County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision at the lower level and under direction at the higher level, provides interpreting and translating services for patients, clients and staff in the Health Care Services Agency; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

MEDICAL TRANSLATOR I:

This is the entry-level class in the Medical Translator series. Incumbents are expected to develop the necessary skills for progression to the higher level of Medical Translator II by completion of a six-month training period.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Provides interpreter/translator services to clients and their families, and the staffof the Health Care Services Agency, including providing telephone translations.
2. Assists clients in interpreting and clarifying health care procedures and forms; advises clients and their families about available health care services; explains and interprets client's rights and responsibilities.
3. Under direction, develops and translates technical and non-technical material; assists in the preparation of brochures, written and audio-visual material.
4. May assist in the certification process for bi-lingual employees.
5. Performs routine clerical and record-keeping tasks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MEDICAL TRANSLATOR I

Either I

Sufficient education, training and work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Interpretation and translation of languages, including intra-cultural literacy levels, principle idioms and slang.
• General medical terminology in both English and other languages.
• Ethnic customs, culture and religious attitudes particular to non-English speaking ethnic groups.

Ability to:

• Speak, read and write a second language fluently.
• Interact with a wide range of multi-cultural and multi-lingual clients.
• Interpret and translate detailed medical/legal documents.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families and hospital staff.
• Make informed independent decisions.
• Function as a liaison between the health care team and client.
• Work under stressful situations.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

DRH:po 6/13/07
Newspec doc #: 1160-1161.doc
CSC Date: 7/18/2007

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.