SPANISH INTERPRETER

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Spanish Interpreter. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high-quality, and member-driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.

Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Responsibilities

• Provides accurate interpretation services to DDD staff and customers, members and their families with Limited English Proficiency.
• Maintains excellent fluency in both the source and the target language, typically achieved through completion of an interpreting program.
• Acts as a neutral conduit of information between parties, adhering to Standards of Practice for Healthcare Interpreters such as confidentiality, accuracy, and impartiality.
• Serves as a cultural clarifier when needed.
• Performs consecutive interpretation for the majority of encounters, with some simultaneous interpretation as required.
• Conducts sight translation in certain situations.
• Interprets remotely via over-the-phone, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), and on-site for specific encounters.
• Travels to various locations statewide, including members’ residences (e.g., group homes, private residences, nursing homes) to interpret for DDD staff during planning meetings.
• Documents all interpretation encounters.
• Interprets for common encounters including nursing assessments, case management planning meetings, behavioral health meetings, and eligibility appointments.

Requirements

• Proficiency in Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Hangouts).
• Understanding of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Knowledge of federal Medicaid and Managed Care Organizations requirements, as well as state laws, rules, and regulations related to the Division of Developmental Disabilities and AHCCCS.
• Familiarity with cultural and linguistic competency principles and concepts.
• Understanding of systems of care, wraparound philosophy and practice, community-based services, and support with an orientation to member-driven, guided, and culturally relevant systems.
• Knowledge of medical and legal terminology.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, conflict resolution, coaching, and cross-cultural communication.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with culturally diverse members, staff, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Flexibility, creativity, assertiveness, and ability to manage multiple tasks in multidisciplinary environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Translation, or a certificate of translation from an accredited university, or accreditation by the American Translators Association.
• Certification from a nationally recognized medical interpreting certification such as NBCMI (National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters) or CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters).
• Experience in healthcare interpreting.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• If driving is required, must possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be unexpired, neither revoked nor suspended. Employees driving on state business must maintain acceptable driving records and complete all required driver training.
• Must maintain statutorily required liability insurance if operating a personally owned vehicle on state business (per Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-201.11).
• Must possess a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1968 to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Subject to a search of the Department of Child Safety Central Registry (A.R.S. 8-804) and the Adult Protective Services Registry (A.R.S. 46-459).
• Must successfully pass a background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of this process and the Agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility verification process.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Tuition reimbursement stipend opportunities.
• Infant at Work Program.
• Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
• Career advancement and employee development opportunities.

Pay

$55,000.00 - $62,000.00 annually

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Shobana Jeyaraj at 480-915-7157 or shjeyaraj@azdes.gov.