rooms, diagnostic imaging, laboratory and other departments as needed.
• Precisely and accurately interprets critical medical information given by the provider into equivalent terminology in the patient’s preferred language. Serves as a cultural and linguistic resource to both patients and providers to contribute to successful outcomes.
• Reviews institutional-wide translation efforts & serve as visible and regular resource to WIHCC staff in need of assistance in working with limited English proficient patients & families.
• Maintains awareness on obtaining and appropriately utilizing interpretation through orientations, lectures, workshops, and other appropriate communications.
• Works in compliance with all facility policies & procedures and applicable federal, state, Navajo Nation laws. Also works in compliance with regulations regarding patient confidentiality and informed consent. Understands and abides by all published standards of practice and codes of ethics for medical interpreters.
• Translates patient information, educational materials and medical text on behalf of internal and external customers
• Requires completion of tasks or duties assigned by a supervisor.
• Upholds all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.
• Adheres to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
• Adheres to WIHCCs Personnel Policies and Procedures, departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
• Interacts in an honest, trustworthy and dependable manner with patients, employees, visitors, and vendors.
• Must adhere to all HIPAA and HITECH rules and regulations.
• Works independently and able to work as part of a Team.
• Able to manage multiple projects concurrently, while maintaining conscientious attention to detail.
• Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Maintains compliance with all Human Resources requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bilingual skills in English and Navajo language required.  Must maintain a valid unrestricted and insurable driver’s license.  Must successfully pass a background investigation and maintain suitable requirements for a Child Care position. This position is considered as a Child Care position, which requires a satisfactory background check investigation and is subject to the requirements of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, as amended (henceforth referred as the ICPFVP Act).

Knowledge, Skills, Ability

•  Knowledge of strong work ethics in the workplace.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Excellent translation skills between English and Navajo.
• Skills in demonstrating excellent oral and written communication skills, including the knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and appropriate formatting.
• Skills and proficiency in using word processing and other computer software, including Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and Publisher.
• Knowledge of basic application of confidentiality.
• Knowledge of duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to be dependable in attendance and job performance.
• Ability to meet attendance, overtime (if necessary), and other reliability requirements of the job.
• Ability to accept and learn from feedback.
• Ability to effectively communicate both in written and verbal.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service at all times.
• Ability to interact positively with others and possess great interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and perform well under pressure.
• Ability to have self-confidence.
• Ability to be a great team player.
• Ability to accept and learn from supervisor/peer critique.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the organization.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee frequently is required to taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.   

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office setting, occasional outdoor work environment with a moderate noise level, and telephonic.  Work environment may involve exposure to physical risks, such as blood borne pathogens and operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.  Evening and/or weekend work may be required.  Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.

As required by P.L. 93-638, absolute preference will be given to qualified Navajo applicants.  If there is no qualified Navajo applicant, preference will be given to qualified American Indian applicants.