Mental Health Interpreter I (#RS2021)
$20.47-$24.89 Hourly / $3,548.97-$4,313.79 Monthly / $42,587.64-$51,765.55 Yearly

Under immediate supervision, provides interpreting services for clients and clinicians in mental health areas; assists professional mental health staff in carrying out mental health programs and services and performs related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

An employee in this class interprets for physicians, nursing staff, clinicians, and treatment providers in various types of settings and situations. Incumbents must be able to perform these tasks using independent judgment on the interpretation of words with the exact or best meaning possible. The incumbent carries out basic tasks in support of mental health professional staff. The incumbent must be able to understand and respect the culture of the client and that of the health care professional.

• Interviews and/or participates in counseling sessions.
• Assists outreach clinical staff and other mental health clinical staff in linking clients with resources.
• Learns to lead activity groups and prevocational groups in a day treatment setting.
• Utilizes appropriate community agencies for referral of clients.
• Learns to assist mental health clients in non-traditional settings such as community shelters, outreach programs, etc.
• Verbally translates routine reports and correspondence; maintains client records.
• Participates in in-service classes and training courses.
• Participates in staff meetings.
• Does related or other work as required.

Experience: Fluent in reading, writing and speaking designated language.

License: Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Basic concepts of mental illness, mental health and substance abuse; techniques of dealing with the emotionally disabled individual; language mechanics; public relations techniques; basic interviewing principles and practices.

Communicate clearly; understand and carefully follow oral and written instruction; interpret instructions/policies to clients or others in a comprehensive manner; learn to develop and maintain the confidence and cooperation of clients; establish and maintain trusting and professional relationships with the clients or others; maintain accurate records and prepare reports; fluently speak, read and write the English language; fluently speak, read and write a second language in order to provide service to clients and support clinical staff; learn about various mental health programs and procedures.

Mobility-Position may require sitting, standing, running, and stooping; Lifting-Frequent lifting of 5 to 30 pounds; occasional lifting of over 30 pounds; occasional restraint, lifting/turning of heavy objects or people; Visual-Frequent need for overall vision, hand/eye coordination and reading/close up work; frequent need for color perception, depth perception and field of vision; Dexterity-Constant holding and writing; frequent reaching, grasping and repetitive motion; frequent operation of a keyboard; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing of normal speech, telephone and radio; constant talking face to face and on the telephone; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent exposure to emergency situations, trauma, grief and death; constant public contact, decision making and concentration, occasional weekend/night work and travel; Environmental-Constant exposure to noise, frequent exposure to dust, cold, heat and hazardous materials.