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ai <br />caseload keeps growing because I am one of the only Spanish speakers on staff. <br />When I am not there, there is no one to handle my cases. It would be helpful, if the <br />County considered hiring more professionals who speak Spanish. It will alleviate and <br />improve the quality of service for our communities in the County. I think is time to <br />find balance between my health and my job. Otherwise, I will be forced to look for <br />another job." -Anonymous Orange County employee <br />Avoidance: <br />Some departments believe that the Latino community has the wrong perception <br />about governmental offices, that there is fear of being turned over to Homeland <br />Security, or the information that Latinos provide will be sent to other agencies. These <br />Departments believe that immigrants are afraid to receive services because they do <br />not trust the government based on experiences in their home countries. <br />Recommendations <br />Recommendations are based on the survey results with Department Heads and <br />information gathered during Human Service Management Team discussions <br />regarding access to government services for LEP communities. <br />1. Build Staff Capacity to Provide Service to LEP Communities -Orange County <br />should increase the number of staff with language and cultural skills and develop <br />the skills of the staff already existing. <br />a. For existing employees, the County provides opportunities for employees <br />to take Spanish courses as part of their professional development. <br />Additionally, Supervisors should be encouraged to allow employees work <br />time to attend those classes. <br />b. When hiring new staff for positions serving LEP Communities, the County <br />should evaluate the second language abilities of potential staff members. <br />The LEP Assessment Tool will be available for this purpose and <br />19 <br />