The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Description

Job Title:  ASL Interpreter- Region 5 (Savannah, GA Area)

Pay Grade: J - This position has a tiered salary based on the qualifications held by the selected candidate. 

The tiers are:

MHI = Pre-certified

MHI I-RID cert

MHI II = QMHI

MHI III = QMHI-Supervisor

Job Summary:

This position reports to the State Office at 200 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA  30334 but is based in Region 5 (Savannah, GA area) of the state.

The Office of Deaf Services seeks to fill a position for a full time Regional Interpreter.  This position requires a specialty in Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse services for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind.  The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for interpreting all appointments requiring interpreting services for the assigned regional area.  This position will also be responsible for providing Video Remote Interpreting state-wide as needed. For appointments unable to be filled by the Regional Interpreter, it will be the responsibility of the Regional Interpreter to coordinate and confirm interpreting services for the assigned region. The Regional Interpreter will provide services across all areas of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disability and Substance Abuse venues for patients, clients, staff, provider staff and contract service providers so that deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind individuals will be able to effectively communicate.  The employee in this position will work with other Deaf Services Office staff in order to accomplish the over-arching goal of improving the services DBHDD provides to those who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf- blind in the State of Georgia.  This position reports directly to the State Interpreter Coordinator.

Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards

Provides interpreting services, both in person and video remote, within assigned regional area and statewide as needed within the DBHDD service provision system.

Coordinate scheduling with provider offices for all interpreter needs as well as assigning interpreters for all appointments unable to be filled by the Regional Interpreter.

As requested, work with the Deaf Services Communication Access Team to conduct Communication Assessments of individuals receiving DBHDD services.

Provide technical assistance and serve as a resource to DBHDD staff and provider office staff relating to deaf behavioral health and substance abuse best practices while working with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind.

Participate in training related to Behavioral Health, Deafness, and Interpreting to increase knowledge of issues relating to deaf individuals within behavioral health and substance abuse settings.

Participate in regular case conference meetings with other Regional Interpreters for the purpose of improving services provided to individuals.

Participate in regular supervision meetings with an ASL Interpreter II or III staff.

Produce and submit a monthly interpreter report and other various reports and data as required by DBHDD and Deaf Services in a timely manner.

Update and monitor interpreter coverage in the Deaf Services Management System on a daily basis, working closely with the Interpreter Data and Logistics Coordinator.

Maintain high standards of personal and professional integrity and interpreting excellence, acting as a role model for other interpreters in Georgia.

Maintain and promote sensitivity and respect for cultural and linguistic differences observed in the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind communities.

Exemplify excellence in compliance with interpreting Codes of Professional Conduct, including confidentiality and appropriate disclosure of information guidelines.

Perform other relative duties as requested by DBHDD Deaf Services administration.

Performs job responsibilities efficiently with limited direct supervision.

Other duties as assigned.

Required technical competencies and Abilities

Ability to use a computer, electronic calendars, internet resources and various software packages.

Ability to use DBHDD specific software programs.

Ability to use proper judgement in interpreter assignment.

Ability to interpret in situations where only partial control by the interpreter is possible.

Ability to work within behavioral health and substance use disorder settings.

Ability to interpret between staff and consumers using a variety of dialects and fluency levels.

Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and prioritize workload.

Ability to work a flexible work schedule to include nights and/or weekends as needed.

Ability to work effectively as part of a state deaf services team.

Minimum Qualifications

Certified as an Interpreter by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or National Association of the Deaf IV/V or equivalent national interpreter certification.

24 months or more full-time experience interpreting in a variety of different settings.

Knowledge of American Sign Language.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must hold national interpreter certification.

Must be certified as a Qualified Mental Health Interpreter or obtain certification as a Qualified Mental Health Interpreter within 24 months of hire.

Must hold a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in the State of Georgia.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.