Need grows as Spanish population increases

Need grows as Spanish population increases

Published 15 hours ago

BY TERRY FLORES

tflores@kenoshanews.com

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the percentage of the county’s population that speaks languages other than English has increased from 9.7 in 2000 to 11.6 in 2012. The majority of non-English speakers in Kenosha County are Spanish speakers.
Since 2000, the county’s Hispanic population has also grown more than 82 percent from 10,757 to 19,592. According to 2010 U.S. Census data, Hispanics comprise about 12 percent of the population compared with just over 7 percent more than a decade ago.
In the last two decades, as the number of people whose primary language is not English has grown, so has the need for translators. Hispanic community advocates have long been concerned about the issue of younger children translating for parents who speak little or no English.
Efforts throughout the community have come a long way since then, but whether the needs are being met with existing community resources remains a challenge, according to Yolanda Santos Adams, chief executive officer and president of the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha.
“It used to always be a problem, but I think schools know they shouldn’t have children interpreting for parents,” she said.
More than a year ago, the Spanish Center closed its doors and Hispanic community leaders grew concerned about the lack of places where people could go to turn for help with interpreting and translating when they needed services. Adams said social service agencies have sometimes directed Spanish speaking clients to the Urban League and Adams, in turn, recommends the Latin American Center at St. Mark Church.
“They’re limited for what they can do,” she said.
Often, when Adams sees a person referred to her agency it’s to translate and explain things they need to know in their daily lives, such as, municipal citations, IRS notices, or bills.
“The population and the need is so great but there’s no one agency that can help all of them,” said Adams, who is bilingual. “I’m always getting pulled out to speak or to translate.”
But it’s not just at her job. It’s almost everywhere.
“I’ve been in the Save-A-Lot and I’m in the checkout line,” she said, “and they will just turn to me. I will help them out.”
John Jansen, director of the the county’s human services department, said he, too, has seen the needs for bilingual services grow by nearly 20 percent in the last four years.
In his department alone since 2009 the number of interpretations needed grew from 19,729 to 23,640.
Jansen said interpreters help clients with a number of needs whether receiving food stamps, medical assistance, immunizations or aging and disabilities services.
Human services relies on 15 staff members at the Job Center who are bilingual English-Spanish speakers and a number who speak a variety of other languages, Jansen said.
“We’ve been able to mostly serve people here with interpreters on-site,” he said. “We also have folks who just live in our community and can cover for a number of other languages. Obviously when we’ve advertised for some of the positions we have asked for bilingual (Spanish) preferred.”
Including Spanish, at least 40 languages other than English are spoken as primary or secondary languages in the Kenosha area.

How to Break into Interpreting as a Business

There is no doubt that as the US becomes more diverse and the populations of color swell more interpreters will be needed to fill the LEP gap.  Now, if you want to became an interpreter you must first seek out training at a  college in the field of Human Services or locate an interpreter training program of 60 hours or more in you geographic area.  Once you have completed this training you can now seek opportunities as a qualified medical interpreter, community interpreter, etc.

Your first source of employement may be a local hospital.  This is the best place for you to attain an almost expert level of experience.   However, do not become comformed. Hospitals are amoung the lowest paying organizations in the market and most positions are per diem.  This means that you will not work more than 32 hours per week, and you will not receive benefits, such as, vacation pay, health insurance, sick days and alike.

Your best bet to increase your income as an interpreter will be to market yourself to many hospitals, clinics, doctors offices, insurance companies, lawyers office, as so forth.  There is an increasing tendency for  interpreters to gain experience then go on to freelance or even organize themselves as a LLC, limited liability company.  This is because there are many tax incentives and credibilty incentives.   Not only, will you increase your earnings you will increase your flexibility, and gain more clients.

The average hourly pay nationally for a medical interpreter is $21.00.  Hospitals pay an average of $18.00 per hour.  Moreeover, the average earnings for a freelance or self employed interpreter is $50.00 per hour.  You can earn more.  A colleague in the industry earned $126,000 last year.  If this isn't an incentive, what is?

If you would like more information on becoming a certified medical interpreter please contact me at, 6178809158,  ask for Eduardo.  I'll be happy to assist you.

