Diverse Understanding Mental Health Counseling LLC is a startup behavioral health private practice in the city of Lawrence Massachusetts. The lead managing member has been in the business for just over ten years. When he approached me to assist him and his other two partners in setting up this practice I asked one very important question. " Why do you want to open a private practice? " His response was simple, " because there is a great need for Latino counselors and psychologist to offer a culturally responsive treatment to immigrants, their children and their family members, and right now there is a shortage of licensed practioners who are Latino." I then asked, " what do you attribute this shortage to?" Many counselors get the education and preparation but become comfortable in a clinical setting where the only thing they are responsible for is treating the patient." " their time to get their license passes and in order for them to get the license they must start from the begining because too much time has transpired." Therefore, the perspective of the very folks providing these services is that there aren't enough behavioral health practitioners in the field due to lack of motivation. Who wants a practitioner whose not willing to push the envelope to treat them? I know I don't. In fact, with waiting list at local clinics growing to number we can't imagine; patients who are wating up to six or more months to receive services, it is important to note that this is a crisis. The Merrimack Valley has a mental health crisis on its hands. PCC's in the area are eager to refer their patients to someone, but can't find anyone who is accepting new patients.
What are we to do about this? Well Mr. Pagan says, " the answer is simple assist practitioners in opening smaller practice that can be grown into clinics." Yet it is difficult because credentialing is a process that impedes the creation or formation of these practices by its very structure. It is also expensive if you are not wiling to engage in it yourself and hire a consultant to assist you with the process. Applying for as little as three insurance companies can cost you up to $5,000. In other words, if you apply for credentialing you must make an investment of up to $20,000 dollars or slightly more to setup the office, contract electronic billing and electronic health records, meet the credentialing guidelines which include having the office set up and Insured, have malpractive coverage of 1 milliom to 3 million, then submitting all documents, There are computer servers to purchase, telephones, and more.
Finally, you are putting all at the mercy of the insurance carriers credentialing board. They decide if you can bill their companies by insuring that all is in place and on the up and up. Moreover, a practitioner needs to apply to enough of the insurances carriers in the state to earn enough to justify his or her investment. This means long hours applying to insurance companies and completing applications. If you are willing to go through this then you can earn up to $150,000 in the first year. However, you must endur and be assertive and work long hours. Mr. Pagan, set up his office hours to include 24 hour coverage, 7 days a week, starting at 8:00am and seeing patients till 7:00pm. This is an eleven hour day five days a week. and weekend hours 8:00 to 3:00 Sat. and 9:00 to 1:00 Sundays. Also. he has entered into agreements with a couple of PCC's, who agree to send him their patients, a requirement from MBHP(Masshealth). In addition, he plans to be on-call 24 hours if needed to treat his patients.
Now let us say that if you are a "go getter" and can work at your practice and another clinic at the same time, meaning put in extra time at your own practice until you can get insurance credentialing approved. then and only then will you be successfull. It means long days and weekend work, Mr. Pagan has demonnstrated his desire to succeed by doing just this. On weekends and evenings he is at his practice seeing cash patients and holding meetings with community interest to get himself and his practice closer tobecoming a full fletched clinic. Of course this measns additional credentialing from DMH and DPH. Not to fear, it is possible. This brings practitioners into our vecinity who would never have known that LAwrence needed their skills.
Therefore, for those of you who are eager and have the drive and energy to start a practice, areas like the City of Lawrence, Worcester, Springfield, Boston, has a great demand for behavioral health practitioners who are bi-cultural, bilingual, and desire to work with needy populations offering Culturally Linguistically Appropiraite Services to patients who have been waiting for months on a waitning list to see a psychologist or counselor. If you would like more information about Mr. Pagan's project please call him at 978-476-9016 tell him you read this article and desire to learn more about how to setup a private mental health practice. We'll be expecting your call!
Written by Eduardo Lebron, MM, CHI
eduardo.lebron@northeastconsultinginterpreting.com
30 May, 2016
Credentialing in Healthcare is in Your Best Interest
More just over a year now NCI has been researching the process of credentialling for healthcare providers. It has been determined that it is a process that is difficult and tedious to perform. Furthermore, many in healthcare do not undergoe the process themselves allowing entities to perform it for them and placing themselves at the will of the entity. Working for them for a lower wage in many cases than they would earn by working for themselves. However, in order to work for yourself as a healthcare provider you must undergoe credentialing by insurance companies.
Yes, there are many healthcare providers that if they underwent credentialing on there own could free themselves from providing services through a clinic or hospital. Mental health counselors, psychologist amd many others could go and work for themselves and keep all the monies earned minus expenses for themselves. Example, a mental health coinselor can earn around $40k to $60k per year working for an agency or clinic. However, undergoing credentialing could generate an additional $40k after expenses in income for these professionals. A licensed psychologist can earn as much as $150k after expenses. An LICSW can earn $120K after expenses. I could share many more examples, but you get the point.
