Language Access Coordinator/ Mixteco Interpreter

Salud Para La Gente (SALUD) provides high quality, comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare to underserved low-income communities in the Monterey Bay area, including Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County. We began in Watsonville 1978 as a storefront “free clinic,” and with the ever growing need for health services, in 1992 we became a federally qualified community health center (FQHC). Today we are a primary health care network with 11 clinic sites, over 400 employees and continue to provide high quality services to patients of all ages.

We are seeking an individual that will provide Mixteco-English-Spanish interpretation, as well as coordinate and standardize processes to improve and enhance the quality of interpretation (and translation) services for patients who have limited English proficiency (LEP). The Language Access Coordinator/Mixteco Interpreter must possess a commitment to provide exceptional customer service, patient privacy and safety, cultural humility, and a desire to be part of a team. This position is housed under the Patient Services department, supervised by the Director of Patient Services.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide Mixteco-English-Spanish interpretation for all services and locations of Salud.
• Coordinate and standardize process of connecting limited English proficiency (LEP) patients with appropriate language support services – in-person interpretation, tele-interpretation, and other relevant modalities of interpretation.
• Demonstrate cultural proficiency with the values and behavior that enables the person or institution to engage effectively with people and groups who are different from them.
• Build and maintain interpreting schedules. Arrange for in-advance and on-demand interpretation requests.
• Organize and maintain Salud’s language access resources and workflows. Act as main point of contact for language support services at Salud.
• Provide trainings and education to staff as needed.
• Act as liaison between language support vendors and Salud. Coordinate contract logistics and payment with external interpretation and translation vendors.
• Track and monitor LEP patient experience by means of surveys, data reporting, observation, and other relevant means. Implement improvements based on findings.
• Participate in local trainings and collaborative meetings that collectively work to improve access to community services for LEP community members.
• Lead the implementation and adoption of technological solutions for interpretation and translation services for Salud patients.
• Collect staff feedback and explore opportunities for improved language support workflows and resources; implement improvements based on findings.
• Route patient needs and requests as appropriate.
• Consistently adhere to and/or exceed SPLG’s communication guidelines and expectations with internal and external customers including co-workers, patients, and external partners.
• Collaborate with Salud’s Community Health Services and Communications departments to support effective patient communication.
• Communicate effectively by using welcoming words, proper tone of voice, appropriate body language, eye contact and smiling in all interactions. Listen skillfully and display a willingness and ability to acknowledge patient and co-workers’ needs, expectations and values through the use of reflective listening and empathy conveyance. Respond to co-worker and patient needs in ways that are helpful and beyond expectation.
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality and comply with federal and state privacy laws.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Trilingual- Mixteco, English, Spanish.
• High School diploma or GED (AA preferred).
• Experience working as a professional interpreter (preferred).
• Experience working in a healthcare setting (preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Experience with communication technologies such as telephonic or video remote interpreting
• Demonstrated ability to consistently adhere to Salud’s communication guidelines and expectations with internal and external customers including co-workers, patients and external partners including the use of C.A.R.E.
• Valid CA Driver’s License and current vehicle insurance; must be able to travel between sites.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills and excels in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, understanding of patient confidentiality and HIPAA.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing, walking, sitting, typing, reaching, moving and/or lifting up to 25 pounds.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary: $22.73 - $28.32 per hour

Employment Type: Full Time

Benefits: available to all regular Salud employees working 24+ hours per week. Part-time employees may receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 19 days per year
• Paid Holidays: 12 per year
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability
• Reimbursement of medical license fees
• Continuing Medical Education
• Eligibility for the State Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) through HRSA.

Additional Information

• Employees on temporary assignments are eligible for holiday pay and California sick pay, both pro-rated based on hours worked.
• On-call employees are eligible for California sick pay, pro-rated based on hours worked.

Salud is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Salud is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the