California State Minimum Wage Due to Rise

California is one of the nations most expensive states in which to reside.  However, it is not alone at the top, Massachsetts follows close behind.  So, if California state legislators pass a minimum wage increase, will other states pursue the same course of action?  The answer to this question may depend on whether or not the proponents of a higher minimum wage decide that the battle can be won in their individual state. In addition,  the business climate and cost of living need to be taken into account.

Regardless of what happens nationally with the minimum wage, one thing is certain the a national $7.25 minimum wage continues to perpetuate poverty nationally.  A family of four where the head of household earns the national minimum wage, only earns $15,080. annually. This amount is below the federal poverty level.

Personally, I favor an increase in the minimum wage.  Moreover, it is necessary to point out the wages of working people has not kept pace with the increases in the cost of living.   So, lets see how this discussion regarding real incomes developes over the next few years.  Meanwhile, enjoy the article, click the link below.


http://www.cpehr.com/blog/california-sets-sights-to-be-first-state-with-10hour-minimum-wage.html

Understanding the Organizational Interpreter Network

No one doubts that interpreters play a crucial role in the treatment process of patients, who are limited English proficient, that visit hospitals, clinics, Dr. offices and more.  However, have you ever thought of looking at the whole network between hospitals, professional organizations, training centers, and medical providers.

Just like many industries the interpreter industry provides or creates its own network and feeds itself at different levels.  First, we take the fact that interpreters are a needed resource that permits healthcare to properly treat its patients and limit lawsuits by providing interpreters for its LEP patients.  How or where does the hospital get their interpreters? In most cases hospitals provide the bodies to the health network that trains interpreters. In some cases hospitals offer their employees, who train as interpreters, as much as a $1.00 premium for training in the field of medical interpreting and being available while at work to perform said duties.  Yes, they pay for the employees training at an average of $750.00 per employee.

As we see, the training entity has been provided with the bodies to fill their training courses.  However, how was the training entity established.  More often than not a grant was provided to establish this training facility.  Also, the training unit can itself be afiliated or be part of a heathcare organization itself.

Now, lets look a little further up the scale and introduce the advocates who promote and sponsor legislation to certify medical interpreters.  First off, these organizations are staffed by professionals who have dedicated endless hours to develope an entity that provides a forum for interpreters to connect with others in their field and share experiences and learn new skills.  Of course becoming a member is not free ($40. - $60. year).

These same organizations some national, others claim to be international establish criteria for what constitutes proper training for interpreters.  Yes, If you desire to create a curriculum you may do it. However, you are required to have that curriculum approved by first paying the organization, then allowing them to view your curriculum to determine if it is appropriate in content, context, etc. Also, you may not be an outsider and lecture at their numerous and expesive conferences.  You need only know someone.

Colleges and universities get on board as well,  They create interpreter training courses and will offer these as part of a Human Services Degree.  Additionally, they make money in the process as well. Furthermore, they are connected to anyone of the numerous interpreter organizations out there. Isn't it beautiful? 

Moreover, if one were to perform an analysis of who are the participants and board members of these organizations you will find that many of the same individuals in a given geography are involved in the process at many levels.  If you are not willing to be political in your approach you cannot enter into this organizational hierarchy.  Isn't it beautiful?

I'm not saying that any of this is negative.  However, I can see some problems with a small group of individuals controlling and making decisions that affect a whole industry. let me end this by saying I would like you the interpreter to think about what I have set before you. Analyse and be calculative in every scenario.  Find the fifth leg on the cat, as we say.  Know the network you are involved in.

Denial of Medical Treatment

The use of a medical interpreter during medical treatment has always been considered, by advocates, an important element of such treatment. In fact, advocates have for many years claimed that you could not properly or adequately provide treatment to a person with an LEP (limited English Proficiency) because the LEP would impede the providers ability to proper diagnosis due to lack of information about the symtoms a patient is experiencing.  Moreover, interpreters in the field acknowledge this as fact and have expressed their opinions over the years.

In a recent ruling in a California Workers Compesation case, failure to provide an interpreter during medical treatment constitutes denial of treatment.  This is interesting simply because these are the kind of cases that are used to around the country to establish guidelines and best practices.  Advocates and healthcare providers alike are analyzing case study to determine what they can do to provide quality care and avoid litigation.

