Interpreter - Spanish

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position provides excellent customer service to the Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents of St. Croix County, with heavy focus on the clients and staff of the Health and Human Services Department (HHS).  They will provide efficient, effective, respectful, and confidential services to assist in connecting the Limited English Proficient (LEP) clients to workers, programs, and resources.  This position is a Limited Term position, expected to last approximately 6 months at an FTE of .25 (10 hours per week).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provides accurate, objective, and first-person interpretation services between staff and Spanish speaking clients and their families, to ensure understanding of information being conveyed.
• Provides spoken language interpretation of questions, answers, and explanations to facilitate communication and transmit accurate and potentially confidential information between LEP clients and St. Croix County staff.
• Assists clients in person, through video conferencing, on the phone, by email or fax, directing them to specific staff or resources to meet their needs. 
• Interprets conversations as spoken words with no additions or omissions.
• Assists HHS staff by interpreting during phone calls or interviews with non-English speaking clients, including but not limited to financial interviews, mental health therapy, child protection investigations and other communications as needed.
• Assists LEP clients in completing applications and documentation needed for various programs and services.
• Works directly with various HHS staff to describe services being offered and complete the referral and intake information.
• Assists in returning calls/texts with LEP clients and communicating the information to staff as needed. 
• Other administrative/office and interpreter/translation duties as assigned.

LANGUAGE SKILLS  

• Ability to explain and interpret relevant information effectively to various audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisor, and the public in both Spanish & English.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal form in both Spanish & English.
• Must be proficient in workplace English/Spanish and spelling.
• Ability to read County policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence, safety manuals, maps, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is primarily in an office setting but may also be in client and public settings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The interpreter must speak clearly in the language they are conveying and be able to write clearly and effectively in the language they translate and be aware of cultural aspects that may affect communications. General knowledge of and experience with multi line phones, computers, other office equipment as well as Word, Outlook and the internet.  Must be able to maintain professional demeanor and appearance and all times and demonstrate the ability to listen carefully, maintain confidentiality and professionalism, and the ability to provide excellent customer service skills with consumers of various ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Fluent bilingual skills with English/Spanish with a successful passing score on the interpreter skills test through Language Line University or another certified test.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background check.