Working for clinics and hospitals has its place in life. However, if you want to maximize your earning throughout your career you must undergo your own credentialing and open you own practice in order to earn as much as you can in your life time. Otherwise, you are putting this money into the pockets of the corporations that own the hospitals and clinics and limit your own earning potantial.
So, if you are practicing in healthcare with a degree where you could provide services privately why not do so? Why give the best years of your life to a corporation? Why not put that money in your pocket, determine your own future, and provide the kind of services to your clients that they deserve. I'm certain you'll agree that only you have the power that make such a decision. With the cost of education rising, it only right that you earn as much as you can in order to pay back your education loans.
Yes, there are many healthcare providers that if they underwent credentialing on there own could free themselves from providing services through a clinic or hospital. Mental health counselors, psychologist amd many others could go and work for themselves and keep all the monies earned minus expenses for themselves. Example, a mental health coinselor can earn around $40k to $60k per year working for an agency or clinic. However, undergoing credentialing could generate an additional $40k after expenses in income for these professionals. A licensed psychologist can earn as much as $150k after expenses. An LICSW can earn $120K after expenses. I could share many more examples, but you get the point.
Working for clinics and hospitals has its place in life. However, if you want to maximize your earning throughout your career you must undergo your own credentialing and open you own practice in order to earn as much as you can in your life time. Otherwise, you are putting this money into the pockets of the corporations that own the hospitals and clinics and limit your own earning potantial.
So, if you are practicing in healthcare with a degree where you could provide services privately why not do so? Why give the best years of your life to a corporation? Why not put that money in your pocket, determine your own future, and provide the kind of services to your clients that they deserve. I'm certain you'll agree that only you have the power that make such a decision. With the cost of education rising, it only right that you earn as much as you can in order to pay back your education loans.
05 June, 2015
Background Checks: Best Practices....................
Background Checks:
Best Practices & Legal Compliance
Best Practices & Legal Compliance
After years of debate, the EEOC published controversial new guidance on employers' use of background-check policies and practices. Then, it used those guidelines to file a series of important lawsuits alleging violation of federal discrimination law.
Every employer needs to be in compliance.
Pepsi thought it was. The company believed it was using background checks in a nondiscriminatory way. But the EEOC saw things differently. The result: Pepsi paid $3.2 million to settle an EEOC race-bias charge. Kmart also thought it was in compliance, but it was hit with a class-action lawsuit alleging violations of background-check laws including the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. The result: Kmart paid a $3 million settlement.
The list of well-reported companies continues to grow… will you be next?
Don't wait for a lawsuit or EEOC charge to make sure you're in compliance. It's vital — for your company and your career — to get in line now with the EEOC's Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrests and Conviction Records.
Employee Handbooks: Required Changes for 2015 and the 12 Most Common Mistakes
If your employee handbook hasn't been updated in the past six months, it's out of date. For example:
- Is your at-will statement an invitation to a massive NLRA lawsuit (based on the surprising NLRB ruling)?
- Do you realize that you can't prohibit discussions on pay and benefits?
- Have you provided clear rules on overtime and off-the-clock work?
- Have you updated your FMLA policy to reflect same-sex marriage couples' rights to FMLA leave? Do you know which same-sex marriages are considered valid?
- Have you changed your handbook to reflect the latest DOL rules on nursing mothers?
- Have you updated your leave policies to include time off for employees with relatives in the military … or to prohibit moonlighting while on FMLA leave?
- Have you changed your ADA reasonable accommodations policy to include accommodating pregnant employees?
- Do you have a loyalty, no-gossip or civility statement that could land you in court?
Your employee handbook can be an invaluable organizational tool … or an employment lawsuit waiting to happen. And in recent years, Congress and state legislatures have been busy enacting laws that directly affect your employee handbook. If you haven't kept up, you could find yourself in court.
26 May, 2015
Northeast Consulting and Interpreting LLC Service RFequest Email
Northeast Consulting and Interpreting would like to reach out to its clients to inform them that we now have the ability to receive your request directly to an email address that is managed by a customer care specialist. The CCS will handle all communitcation and contact the client via telephone or email to gather information on your request. Then your request will be forwarded to the appropriate department for processing. You will then receive a confirmation email with the name of the interpreter or consultant that will handle your request.
Northeast Consulting is making it easier to submit your request and schedule your appointments. We are hopeful that you will see an improvement in response time to your needs. We are making other changes in the near future that we feel our customers will like. Thank you for your business.
The email is
| servicerequest@northeastconsultinginterpretingllc.com |
24 April, 2015
Interpreters Must Develop a Network of Providers and Entry Strategy to Succeed
In the field of Medical, Legal, and Community Interpreting it is difficult to meet potential clients. Thus, it is imperative that interpreters join professional organizations and attend conferences in addition to professional development courses. It is through these mediums that they will begin to establish a network of potential clients.