Enough said, read the article:

CA DWC Clarifies Interpreter Rules

By WorkersCompensation.com 09/05/2013 11:52:00

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Sacramento, CA (WorkersCompensation.com) - The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) reminds claims administrators that failure to provide a necessary interpreter at a medical treatment appointment may constitute a failure to provide medical treatment. Examples of a failure to provide medical treatment include a situation where the lack of an interpreter’s services prevents the exam from going forward or inhibits the injured worker’s ability to communicate with the primary treating physician. Such conduct could also result in penalties and/or sanctions against the claims administrator.

It has come to DWC’s attention that some claims administrators are not responding timely to requests for provisional certification of interpreters, and not arranging for other interpreters to attend medical treatment appointments. As a result, some appointments are not going forward as scheduled.

Labor Code Section 4600(g) provides that injured workers who cannot communicate effectively in English with their primary treating physician are entitled to the services of a qualified interpreter at all medical treatment appointments.

“Qualified interpreters” for purposes of medical treatment appointments may be, but are not required to be, formally certified. They can be provisionally certified by agreement of the employer prior to providing interpreting services. Employers are not required to pay for the services of interpreters who are not formally or provisionally certified.

Interpreters certified for medical treatment appointments or medical legal exams qualify through successfully passing the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) exam or by passing the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (National Board).
Interpreter services FAQs and information on recently approved interpreter services regulations are posted on DWC’s website.

Working from Home as a Interpreter

We've heard it over and over again.  Work from home and earn a decent wage.  For interpreters this is very true. In fact, if you are a freelance interpreter you can earn more per hour from home than working at a hospital on a per diem basis.  Furthermore, what do you do when you don't have an assignment?  The answer is simple, work for a company that provides phone interpreting or even video remote interpreting and never leave your home.

Yes, we have for many years said that we did not like the video system, but think again, working for them will get you better pay than working for a hospital. Most hospitals around the country under pay interpreters and blame it on their budget or lack there of.  The real problem is that hospitals have not yet learned the real value of an interpreter.

Many interpreters are well educated holding baccaloriate or masters degrees, apart from their certifications.  Yet, many hospitals and other healthcare providers do not want to provide steady full time employment for interpreters.  Thats right, they rather hire on a per diem basis, for 10 to 32 hours per week in order to avoid paying benefits.  This in part is because health insurance, vacation pay, sick days, etc., is costly.  Well, they will have to contend with a shrinking work force that will inevitably demand more pay and full time work.

In the mean time don't waste your time driving to and from a hospital to earn your wages.  Stay home and work for a video remote interpreter provider, phone interpretation, or any other company that hires interpreters to work from their homes. The pay is a little better and you won't have to spend on gas, public transportation, lunch, laundry and more.  I would not have known this if not for a colleage who at a meeting stated she was being paid $ .40 cents per minute for over the phone interpretation and that was more than many interpreters in the field are paid.  Do the math, that $24.00 dollars an hour.   So, if you are looking to work as an interpreter where do you think you should look first? Thats right!

10 Tips for Working with Language Interpreters

As a medical interpreter in the healthcare industry I am contantly advising providers on the appropriate use of interpreters.  One would think that this is something that requires very little thought or even common sense.  However, there really are a set of guidelines that providers should follow in order to have a successful and productive encounter with an LEP patient. 

While conducting some research I came across this video, titled " 10 Tips for Working with Language Interpreters"   Watch this video and take some notes, it will help you during your next interpretation encounter.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX_krmqsWJ0

A Word About Department of Labor Protections for Interpreters

Interpreters who are employees of healthcare organizations are covered by the same labor protection statutes as all other employees, there may be some minor distinctions.  Of Course if you are self employed and working as a contracted interpreter you are not.  However, employers must comply with Wage and Hour Laws, the Family Medical Leave Act 1992, Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and more.  In addition, they must comply with some state statutes.

In Massachusetts for instance if you feel that you were discriminated against by your employer you may file a claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.  Once your claim is heard and it is determined that you were in fact discriminated against the MCAD will negotiate a remedy on your behalf.  However, one always has the right to pursue their case with an attorney specializing in labor disputes.  Just because one does not belong to a union does not mean you do not have rights or that someone can violate your rights.

