Healthy Start San Diego – Afghan In-Person Translator

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Position Title: Healthy Start San Diego – Afghan In-Person Translator
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: United States of America
Deadline Date: 11/22/2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Global Communities (GC) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities around the world. Established with a mission to eliminate disparities in birth outcomes, GC operates various programs, including the Healthy Start program, which specifically targets Black and immigrant communities. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, working collaboratively with local communities to provide essential services and support. GC is committed to fostering inclusive environments and empowering individuals through community-based initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Healthy Start San Diego program is designed to address and eliminate disparities in birth outcomes by increasing access to support during pregnancy and postpartum, particularly for Black and immigrant families. The Afghan In-Person Translator will serve as a community-based liaison, facilitating the delivery of Healthy Start services to Afghan families. This role involves providing translation support in Dari and Pashto, ensuring that communication is clear and culturally appropriate. The ideal candidate will have personal experience with pregnancy, childbirth, or parenthood, and a strong interest in public health, child development, or social work. The position requires participation in various settings, including community events, Zoom meetings, and client home visits, all scheduled in conjunction with Global Communities staff. The translator will play a crucial role in bridging language barriers and ensuring that Afghan families receive the necessary support and information during their pregnancy and postpartum journey.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide verbal translation support in Dari and Pashto for Global Communities staff during client interactions, community events, and outreach activities.
• Ensure that all translations are accurate, culturally sensitive, confidential, and professional.
• Participate in the development of written materials in Dari and/or Pashto as needed, ensuring that the content is accessible and relevant to the target audience.
• Invoice Global Communities on a monthly basis for services rendered, maintaining clear records of hours worked and services provided.
• Attend occasional in-person events in San Diego County to support the delivery of Healthy Start services.
• Uphold confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations, ensuring that no client information is shared outside of the translation service.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times, being punctual, prepared, and appropriately dressed for all assignments.
• Refuse assignments where ethical concerns arise, ensuring neutrality and impartiality in all interactions.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance translation skills and cultural competency.

Required Qualifications:

• Fluency in Dari, Pashto, and English is mandatory.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex health-related information clearly and accurately.
• Comfort discussing topics related to healthy pregnancies, childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care.
• A demonstrated interest in public health, child development, or social work is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively, ensuring timely completion of translation tasks and invoicing.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the needs of the Afghan community.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional training or certification in translation or interpretation is preferred but not mandatory. Relevant coursework or experience in public health, social work, or child development may also be advantageous.

Experience:
Previous experience in translation or interpretation, particularly in a healthcare or community service setting, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing accurate and culturally sensitive translation services. Experience working with immigrant communities or in public health initiatives will be considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Dari and Pashto is mandatory, along with proficiency in English. Knowledge of additional languages spoken within the Afghan community may be considered a plus but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultant role based in San Diego County, CA, USA. Community-based liaisons will be compensated for their time and must adhere to strict guidelines regarding confidentiality and professional conduct. The role is part-time, with flexible hours based on the needs of the Healthy Start program and the availability of clients. Candidates must submit an updated CV and cover letter by the application deadline of 11/22/2024.