Many interpreters upon completing an interpreter training believe that the way for them to attain a good paying interpreter position is to begin working as a per diem interpreter then move onto a more permanent position within that organization. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. The trajectory of your professional career can start there. However, it is important that you not think or even believe that an opportunity for a permanent position will come in short or even long order. That's right, once you begin to work as a per diem you will most likely continue to work as a per diem. The per diem interpreter is the void filler for the permanent staff, who in most cases will never leave their jobs so easily.
Once you complete the interpreter training your best option may be to take a per diem position. This will help you to establish a reputation and build up your skill level. More over, it will allow you to get to know the industry and begin to build a network. But, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use this position to gain national certification and membership into a professional interpreter organization, such as, the International Medical Interpreters Association or National Association of Court Interpreters or the many organizations promoting professional interpreters. All are good and will provide you with resources and training. After this, attempt to begin to put together a list of potential clients to contact and interpreters which you can hire in the future.
Now, you can start to investigate which organizations pay the best for Interpreters and reach out to them for employment. This will further your career and allow you to gain exposure. It is this way that you will be able to begin to earn a living wage in this field. Couple your other skills with these so that you can expand your market and clientele. Interpreting alone will not be sufficient to earn a living wage you must use your translation skills, as well as, your HR, Management, Training, Computer, and any number of skills you may have. For example, we have found that we could use my consulting and training skills to earn just as much if not more than I could as an Interpreter. Please keep this in mind.
Your next step in the process might be to formalize the business into an entity that will carry some legitimacy. Freelance interpreter does not bare the same legitimacy as Corporation, Limited Liability Partnership or Limited Liability Company. Also, forming one of these will gain you additional tax credits that you don't receive as a freelancer. Give this some consideration as it will gain attention rapidly and you must be in a position to move fast and hire additional help.
In addition, you must determine your rates, marketing strategy, and management system for your organization. You may even require some assistance setting things up. If you do, don't guess, consult a professional to assist you. Moreover, look for ways to promote your business that will not cost a fortune. Piggy back with another company or companies to lower these cost and gain reputation. The better known the other organization are the greater your probability of gaining new sources of revenue. We find that many of our small businesses require some assistance with the operational aspects of the business. Once setup properly things tend to go smoothly.
Finally, always look for ways to improve your delivery of services and try not to have enormous margins. Calculate your expenses for each assignment and add these to your hourly charge. The average interpreter organization charges between $125 - $225 per hour and pays the interpreter between $25.00 to $60.00 per hour. Remember you are competing against these much bigger organizations and if you can beat them on pricing and provide great service you can really make your mark in this industry. Also, you will still have room for growth. In addition, consult with someone who has been in business for a while to gain valuable knowledge. Don't forget that working for yourself is always better than working for someone else. We have found that doing both at the onset of your business venture works well. You may even partner on joint projects with other organizations. This strategy allows you to build ongoing and lasting relationships and will serve you well.
Many interpreters upon completing an interpreter training believe that the way for them to attain a good paying interpreter position is to begin working as a per diem interpreter then move onto a more permanent position within that organization. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. The trajectory of your professional career can start there. However, it is important that you not think or even believe that an opportunity for a permanent position will come in short or even long order. That's right, once you begin to work as a per diem you will most likely continue to work as a per diem. The per diem interpreter is the void filler for the permanent staff, who in most cases will never leave their jobs so easily.
Once you complete the interpreter training your best option may be to take a per diem position. This will help you to establish a reputation and build up your skill level. More over, it will allow you to get to know the industry and begin to build a network. But, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use this position to gain national certification and membership into a professional interpreter organization, such as, the International Medical Interpreters Association or National Association of Court Interpreters or the many organizations promoting professional interpreters. All are good and will provide you with resources and training. After this, attempt to begin to put together a list of potential clients to contact and interpreters which you can hire in the future.
Now, you can start to investigate which organizations pay the best for Interpreters and reach out to them for employment. This will further your career and allow you to gain exposure. It is this way that you will be able to begin to earn a living wage in this field. Couple your other skills with these so that you can expand your market and clientele. Interpreting alone will not be sufficient to earn a living wage you must use your translation skills, as well as, your HR, Management, Training, Computer, and any number of skills you may have. For example, we have found that we could use my consulting and training skills to earn just as much if not more than I could as an Interpreter. Please keep this in mind.
Your next step in the process might be to formalize the business into an entity that will carry some legitimacy. Freelance interpreter does not bare the same legitimacy as Corporation, Limited Liability Partnership or Limited Liability Company. Also, forming one of these will gain you additional tax credits that you don't receive as a freelancer. Give this some consideration as it will gain attention rapidly and you must be in a position to move fast and hire additional help.
In addition, you must determine your rates, marketing strategy, and management system for your organization. You may even require some assistance setting things up. If you do, don't guess, consult a professional to assist you. Moreover, look for ways to promote your business that will not cost a fortune. Piggy back with another company or companies to lower these cost and gain reputation. The better known the other organization are the greater your probability of gaining new sources of revenue. We find that many of our small businesses require some assistance with the operational aspects of the business. Once setup properly things tend to go smoothly.