Shortly, you will begin to see more information regarding federal and state agencies that may interest you, my readers, and provide you with valuable information with which all interpreter should be familair with.  Regardless of whether you are self employed, full time, part time, or a per diem employee. it is important to understand the labors laws of your state and federal government. For now start with this federal website that covers all federal DOL statutes.

http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/lawsprog.htm

Meanwhile, if there are any readers out there that have had difficulties on the job while employed as an Interpreter in the healthcare industry, I would like to urge you to contact me at 617-880-9158 to help you determine if you have a case against your employer.  If it is determined that you do, then you will be referred to legal counsel to be assisted with your claim.

The Need for Local/ Regional Interpreter Associations.

As Professional Medical Interpreters we understand that belonging to a professional organization has its merits.  In fact, many employers in our industry require that interpreters belong to the IMIA, NCIHC, CCHIA, or other interpreter organization.   Futhermore, employers are going so far as to include this as a requirement on its job descriptions used to hire interpreters, ( ie; Lahey Clinic ad for a staff interpreter ).

The difficulty I am finding is that these national organizations are great and provide opportunities for continued development and training, but most of the time the trainings are often too far away and far few between.  Furthermore, the seminars offered aren't always what some of us need.  Thus, we attend to attain a certificate of participation because we require it in order to maintain our national certification.

I believe that we can do better. Because many of us live too far away from some of the proposed conference sites, or don't always posses the financial means to attend costly conferences.  We can addresss this situation by creating local or regional interpreter associations or organizations.  This would provide us with local recognition and branding that we could then use to provide needed professional services and development close to home and work.

Futhermore,  we could partner with the local colleges and other community health organizations.  This is an opportunity to provide us a forum where we as professionals can share our knowledge with others.   In addition, we can create opportunities for professional development in vital areas of learning.  Finally, we can have our local professional educators provide low cost seminars that address our concerns and desired learning objectives or goals.

If you are interested in creating a local or regional state interpreter association you can contact me at 617-880-9158. 

A Message in the Use of Technology While Interpreting

As we all know technology is an inevitable part of doing and performing business in this era of fast moving technological advances.  Technology has invaded the interpreter world just as fast as it has in all other businesses.  In fact, technology in the interpreting industry has gone as far as replacing some humans.  Sound familiar?  The survival of interpreters is dependent on their ability to adapt and learn how to use new techonolgy.

At a recent conference organized by the Unversity of Massachusetts Medical Center one of the courses being offered was titled " Using Technology". Of course, UMAS Medical Center is at the forefront of the nuances of our industry.  The pricipal message of this course, which was led by a Stewart Healthcare employee, who's name I'll not mention as I did not get her permission to do so, was that interpreters today must not fear technology or fear being replaced by it.  What interpreters must do today to continue to have success in this industry is embrace technology, learn to use it, and continue to diversify their experiencial portfolio in order to create multiple sources of income and increase their value to employers.

After sitting through an hour and a half of an interactive lecture I was pleased to hear that there are real visionaries in this industry who can articulate the message required to motivate interpreters young and mature to continue to develope their skills and not fear change.  In management we call this kind of leader a change agent. Moreover, the lectureer can, in addition to holding this title, be classified as a transformational leader.  Inspirational in her message and detailed in how to achieve success, while offering herself as an individual that one can contact at any time to discuss her vision in greater detail, she came across as an exceptional leader. 

Well, Stewart has selected the right person to lead their Interpreter Services Departments in all of their Hospitals in New England.  Her message is right on target and each interpreter in our industry should embrace it and run with it if they are to survive in our industry.

Futhermore, let me add that for 3 years I have been influential in attaining technological change in one hospital.  It is here where the idea started and an Interpreter Services Coordinator close to me has actually been the behind the scenes change agent. This individual has for years been meeting with the states interpreter services focus group and sharing her own experiences with the institution of new technologies at the facility where she is employed.  I won't mention her name either. However, she knows who she is.  I thank her very much for embracing my efforts to modernize the way we as interpreters perform our duties day to day.

We have additional nuances to embrace and our future is bright.  Interpreters, I would like to echo the message and add to it.  Embrace the technology by becoming an efficient user of its functions.  Learn what changes are occurring in our industry and get yourselves schooled on its uses immediately so that you can be part of the developement/implementation process.  In other words "don't follow, lead!".