Public Health Language Worker

Name of Person to Contact: Guy Dewees

Name of Company/Business: Personnel Board of Jefferson County

Employer Phone: (205) 279-3516

Employer Email: guy.dewees@pbjcal.org

Employer Website or Application URL: https://pbjcal.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/JobsQuest/job/Merit-System/Public-Health-Language-Worker_R0010329

Company Address: 2121 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States

Job Title: Public Health Language Worker
Job Description: The Jefferson County Department of Health is seeking a Public Health Language Worker to interpret verbal communications and translate written communications between healthcare service providers and limited-English-proficiency patients at healthcare facilities. Employees in this job class must be proficient in both English and Spanish in order to facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers in various clinics within the facility to ensure patient care and understanding. Employees also translate medical documents to ensure patient comprehension of health information. Public Health Language Workers must complete regular training in order to stay up-to-date on current medical terminology and healthcare practices (e.g., HIPAA). Employees work in an office and healthcare/medical facility and do not have supervisory duties. Work is overseen and reviewed by the Public Health Language Coordinator and/or a Senior Public Health Language Worker.


Typical Public Health Language Worker job duties include, but are not necessarily limited to:
Manages communication between healthcare service providers and limited English proficiency patients by interpreting verbal communication, translating written communication, and adjusting terminology to facilitate the examination and treatment of patients.
Reports to assigned location (e.g., specialty clinic, pediatrics, family planning, adult health, dental, medical records, eye, WIC, maternity) to provide interpretation services to limited English proficiency patients.
Assists personnel from other departments (e.g., Environmental Health, Disease Control, Social Workers) to provide interpreting services to their patients/clients.
Assists limited English proficiency patients needing medical care by scheduling appointments, answering and returning telephone calls, and contacting healthcare providers to provide medical advice or care to patients.
Maintains patient records by collecting information (e.g., identification, demographics, medical history), assisting in the completion of applications, taking notes, and updating electronic databases for documentation purposes.
Serves as a liaison between the healthcare facility and the public by building relationships, making referrals, and providing information to the public about the services and resources that the health facility provides.
Distributes fliers and business cards in order to spread information about the department to the community.
Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.
Minimum Requirements


To be considered for employment in this position, a candidate must possess the following:

Driver's license.
Written and verbal fluency in Spanish.
Written and verbal fluency in English.
Experience (paid or volunteer) interpreting oral information from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.


Preferred Requirements
In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following:
Certification as a Medical or Healthcare Interpreter (National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters or Commission for Healthcare Interpreters).
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Written and verbal fluency in language(s) other than English and Spanish

About the Jefferson County Department of Health
The Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) is a government agency responsible for promoting and protecting the health of the residents of Jefferson County. The JCDH provides a wide range of public health services, including health education, disease prevention and control, environmental health, and clinical services, among several other services. The agency operates several clinics throughout Jefferson County, providing affordable and accessible medical care to residents.

A Career with the Jefferson County Department of Health
With the mission of “A healthier Jefferson County for all,” the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) is a place to find a rewarding career in public health. JCDH is committed to the values of Compassion for every life touched, Respect for each other and those served, Collaboration within the community, Integrity in every action, and Innovation to advance the JCDHD mission.

Whether you are looking for a clinical position, a public health education position, or something in between, JCDH has a place for you. JCDH works to ensure there is a supportive and collaborative work environment and is committed to helping employees succeed. JCDH strives to provide a competitive compensation structure, excellent medical benefits, and a strong retirement and pension plan, along with other employee wellness benefits and programs. When working with JCDH, every day is an opportunity to make a difference by preventing disease, protecting public health, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and assuring access to quality health care for all.

Compensation & Benefits
The Jefferson County Department of Health offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Salary range: $41,808.00 - $64,854.40 (starting salary is commensurate with education and experience)
Generous pension plan
Excellent medical insurance with employee monthly contribution as low as $32.50/month
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Behavioral health plan
Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance, Voluntary Term Life & AD&D, Whole Life Insurance, and Short-term Disability options
Paid vacation and sick leave
Generous holiday schedule
To learn more about the Jefferson County Department of Health, please visit https://jcdh.org/Default.aspx.

Salary / Hourly Wage: $41,808