Federal Interpreter Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view 'Our DES' video. Come join the DES Team!
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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Provides accurate interpretation services to DDD staff and customers, members and their families with Limited English Proficiency.
Excellent fluency in both the source and the target language. This is normally achieved through the completion of an interpreting program. Neutral role between both parties and acts as the conduit of information. This position abides by Standards of Practice for Healthcare Interpreters such as confidentiality, accuracy, and impartiality.
Can act as the cultural clarifier. The majority of the encounters will require consecutive interpretation, while some encounters might require simultaneous interpretation. Sight translation might be required in some situations.
Interpret remotely over-the-phone, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), and on site interpreting for certain encounters. The position is required to travel to different areas of the state, including to the member's place of residence, such as Group Homes, private residence or nursing home, to interpret for DDD Division staff during planning meetings.
Documents all encounters. Common encounters include nursing assessments, case management planning meetings, behavioral health meetings, and eligibility appointments.

Knowledge in:
Google Suite including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets and Hangouts.
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) and American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Federal requirements related to Medicaid and Managed Care Organizations, state laws, rules, and regulations related to the Division of Developmental Disabilities and AHCCCS.
Cultural and linguistic competency principles and concepts .
Systems of care and wraparound philosophy and practice, community based serveries and support with an orientation to member-driven, guided and culturally relevant systems and services .
Medical and legal terminology.
Skills in:
Microsoft Office, conflict resolution, coaching, cross cultural.
Exceptional interpersonal communication, written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to:
Demonstrate ability to work effectively with culturally diverse members, staff, contractors and stakeholders.
Flexible, creative, assertive and able to work in multiple tasks and multidisciplinary environments.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
Bachelor Degree in Translation, (OR) a certificate of translation from an accredited university, (OR) be accredited by the American Translators Association.
A 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.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to Driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).
Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1968 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Department of Child Safety Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
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 paid leave for 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 & Employee Development Opportunities

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Shobana Jeyaraj at 480-915-7157 or shjeyaraj@azdes.gov.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480-915-7157 or shjeyaraj@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.