Finally, always look for ways to improve your delivery of services and try not to have enormous margins. Calculate your expenses for each assignment and add these to your hourly charge. The average interpreter organization charges between $125 - $225 per hour and pays the interpreter between $25.00 to $60.00 per hour. Remember you are competing against these much bigger organizations and if you can beat them on pricing and provide great service you can really make your mark in this industry. Also, you will still have room for growth. In addition, consult with someone who has been in business for a while to gain valuable knowledge. Don't forget that working for yourself is always better than working for someone else. We have found that doing both at the onset of your business venture works well. You may even partner on joint projects with other organizations. This strategy allows you to build ongoing and lasting relationships and will serve you well.
04 March, 2015
Interpreters Videos
So as you be begin to train as an interpreter you want to bare in mind that there are many resources at your disposal to assist you in the process. One of the best resources is YouTube. YouTube has the largest variety of training videos. If you are a visual and audio learner you will find these resources to be extremely valuable to you. In fact you will find that even in the training classroom videos are used to reinforce concepts, ethics, and even mode of interpreting. Also, you can find videos on vocabulary, terminology, body systems and more.
We would like to provide you with just a few links for you to view. You will find many other links along with these as you conduct your own search. Please enjoy the links.
We would like to provide you with just a few links for you to view. You will find many other links along with these as you conduct your own search. Please enjoy the links.
Interpreter Training in the North Shore Massachusetts.
Interpreter job prospects in the United States is growing due to the large influx of ethnic minorities that have arrived here in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that by 2020 there will be an estimated 70,000 interpreter positions in the US. The Census Bureau estimates that by 2050 ethnic minorities will comprise 52% of the US population.
So now is a good time to become an interpreter in the US. You can become a legal Interpreter or a Medical Interpreter or both. Also, you can gain education on translation Community interpreting and more. Northeast Consulting would like to inform our readers of a reputable Medical Interpreter Training being provided in the City of Lawrence Massachusetts by Merrimack Valley AHEC. If you are willing to travel a short distance for this training, then we can assure you that this is money well spent. This training will provide you with the basic skills to enter this rapidly growing field. Medical interpreters earn between $18.00 and $60.00 dollars per hour. I have provided the information below.
So now is a good time to become an interpreter in the US. You can become a legal Interpreter or a Medical Interpreter or both. Also, you can gain education on translation Community interpreting and more. Northeast Consulting would like to inform our readers of a reputable Medical Interpreter Training being provided in the City of Lawrence Massachusetts by Merrimack Valley AHEC. If you are willing to travel a short distance for this training, then we can assure you that this is money well spent. This training will provide you with the basic skills to enter this rapidly growing field. Medical interpreters earn between $18.00 and $60.00 dollars per hour. I have provided the information below.
25 February, 2015
TAX SEASON COMMENTS
Tax season is upon us and as business owners we must research, then make decisions based on our findings. It is very difficult to research all of the questions you may have related to taxes. However, don't give up. The IRS has a website with all kinds of information regarding properly filing your taxes. You can even print the booklets and forms you may need to educate yourself. So use this incredible resource.
However, lets say that you cannot find the answer to your tax questions. What do you do? Well, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and ask an IRS employee for the answer to your question. Lets say that you called the IRS and could not get through, what do you do then? You can schedule your call for later in the day, say after 5:00 pm or early the next morning, 8:00 am.
If all fails you can do as I did. I remember having met a CPA during my visit to a seminar at the Boston Public Library, she gave me her business card. So I decided to contact he and see if for a small fee or even free, she could assist me by answering my questions. What's the worse that could happen? She would say no, or have you meet with her for a fee. Either way, you will get the answer from a pro who knows all the rules or can get the answer.
Tax season can be a very frustrating and challenging time. We must be able to sort through it and get our taxes completed and at the same time understand the process. So, get yourself the help you need with your taxes. Contact the IRS directly or if this is not feasible, contact a tax pro and ask for assistance. You cannot go wrong when you do your research and ask the right professionals for help. Happy Tax Season!
However, lets say that you cannot find the answer to your tax questions. What do you do? Well, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and ask an IRS employee for the answer to your question. Lets say that you called the IRS and could not get through, what do you do then? You can schedule your call for later in the day, say after 5:00 pm or early the next morning, 8:00 am.
If all fails you can do as I did. I remember having met a CPA during my visit to a seminar at the Boston Public Library, she gave me her business card. So I decided to contact he and see if for a small fee or even free, she could assist me by answering my questions. What's the worse that could happen? She would say no, or have you meet with her for a fee. Either way, you will get the answer from a pro who knows all the rules or can get the answer.
Tax season can be a very frustrating and challenging time. We must be able to sort through it and get our taxes completed and at the same time understand the process. So, get yourself the help you need with your taxes. Contact the IRS directly or if this is not feasible, contact a tax pro and ask for assistance. You cannot go wrong when you do your research and ask the right professionals for help. Happy Tax Season!
