Yupik Medical Interpreter/Translator

Bethel, Alaska – The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation is a Tribal health care organization serving nearly 30,000 people across rural southwest Alaska in villages with populations from about 10 to more than 1,000. Bethel, the regional hub and location of the only hospital in the region, has a population of nearly 7,000. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is home to thousands of lakes and two primary rivers—the Kuskokwim and Yukon.

About the role

Under the direction of the manager, the incumbent serves as a medical interpreter for patients and staff, supporting the operations of the medical and nursing department in consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation modes. The role relays medical information between speakers of two different languages while complying with all office and hospital policies, particularly relating to patient confidentiality, informed consent, Standards of Practice, and the Code of Ethics. The interpreter also assists with on-the-job training and mentoring of interpreter internships, facilitates service delivery to linguistically diverse consumers, and serves as a cultural and linguistic resource to both patients and providers.

Responsibilities

• Interpret complex diagnostic procedures, treatments, and surgical procedures in a manner easily understood by non-English-speaking patients and relay patients' healthcare needs to providers.
• Provide written translations for patient encounters, including forms, medical instructions, and medication schedules, as well as administrative translations such as letters and documents.
• Support office operations by answering phones, documenting encounters, data entry, troubleshooting, filing, and photocopying.
• Utilize hospital software systems, including Outlook and other online tools.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.
• Explain hospital resources, protocols, and limitations to clinicians and patients, making appropriate referrals.
• Act as a cultural and linguistic resource to improve patient outcomes and continuity of care.
• Mentor and train interpreter interns.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year in the healthcare field with a working knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Experience as a medical interpreter in a healthcare setting with a strong medical vocabulary, including specialties.
• High level of customer service and a positive approach.
• Familiarity working with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• General knowledge of the cultural backgrounds of patients served.
• Good interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems, including YKHC Cisco Phone System, standard network, and computer accesses.
• Fluency in Yupik/Eskimo and access to relevant resources (e.g., Yupik/Eskimo Dictionary, Medical Terminology for English/Yupik Handbook).

Benefits

• Generous PTO – starting at 4.5 weeks per year, accrued over time.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement plans.
• Employee Wellness Center.
• Additional benefits available.

Pay

Minimum hourly pay: $21.78.

Schedule

• Full-time (80 hours per week).