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6 <br />staff, have first been screened to ensure that the following <br />standards are met before being used for interpreter services: <br />i. Can fluently and effectively communicate in both English <br />and the primary language of the LEP individual <br />ii. Can accurately and impartially interpret to .and from such <br />languages and English <br />iii. Has a basic knowledge of specialized terms and concepts <br />used frequently in the provision of the agency's services <br />iv. Demonstrates cultural competency <br />v. Understands the obligation to maintain confidently <br />vi. Understands the roles of interpreters and the ethics <br />associated with being an interpreter <br />The agency ensures the competency of bilingual staff and <br />interpreters through a Spanish Assessment Tool. that measures both <br />linguistic aptitude and cultural competency. Language Line <br />interpreters are independently trained and certified. <br />b. When staff members have reason to believe that an interpreter is <br />not qualified or properly trained to serve as an interpreter, the staff <br />member will request another interpreter. <br />4. Using Family Members or Friends as Interpreters <br />a. Applicants/recipients may provide their own interpreter; however <br />the agency will not require them to do so. <br />b. The agency will first inform an LEP person, in the primary <br />language of the LEP person, of the right to free interpreter services <br />and the potential problems for ineffective communication. If the <br />LEP person declines such services and requests the use of a family <br />member or friend, the agency may utilize the family member or <br />friend to interpret only if the use of such person would not <br />compromise the effectiveness or services or violate the LEP <br />person's confidentiality. The agency will monitor these <br />interactions and again offer interpreter services, if it appears there <br />are problems with this arrangement. <br />c. The agency will indicate in the LEP individual's file that an offer <br />of interpreter services was made and rejected; that the individual <br />was informed of potential problems associated with using friends <br />or family members and the name of the person serving as an <br />interpreter at the LEP individual's request. <br />5 <br />