21 January, 2015
California Announces CCHI Certified Healthcare Interpreters Gain Recognition in Workers’ Compensation System
CCHI is pleased to be recognized by the State of California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) as an approved credentialing and certification organization. California’s new DWC regulations require that interpreters for medical treatment appointments or medical legal exams be certified to be able to work in the system.
We thank all our supporters in California for making this happen. One of DWC’s definitions of certified is “passing the CCHI exam evidenced by a CCHI certification/credential indicating that the interpreter passed the exam and specifying the language, if indicated."
CCHI is committed to work with California interpreters to accelerate the credentialing and certification process. We are expediting our systems to ensure that California interpreters can get through the credentialing and certification process quickly and without delay.
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08 January, 2015
Happy New Year Interpreters, Time to Look Toward the Future.
Happy New Year! Interpreters and Language consultants. 2015 will prove to be one of the most exciting years in the growing profession of interpreting. That right! you heard me say it. Our industry is expanding exponentially and we will see a 12% average growth rate in opportunities. However, there are some things we must do in order to position ourselves to take full advantage of these opportunities.
One of the first things that all interpreters be they medical, community, or legal must do is seek a professional certification in their field of preference. A certification will almost secure your future. It is the key to getting noticed and being hired. So if you are not yet certified you must do so. contact the National Board of Interpreting in Healthcare. they will provide you with all you need in order to get certified.
The second most important item on the list of must do's is professional association membership. That right! just like attorneys, doctors, nurses, carpenter, electrician, you get my drift, you will need to join a professional organization of your choice. Now don't be persuaded to join one because of the name. Do your home work and see which one gives you the most for your money. Call them up and have a conversation with a representative of the organization and ask them questions regarding the organization and opportunities that they have for members. You can contact the IMIA or CCHI, or one of many others.
Thirdly, as an interpreter you must decide what your preference for employment is. What I mean is, do you want to be contracted, hired as a per diem, hired as a 40 hour employee, become a freelancer or incorporate as an LLC. This is important due to changes in the industry. Some of the best employers in our field will not contract you unless you are an established Limited Liability Company. Also, some of the previously mentioned do not pay as well. So do your due diligence and really think about this one and whats best for you. If you have to, consult with a language consulting company.
These are the three top items for an interpreter to consider going into 2015. If you want the most bang for your dollar of training in the field and really want to get ahead you must know exactly what you would like to do and how. Therefore consider your options and go full steam ahead. Success is right around the corner.
If for some reason you don't know which way to turn maybe we can help. Northeast Consulting and Interpreting are in the business of assisting professional interpreters find there way in this market and establish themselves as a contender in the field. If you would like more information feel free to contact us via email or by phone at neconsultinginterpretingllc@gmail.com or 617-934-1165. Have yourself a prosperous 2015.
One of the first things that all interpreters be they medical, community, or legal must do is seek a professional certification in their field of preference. A certification will almost secure your future. It is the key to getting noticed and being hired. So if you are not yet certified you must do so. contact the National Board of Interpreting in Healthcare. they will provide you with all you need in order to get certified.
The second most important item on the list of must do's is professional association membership. That right! just like attorneys, doctors, nurses, carpenter, electrician, you get my drift, you will need to join a professional organization of your choice. Now don't be persuaded to join one because of the name. Do your home work and see which one gives you the most for your money. Call them up and have a conversation with a representative of the organization and ask them questions regarding the organization and opportunities that they have for members. You can contact the IMIA or CCHI, or one of many others.
Thirdly, as an interpreter you must decide what your preference for employment is. What I mean is, do you want to be contracted, hired as a per diem, hired as a 40 hour employee, become a freelancer or incorporate as an LLC. This is important due to changes in the industry. Some of the best employers in our field will not contract you unless you are an established Limited Liability Company. Also, some of the previously mentioned do not pay as well. So do your due diligence and really think about this one and whats best for you. If you have to, consult with a language consulting company.
These are the three top items for an interpreter to consider going into 2015. If you want the most bang for your dollar of training in the field and really want to get ahead you must know exactly what you would like to do and how. Therefore consider your options and go full steam ahead. Success is right around the corner.
If for some reason you don't know which way to turn maybe we can help. Northeast Consulting and Interpreting are in the business of assisting professional interpreters find there way in this market and establish themselves as a contender in the field. If you would like more information feel free to contact us via email or by phone at neconsultinginterpretingllc@gmail.com or 617-934-1165. Have yourself a prosperous 2015.
27 October, 2014
You want to be successful. Everyone does. But your actual words might be undermining your chances of success. The things you say in the office, no matter how innocuous they seem to you, might be knocking you down the career ladder and putting the top position you dream about out of reach.24 October, 2014
Defining A City By Its Professional Skill Set with Data From LinkedIn
By their very design and origins, cities have always been linked closely to opportunity. In addition to providing concentrated access to a more diverse set of cultural, culinary, and educational options, cities also attract and nurture clusters of workers with complementary and contrasting skills. For workers considering a move, the professional attributes of a city can matter just as much as the attributes of a particular company or opportunity.
