Interpreter (Navajo) (47689)

Under general supervision of the Deputy Quality Officer, 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 WIHCCs 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, telehealth/virtual visits, and other departments as needed.

- Precisely and accurately interprets critical and complex medical information given by the provider into equivalent terminology in the patients 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.

- Promotes patient advocacy and culturally appropriate health care access.

- Documents interpreter encounters as required by set guidelines in the department.

- Participates in department meetings, committees, trainings, and organization initiatives; which could include but not limited to health education support and survey/patient experience support.

- 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.

- Maintains strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

- 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.

- Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity.

- Maintains compliance with all Human Resources requirements.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required. Bilingual skills in English and Navajo language required. Must maintain a valid unrestricted and insurable drivers license. Certified in Navajo Medical Terminology preferred and must be received within six (6) months. At least one (1) year experience in a healthcare setting preferred. 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.

- 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.

- Knowledge of medical terminology.

- Knowledge of Navajo culture, traditions, and taboos.

- 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 work with sensitive or emotionally difficult situations.

- 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 essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel objects and equipment, reach with hands and arms, and communicate effectively by talking and hearing. The employee frequently must stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and may occasionally use taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office setting or outdoor work environment with moderate noise levels. Work environment may involve exposure to physical risks, such as blood borne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, or operating potential dangerous equipment, and requires adherence to all safety protocols. Required work schedules may include evening, weekend, overnight shifts, extended hours, or irregular schedules and rotation as operational needs dictate.

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.