Language Interpreter Services

The vendor is required to provide to facilitate language interpreter services for deaf language interpretation for deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, late-deafened (DDBHH/LD), and non-English speaking language interpretation for limited english proficient (LEP) individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD), mental health disorder (MH), or co-occurring SUD and MH disorder.
- Language interpreter services will be utilized to support the facilitation of language interpretation for low barrier and threshold access to behavioral health treatment that is not readily accessible for individuals who are DDBHH/LD and LEP or other disability that may fall within the provision in the use of an “interpreter” due to the presence of communication barriers, and the lack of staff trained in the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services to these populations.
- The interpreting and translation program funded under this agreement, is not reimbursable under the fee-for-service (ffs) model; is designed for individuals who have a documented SUD, MH, or co-occurring SUD and MH disorder diagnosis, and are DDBHH/LD an LEP.
- The applicant's proposal should support and serve the agency strategic priorities and areas of focus under that include key strategies and metrics to achieve and measure this work.
• Increase access to low-threshold behavioral health treatment and recovery supports;
• Increase equity through improved staff cultural and linguistic consciousness;
• Improve quality of care and patient outcomes; and 
• Support well-being that improves social connections, educates the broader community on deaf culture, and advocating for policy changes ensuring access and support to deaf-led organizations and initiatives that focus on behavioral health and well-being
- Cultural competence/knowledge/skills/abilities
• For deaf language interpretation, ensure all staff and/or clinicians that are required to do so have a current certification by the registry of interpreters for the deaf (rid) demonstrating proficiency in american sign language (ASL) or other language interpreting platform as appropriate and preferred by the individual.
• For non-English speaking language interpretation, ensure all staff and clinicians that are required to do so demonstrate fluency in the individual's preferred language and the standard english language, strong listening and communication skills, and cultural awareness.
• Provide deaf language interpreting services utilizing one of the deaf platforms individually chosen by the program participant
• Provide LEP language interpreting services to support SUD, MH, or co-occurring SUD and MH treatment and recovery support services.
- Rural accessibility - language interpreting services
• Provide language interpreting services to individuals through the use of video relay services (VRS), video conferences, tele-psychiatry, or virtual counseling for individuals residing in rural areas with limited or no access to on-site or face-to-face services.
• Engage in marketing and outreach activities with the DDBHH/LD and LEP communities on a prescribed cadence to provide education about behavioral health related issues and resources to support access to treatment services and recovery supports.
- Case management:
• Collaboratively establish with program participant, collateral contact, and family member, an individualized care plan (ICP) and ITP, whichever is appropriate for the level and type of care, to support treatment and recovery support goals and objectives upon enrollment.
• Facilitate referrals and linkages to DDBHH/LD and LEP community behavioral health resources and supports.
- Contract Period/Term: 2 years