Some professionals considering their next career move may be interested in an area that has a rich ecosystem of talent in their specialty. Others might want to find places where they’d stand out and offer a unique capability and point of view. Businesses evaluating a new location, or a new talent pool to tap, also pay close attention to where those pockets of talents lie.
Over 175 million LinkedIn members are located in the United States and Europe, and by mining the skills and location data in their profiles, we built two maps that highlight the skills which define almost every major city in each region. To see which skill categories are most uniquely found in each city in the US, click any of the colored dots on the map. Click or hover over the legend to highlight cities that have similar skill categories.
A few things stood out when looking at our map of the US.
- Follow the oil! Its always fascinating when geological features present themselves in socioeconomic data. Members with skills valued by the petroleum industry are much more likely to found in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and most recently North Dakota.
- Rust belt remnants. The automotive industry’s impact on Michigan and parts of Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania is evident in the manufacturing and engineering skills held by its members.
- Some cities really do fit their stereotype. When we looked at Los Angeles and Nashville, we were a bit amused to see the prominence of music, TV, and drama-related skills. After all, LA has Hollywood, and Nashville is the country music capital of the world!
To see which skill categories are most uniquely found in each city in Europe, click any of the colored dots on the map. Click or hover over the legend to highlight cities that have similar skill categories.
As with the US map, we noted a few interesting trends in Europe.
- Many European cities have tech skills, but not all are the same. Madrid and Sevilla have just enough java development skills to rank as the dominant category, whereas Hamburg and Berlin have user interface design, game development, and mobile development skills – indicative of the region’s booming startup scene. Meanwhile, LinkedIn members in Poland have the most variety of technology skills found anywhere in our map.
- Industries make their mark in several cities. Airbus’s global headquarters are located near Toulouse, made apparent by its aviation and manufacturing skills. Fashion skills in Milan shouldn’t surprise any of the millions of tourists who visit every year. Public policy and international relations skills are featured prominently in Brussels, the de facto capital of the EU.
- London is multitalented, as it has several skills vying for the top category. Finance, business, and entertainment are almost equally represented, with entertainment barely edging out the other two.
As we continue to develop the Economic Graph, a digital representation of the global economy, we’ll be able to build a global map of supply and demand for every skill on LinkedIn, and in the process, help members find opportunities by offering a change in scenery.
Methodological details: The results of this analysis represent the world seen through the lens of LinkedIn data. As such, it is influenced by how members choose to use the site, which can vary based on professional, social, and regional culture, as well as overall site availability and accessibility. These variances were not accounted for in the analysis.
The cities included in our US map represent almost every major city in every state, with the exception of Wilmington, DE, Manchester, NH, and Newark, NJ. Members in these cities tend to state on their profile that they work in their respective greater metropolitan areas (Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City) and were grouped together in our data set accordingly. The cities included on our Europe map were individually chosen to optimize geographic and economic diversity in each country.
Because there are thousands of individual skills (and growing!) that members can put on their profile, our first step was to group these skills into several dozen categories. For example, skills like “portfolio management” and “credit analysis” would fit under the “Trading and Investment” category. From there, we looked at the skill categories present in our cities of interest, and compared their distribution to the regional average (US and Europe were treated as separate and independent regions). Skill categories that had a greater share of a city’s population compared to the national average were considered to be “unique” to that city.
Interactive maps by Skye Riley
17 October, 2014
State court interpreter certifications could turn meaningless. October 16, 2014 § 3 Comments
ar Colleagues:
A couple of weeks ago I received an email that concerns me enormously. I am sure that many of you who are based in the United States have received similar emails from state-level judicial agencies. In my case, I got an electronic communication from the Administrative Office of the Courts of one of the fifty states in the U.S. (not the federal government) this was one of those global emails that are sent out to everybody on a master list. Basically, the message was that the National Center for State Courts in the United States (NCSC), apparently in coordination with (at least) some states, is planning to offer remote telephonic interpreting across state lines, and for that purpose, the states (and I assume the NCSC as well) are compiling lists of state-level certified court interpreters who may want to be part of the interpreter pull that will be used to interpret court hearings from a different state. Although I hope the message’s meaning was different, this is what I understood. The email is written in such a way that, to the reader, this idea looks good and beneficial for everyone: the interpreters, because they will have more work (although I would guess that the fees offered by the state governments will not be anything to brag about) the states with underserved populations due to the lack of interpreters, because they will get somebody who has been certified somewhere by a state-level judiciary, and the foreign language speaker, as they will have the services of a professional interpreter instead of a family member or a paraprofessional.
