ASL Interpreter​/Oral Health Navigator Dental Assis

PRIMARY DUTIES (Associated with interactive communication with the deaf and hard of hearing individuals):
The primary responsibility for this employee is facilitating communication between the deaf and hard of hearing patients and the medical/dental/behavior health clinician regarding health care services. When not assisting with interpretations, secondary critical duties that are related to oral health dental/medical coordination.

Provide sign-language interpreter services regarding symptoms, medical conditions, medications, medical history, diagnosis, prognosis, test results, treatment options, surgery and other procedures.

Works effectively in teams with other sign language interpreters.

Assists in the collection and preparation of documents.

Providing instructions for medication, post-treatment and follow-up treatment.

Serve as a liaison to promote good health relations between deaf/hard of hearing, hearing peers, staff, faculty and parents.

Annual attendance of continuing education programs or workshops to maintain an awareness of best practices, emerging trends and new legislation related to ASL.Must be able to travel occasionally to various clinics.

Support scheduling appointments in a timely manner.

OTHER DUTIES (Associated with dental health coordination and dental assisting)
Manage coordination of OB referral from medical to dental for health education, exams, and dental treatment during eligible period of pregnancy.

Organize and coordinate community and school based dental screening and fluoride varnish application.

Monitor dental x-ray equipment for state compliance with protective devices, operating and safety procedures and x-ray image processing.

Organize student take-home packets that include oral health education, consent forms for treatment and dental health report card.

Assist dentist chair-side by organizing and preparing instruments, dental materials and equipment necessary for oral health care.

Take and process x-rays, update and maintain dental records

Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, administrative processes and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards.

Demonstrate knowledge of dental procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments.

Demonstrate customer service skills to ensure patients feel comfortable during their appointment as well as well-informed about treatment and dental wellness.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter/ Oral Health Navigator Dental Assistant

REPORTS TO:

Deputy Chief Dental Officer

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or equivalent. Qualified/certified ASL interpreter.

Successful completion of accredited certification dental assisting course preferred. Current Registered Dental Assistant Certificate as established by the State of Texas, current CPR certification.

SKILLS:

Experience as a qualified/certified ASL interpreter. Exhibit an interest in self-improvement in signing ability and interpreting skills. Demonstrate a basic understanding of medical terminology and a general understanding of health procedures. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Visual and auditory accuracy

Shift length - 8 hours

Indoor setting

Continuous use of computer and calculator

Long periods of sitting

Frequent use of telephone

Continuous repetitive grasping and manipulation of both hands

Continuous conversational communication

Occasional reaching, walking, squatting, bending, kneeling, twisting and climbing

Occasionally carrying, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 lbs.

Occasionally working in confined, noisy, dusty areas

Frequent use of personal car Understand/carry out simple/detailed, oral/written instructions

Memorize and retain instructions

Read and interpret detailed specifications