Kern Health Systems

Cultural and Linguistics Specialist I Bilingual II

Kern Health Systems

Overview

Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, or any related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, gender expression, military status, or the presence of a non‑job related medical condition or disability (mental or physical).

KHS reasonably expects to pay starting compensation for the position of Cultural and Linguistics Specialist I Bilingual II in the range of $26.73 – $34.70 hourly.

Definition

Under the direction of the Kern Health Systems Cultural & Linguistic Services Manager, the Cultural & Linguistics Specialist will assist with the routines of the Cultural and Linguistics Program; develop cultural and linguistic interventions and assist with the preparation and delivery of presentations to staff, members and providers.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is a non‑exempt classification and is responsible for assigned health education functions as defined by the KHS Cultural & Linguistic Administrative and Support Supervisor for a Knox‑Keene licensed health maintenance organization (HMO).

Essential Functions

• Assists in assessing member cultural and linguistic needs, and in developing, planning, organizing, and evaluating member health education and cultural and linguistic activities, which may include special events in conjunction with community celebrations, workshops, seminars and discussion groups.
• Assists in identifying and networking with community leaders to promote cultural and linguistic services; refers members to cultural and linguistic program, services and resources.
• Assists in organizing and conducting educational presentations to staff, members and providers.
• Research cultural and linguistic topics and prepares informational materials including reports and memos.
• Prepares exhibits, posters and displays for presentation at meetings, conferences or trainings.
• Prepares reports and other documentation of cultural and linguistic program activities.
• Assists with regular provider and member needs assessment to continue to find best ways to bridge the language and culture gap in the provision of care.
• Assists with coordinating the development and implementation of innovative tools to assist provider network and health plan staff in improving language and culturally appropriate care for member population.
• Provides simultaneous interpretation services at KHS Committee meetings and focus groups, as necessary.
• Ensures implementation of feedback surveys, and tracks and trends service utilization figure, produces necessary reports and completes special projects and presentations as necessary.
• Coordinates the translation process, assigning interpretation requests, creating and maintaining translation specifications and project glossaries, communicating with internal and external customers on linguistic issues, leading vendors, and answering questions.
• Assists with the recruitment of qualified language vendors and consultants; manages contracted vendors, educating them on project expectations, workflow, timeline, quality processes and all other specifications, and coordinating cultural competency and linguistic review for languages other than English. Project quality is ensured through proofreading, formatting, and follow‑up with translators.
• Actively interfaces with the Provider Relations Department to increase knowledge and compliance with cultural competency and linguistic access issues among KHS’ provider network.
• Assists in the development of surveys which comply with state regulations to identify community and plan cultural and language needs and the effectiveness of the implemented program. Works in conjunction with the Member Health Educator in the needs assessment design, information collection, tabulation and information analysis in order to complete the Population Needs Assessment and assist in the delivery of culturally competent and linguistically appropriate programs and services.
• Ensures that conflict and grievance resolution processes are culturally and linguistically sensitive and capable of identifying, preventing, and resolving cross‑cultural conflicts or complaints of members.
• Assess communication needs for providers and members. Assists with the development, implementation, and coordination of approved plans to ensure timely and effective communications. Focuses on educating members and providers on how to use linguistic services and appropriate culturally sensitive services.
• Monitors systems to ensure compliance with State, Federal and contractual/regulatory requirements regarding Cultural & Linguistic Services.
• Ensures that tasks and projects related to interpretation and translation service requests have been performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Assists with the oversight of the translation of materials in all threshold languages and coordinates the evaluation of member, provider and marketing materials for cultural and linguistic appropriateness.
• Participates in community events and planning committees targeted at cultural and linguistic services and promotion, as needed.
• Assists with interpreting and translations for facilitation of health education classes, as needed.
• Regular Predictable Attendance

Other Functions

• Performs other job‑related duties as required.
• Adheres to all company policies and procedures relative to employment and job responsibilities.

Employment Standards

• Bachelor’s degree in a health, social service or liberal arts related field from an accredited institution or equivalent.
• Two (2) years’ experience working in a managed care or health care setting AND
• Two (2) years’ experience providing interpreting and translation services in a professional setting;
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license and state required auto liability
• insurance; Required Travel Up to 30%.
• Bilingual English/Spanish certification required. (Tier II verbal/written)

Ability to:

• Adapt to a rapidly evolving work environment;
• Work independently and manage multi‑task responsibilities;
• Present ideas accurately, concisely and effectively both orally and in writing;
• Prepare and deliver effective oral presentations before a diverse group of individuals;
• Effectively utilize a computer and appropriate software;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of community agencies, organizations and individuals.
• Be sensitive to a multi‑cultural community and communicate with a broad spectrum of individuals, including Medi‑Cal beneficiaries, providers, community‑based organizations and Kern Health Systems Board of Directors.

Knowledge of:

• Project management skills;
• Common health programs, their causes and prevention methodologies;
• Current public health and cultural/linguistic concerns;
• Human anatomy and physiology;
• Group dynamics and human behavior;
• Techniques involved in preparing and displaying visual aids;
• Research methods;
• Effective methods for disseminating information to individuals;
• Standards of developing low literacy health education materials that is culturally appropriate and linguistically sensitive;
• Community based educational programs and other local resources

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non‑discrimination in employment on any basis.