Does it sound good to you? Well, if I understood the email as a communication asking permission to include interpreters’ names on a master list to indiscriminately interpret by phone, regardless of the state, it did not sound even half decent to me. Let me explain:
It is true that state-level certified interpreters are better equipped than paraprofessionals, and therefore the service provided should be of better quality. It is true that all state-level certified interpreters have attended a basic orientation and they have passed a court certification test (now administered by the NCSC or CLAC) and in many cases they have also taken an ethics and professional responsibility test. This obviously puts them ahead of those unscrupulous people that are roaming through the hallways of many courthouses in the United States. Unfortunately, and this is the real and very big problem: these interpreters, who have been certified by one of the fifty states, would now interpret cases from other states where both substantive and adjective law are different. That is the problem. The interpreter will interpret legal proceedings based on legislation that he does not know. Unlike U.S. federally certified court interpreters who work nationwide because they interpret the same federal legislation all across the country, these state-level individuals will have to deal with fifty, sometimes very different, legal systems.
Just like the age to get married and gun control laws vary from state to state, the catalog of crimes and civil law contracts are different. Think of one single situation: battery and assault; or is it assault and menacing? Well, the answer is: it depends on the state, and the differences are radical. Penalties and procedures also change depending on the state. This is why attorneys can only practice in those jurisdictions where they have passed the Bar Exam. It is a very delicate matter.
If this is indeed what the NCSC and the states want to do (and I hope I am wrong) then I am extremely concerned as an interpreter, because this will be another attempt to de-professionalize our jobs and make them look more like the legal secretary who can work anywhere, and less like the attorneys who can only practice in the state (or states) where they are members of the state bar. Sure, I understand that state-level agencies will praise the “benefits” of this solution, which in reality will solve their own problem (not the interpreters’ or the foreign language speakers’): Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This is a state-level priority because states that do not comply will lose federal money.
I am also worried as an attorney for several reasons: First, states will allow interpreting services across state lines using telecommunications. This could be an interstate commerce issue where the federal government has to participate (at least); but the second reason is the one that motivated me to write this post: interpreters who do not know the legal system of a particular state will practice in that jurisdiction. They may physically be in the state where they are certified, but their services will affect a court system, and litigants in another state where they have never demonstrated their capacity to practice. I believe attorneys who represent foreign speakers need to be aware of this potential “solution” so that from the beginning they know that perhaps the case could later be appealed for ineffective assistance of the interpreter. Attorneys need to know that when they are advising their client on an assault charge in their home state, they may be using the services of an interpreter from a state where assault really means battery. Lawyers will need to assess the potential procedural complications in case they sue the interpreter. Jurisdiction will have to be determined, and these lawsuits could end up in federal court.
If this “program” has also been planned for civil cases, then the problem is worse. Remember, there are at least three different civil legal systems in the United States, the one followed by those states who have a system based on the Anglo-Saxon tradition, those whose system comes in part from the days where these territories were part of the Spanish Crown (just think divorce and community property division) and then Louisiana and the Napoleonic written system. As an attorney, or a foreign language speaker, I would not want to have an interpreter from another state, much less one from a state where the system is different.
I sure hope that this “solution” (if conceived as I understood it) is discarded and the states look for better options such as a higher fee for those interpreting in state courts. There are very good and capable interpreters everywhere in the United States, it is just that they will not work for the fees currently offered. A more attractive fee would also encourage others who would like to join the profession but are reluctant because of the lack of money to even make a decent living.
By the way, these problems apply to those languages where there is no certification and the interpreters are registered or qualified to work in court by a particular state.
I really wish I am mistaken and this is not happening in the United States, but if it is, I will continue to watch the developments of this program, and if needed, I will speak up in legal forums to bring awareness of the potential risks generated by using state-level certified interpreters in places where they have never been certified. I now ask you to share your thoughts, and concerns, about this potential change that would end up rendering a state-level court interpreter certification useless.
30 September, 2014
Interpreter pay threatens court system
Translator Lorena Pike hasn’t taken any work in Clark County courts for more than three months.
It doesn’t pay enough.
The president of the Nevada Interpreters and Translators Association can earn at least twice as much working for a law firm or at one of the many conventions around Las Vegas.
But she and other translators understand the need for their services in the halls of justice. Recently, Pike was one of 20 Spanish interpreters who signed a petition requesting a pay structure that “reflects both the expertise required and the increased cost of living.”
That petition was forwarded to Timothy Andrews, the Eighth Judicial District Court assistant court administrator, who oversees interpreter services in Clark County.
Andrews has launched a study to determine whether the raise is viable by analyzing translator pay rates in comparable jurisdictions across the country.
“It’s no secret we’re running pretty lean, and it requires some creative scheduling on the part of our staff. But we’re able to manage,” Andrews said.
If the pool of interpreters gets any shallower, however, thousands of cases in Clark County could be backed up or stalled.
Four years ago, as the Las Vegas economy spiraled, the pay for Spanish interpreters was cut to $36 per hour, and the group has not received an increase since.
“We hereby request that a two-hour assignment, at a minimum, and the reinstatement of the $50 per hour fee be approved and granted to help us cope with such financial burdens,” the petition said.
Andrews called the role of interpreters “critical. You can’t dispense justice without the interpreters.” He expects to present his findings to the County Commission during budget proposals in January.
