Posted on August 27, 2012

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Spanish Interpreter/Outreach Specialist

The Aging in New York Fund (Fund) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older New Yorkers and their families. It seeks resources to develop public/private partnerships and provide innovative service models that address the pressing unmet needs of New York City’s elderly, their caregivers and the network of community service providers.

In 2007, the Coalition on Aging & Vision (Coalition) was formed to respond to the urgent need for a comprehensive, collaborative and coordinated effort that would: identify service gaps and systemic problems; create a forum for inter-system communication and referral; and devise public awareness strategies. Since then, it has transformed from a small demonstration program into an independent, strong partnership. Under the Fund’s leadership, the Coalition is poised to become a central resource for the aging community.

The full-time Spanish Interpreter/Outreach Specialist will assist the Coalition in serving and supporting the clients of vision rehabilitation providers and engaging those who could benefit from these services. S/he will represent the Coalition and service provider agencies as both an interpreter and a community educator. The ideal candidate possesses a high level of professionalism and is sensitive to issues that affect those who have vision loss or are aging.

Over the next 24 months, this person will help the Coalition advance its vision care agenda for older adults with vision loss by:

• Providing on-site interpreter services to clients of vision rehabilitation providers, thereby improving their overall care experience.
• Increasing awareness and referrals among targeted Spanish populations of limited-English proficiency (LEP) seniors who have been diagnosed with an eye condition or represent an at-risk population.
• Acting as community liaison to key communities, to engage members in dialogue about eye health and promote clear and consistent messaging about vision loss, detection, services, and the supports offered by the Coalition.
• This is an excellent opportunity to help the Coalition broaden its overall reach and impact. The Spanish Interpreter/Outreach Specialist will report to the Coalition’s Program Manager and work closely with other Aging in New York Fund staff to ensure that activities are thoughtfully developed, professionally carried out and effective in meeting goals.

Major Responsibilities

Interpreter/Translation Services

• Commit to learning about vision rehabilitation services and becoming a knowledgeable resource for the general public (specialized training will be provided).
• Serve as interpreter to the five Coalition vision rehabilitation agencies, ensuring that administrative, diagnostic and therapy communication with clients is accurately provided in Spanish.
• Participate in the development of new training modules related to interpreter outreach.
• Translate written materials as needed.

Outreach Activities

• Help to devise and be responsible for implementing outreach strategies and related materials for targeted LEP populations.
• Outreach to community-based aging services and care providers to mobilize them around vision care needs of older New Yorkers.
• Conduct grassroots activities to reach a broader Spanish constituency and build trust within key communities (including but not limited to participating in health and other fairs).
• Explore free media resources in targeted LEP communities to increase awareness.

Experience/Education Requirements:

The Fund seeks an energetic, organized, self-starter who is comfortable both taking the initiative and working as part of a collaborative team. S/he must be bilingual (Spanish/English) with a minimum of two years work experience, at least one of which involved translation or interpretation. Other requirements include an associates or higher degree from an accredited college, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and solid proficiency in MS Office programs. Demonstrated success in recruiting, engaging/mobilizing and training new clients, volunteers, or a similar constituency is a plus.

Environment: Fast paced, results oriented nonprofit.

>Salary Range/Benefits: $33,000-$35,000 annually, commensurate with experience and within the confines of the two-year grant award. This is a non-managerial position eligible for overtime pay. Health benefits and generous leave allowance provided.

Application Instructions

To Apply: Please email your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to helene@anyf.org or fax it to 212.442.4058.

Anticipated start date is early to mid-September. No phone calls, please.

The Aging in New York Fund is an equal opportunity employer.