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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-19-2002 - 8b 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 19, 2002 Action Agenda6 Item No. SUBJECT: Classification Plan Amendment— Foreign Language Interpreter DEPARTMENT: Health and Personnel PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Class Specification for Foreign Language Rosemary Summers, Health Director Interpreter Extension 2411 Elaine Holmes, Personnel Director Extension 2550 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To amend the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan to add the new class of Foreign Language Interpreter at Salary Grade 64. This grade has a hiring range of $26,546 - $32,265. BACKGROUND: With the June 2001 budget adoption, the Board of Commissioners approved a new permanent full-time Foreign Language Interpreter position in the Health Department effective January 1, 2002. As part of its action, the Board asked the County Manager to develop a countywide plan to address communications with citizens that are non-English speaking or have limited English proficiency. At the December 11, 2001 Board meeting, the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) policy and plan was presented, reviewed and approved by the Board. The approved LEP policy includes a "tool box" of suggested approaches to accommodate the needs of non-English or limited English speaking clients. For departments categorized in the policy as those who provide"critical services" such as the Health Department, one of the tool box options is to engage staff to provide interpretation and translation services. As planned, this position will be used to provide interpretation and translation services for the Health Department as well as to coordinate such services for the department. Specifically, the Foreign Language Interpreter will: • Provide oral interpretation in clinics, immunization, outreach, home visits and phone calls to clients with limited English proficiency and non-English speaking, including medical interpretation. 2 • Provide written translation of education materials such as brochures, letters, and forms from English to Spanish. • Develop and coordinate an "interpreter pool' for Spanish speaking interpreters, as well as interpreters for other languages. • Provide medical interpretation and translation services to other County departments such as Emergency Management and Social Services as critical needs arise. Personnel has reviewed the duties and responsibilities of the Foreign Language position, compared the duties and responsibilities to existing County positions and conducted a market survey, although the available market data was limited. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Estimated costs (including salary and benefits) are approximately $8,300 for the remainder of fiscal year 2001-02 (assuming the position is filled in May) and approximately $37,000 annually. Annually it is projected that $6,000 in contract interpreter costs will be saved through the use of this interpreter. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board amend the Classification and Pay Plan to add the new class of Foreign Language Interpreter at Salary Grade 64. Attachment 3 C6067-02/02 Foreign Language Interpreter GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: Performs intermediate professional work providing interpretation and translation services in Spanish to clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or non-English speaking; does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision. Limited supervision is exercised over contract and volunteer personnel. TYPICAL TASKS: Provides direct interpretation services to clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or non- English speaking in clinics, immunization, outreach, home visits and phone calls, including medical terminology. Provides translation of education materials such as brochures, letters and forms from English to Spanish; Develops and coordinates an "interpreter pool" for clinics, emergencies, after hours, and community events for Spanish speaking interpreters, as well as interpreters for other languages; Recruits and supervises interpreters and translators for volunteer and contract service; Assists in organization and implementation of community programs and events such as health fairs, vaccination programs, etc.; Coordinates information and acts as liaison for department with Latino agencies and groups; Makes appointments or referrals for clients; notifies and reschedules clients for missed appointments; Assists clients with front desk procedures such as checking in and completing forms. Provides medical interpretation and translation services to other County departments when special situations or emergencies occur; Performs related tasks as required. KNOWLEDGES. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to demonstrate oral and written fluency in both English and Spanish, including an understanding of medical terminology and concepts; thorough knowledge of idiomatic language differences among Spanish-speaking countries; thorough knowledge of the subject area, vocabulary, and technical terms for producing materials; ability to recruit, train and supervise volunteers; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, service disciplines (nurses, doctors, social workers), volunteers and staff; EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in Spanish or related field and at least 2 years experience in health field; or providing services in interpretation, translation, or related field. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must have a valid N.C. driver's license. Must be bilingual in Spanish and English. Must obtain certification in medical interpretation within one year of employment.