Clark County translators for languages other than Spanish, meanwhile, still receive $50 per hour, “which creates an un-level playing field for the Spanish interpreters,” the petition said.
The two full-time county interpreters earn between $45,000 and $70,000 a year. One works at the Regional Justice Center, and the other works in Family Court. Both perform Spanish translation. Another eight part-time Spanish interpreters work about 1,000 hours a year at $25 per hour.
When the pay was cut in 2010, the county had about 90 interpreters on the payroll. Of those, 45 were Spanish interpreters on contract, while three were on staff. As of this month, there were 55 interpreters working for the county, 16 of whom were Spanish-language contract interpreters.
At least 10 interpreters refused to sign a new contract about two years ago, Pike said. Now she and others are finding more work in the private sector and turning down courtroom interpretation, unless they’re handling civil cases.
“The county courts are not good clients anymore for many of us,” Pike said.
Every month this year, there have been anywhere from about 3,000 to 3,500 requests for interpretive services at the Regional Justice Center and about 1,200 to 1,700 requests in Family Court. Those figures dwindled slightly since 2010 but remained relatively steady for the past couple years.
About 90 percent of those requests are for Spanish, Andrews said.
“We currently have enough resources to cover the requests that we get,” Andrews said, but he conceded that there are sometimes delays in the court process because of the drop in workers. “It would be nice to have a bigger pool.”
That group of county interpreters must cover a lot of ground: all criminal and civil matters in Las Vegas municipal and justice courts, Eighth Judicial District Court, North Las Vegas Justice Court, and cases with the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services, Clark County Child Protective Services, Nevada Parole and Probation, Nevada Mental Health Services, the Clark County Detention Center, the state unemployment division, and anything in the outlying courts in Clark County.
Aside from Spanish, translators in Las Vegas facilitate court proceedings in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Tagalog, German, Russian, Serbian, Arabic, Bosnian, Cambodian, Farsi, Swahili and American sign language.
“We just want to help people bridge the language barrier,” Pike said. “That’s our mission, and that’s what I do. That’s my job.”
If the hourly rate doesn’t return to $50, Pike believes, Las Vegas courts could continue to see a drop in translator availability for Spanish-speaking defendants.
“In order for interpreters to be able to afford to practice at the high levels expected of us by the Las Vegas Municipal Court Administrator and the state of Nevada, we must be justly compensated,” the petition said.
District Court Judge Valorie Vega, who was instrumental in establishing the Nevada Supreme Court’s Committee on the Certification of Court Interpreters, worked as an interpreter before she started law school.
Without interpreters, justice would be “unattainable” for those who cannot speak English, said Vega, also a member of the Latino Bar Association. “That and you’re going to end up with a lot of reversals on appeal.”
Vega is married to Review-Journal business reporter Howard Stutz.
Mastering the skill of interpretation, especially in a courtroom setting, takes years of language dedication and continued study, Pike said. Being bilingual is only the first step. Pike works on her craft every day, studying the intricacies of English and her native Spanish.
She was born and raised in Mexico City and studied for a year at a Florida high school. After earning a degree in accounting, she worked for companies that required bilingual speakers. She knew English well, she said, but was not as familiar with “street lingo.”
About 10 years ago, she met her husband while on vacation in Las Vegas and moved to Nevada to get married. Not long after, with years dedicated to fluency in both languages, she started her own translation business.
“If I just repeat it verbatim in Spanish, the message isn’t going to make any sense,” Pike said. “You have to know what you’re saying. It’s not like a parrot just repeating what is being said.”
Vega agreed.
An interpreter must listen, compute a translation, understand the nuances of the language and the culture from which it stems along with any idioms that might pop up in conversation, then find the right words in the “target language,” all in a fraction of a second while speaking as others are speaking.
And a defendant has a right to understand every word that is said on the record.
“You may be able to listen to a beautiful piece of music and appreciate it,” Vega said. “But that doesn’t mean you can sit down at the piano and play it.”
Pike said she would return to work for the county if the $50 per hour rate were reinstated.
Andrews said the economic downturn forced officials to tighten the budget, and the courts saved about $500,000 on interpreter services. But the current petition could help sway commissioners.
Smartphone technology helps maneuver interpreters throughout the 52 courtrooms more efficiently, allowing for fewer workers. Interpreters cannot take phone calls in court, but they can respond to text messages and emails.
There was a time when a quick loss of interpreters might have had an even bigger impact on the court system. Most importantly, court officials want to make sure defendants’ rights are preserved.
When Vega was first appointed as a Municipal Court judge in 1989, she heard interpreters confuse “bumper” with “fender” and “curb” with “sidewalk.”
That needed to change, she thought.
She recalled one case in which she told a defendant he had the right to remain silent. And if he chose to remain silent, that could not be held against him.
She asked if the defendant understood and waited for the interpreter to start speaking.
Eventually, the interpreter turned to the defendant and said simply, “Do you want to talk or keep quiet?”
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