Mental Health Interpreter II (#RS2022)
$21.50-$26.13 Hourly / $3,726.72-$4,529.86 Monthly / $44,720.75-$54,358.35 Yearly

Under general supervision, assists professional mental health staff in providing services, provides interpreting and translating services for clients and clinicians in mental health areas and perform 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 may also translate written material. This class differs from Mental Health Interpreter I in that employees of this class utilize basic word processing skills in order to translate written material. 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.
• Leads activity groups and prevocational groups in a day treatment setting.
• Utilizes appropriate community agencies for referral of clients.
• Assists mental health clients in non-traditional settings such as community shelters, outreach programs, etc.
• Translates routine reports and correspondence verbally and in writing; 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. One year interpreting experience comparable to that of Mental Health Interpreter I in San Joaquin County.

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

Basic word processing programs and personal computer systems; principles and methods used in therapy programs; basic concepts of mental illness, mental health and substance abuse, techniques of dealing with the emotionally disabled individual; language mechanics; public relations techniques.

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 relationships with the clients or others; maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

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.