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1 . Demonstrated proficiency in and ability to communicate information accurately in both <br /> English and the other language ; <br /> 2 . Identifying and employing the appropriate mode of interpreting ( e . g . , consecutive, <br /> simultaneous , or sight translation) , translating, or communicating fluently in the target <br /> language ; <br /> 3 . Knowledge in both languages of any specialized terms or concepts particular to the <br /> component ' s program or activity and of any particularized vocabulary used by the LEP <br /> person ; <br /> 4 . Understanding and following confidentiality, impartiality, and ethical rules to the same <br /> extent as Department staff; <br /> 5 . Understanding and adhering to their role as interpreters , translators , or bi- lingual staff. <br /> Department liaisons shall also take reasonable steps to ensure that when translating text, <br /> all staff or contracted personnel who serve as translators are briefed by department staff <br /> on the context and intended audience . <br /> 6 . Absent exigent circumstances , Departments shall avoid using family members ( including ;, <br /> children) , neighbors , friends , acquaintances , and bystanders to provide language <br /> assistance services . Departments shall also avoid using individual opposing parties , <br /> adverse witnesses , or victims to a dispute as interpreters . Using family, friends , <br /> bystanders , or parties to a dispute to interpret could result in a breach of confidentiality, a <br /> conflict of interest, or inadequate interpretation . <br /> C . Types of Language Assistance Services . There are two primary types of language assistance <br /> services : oral and written . <br /> 1 . Interpretation Services . Oral language assistance service may come in the form of " mn <br /> language " communication (a qualified bi-lingual staff member communicating directly in <br /> an LEP person' s language) or interpreting . An interpreter renders a message spoken in <br /> one language into one or more other languages . Interpretation can take place in-person, <br /> through a telephonic interpreter, or via internet or video interpreting . Departments shall <br /> I <br /> ensure the Department of Human Rights and Relations has designated interpreters as <br /> " qualified" prior to engaging them for services . <br /> 2 . Translation of Vital Documents . Departments should proactively translate vital written <br /> documents into the frequently encountered languages of LEP groups served or likely to <br /> be affected by the benefit, program or service in Orange County . When Department staff <br /> have reason to believe that an individual is LEP , the department must respond to that LEP <br /> individual in a language he or she understands . For example , a letter sent to a specific <br /> LEP person should be translated into the appropriate language for that individual to <br /> ensure effective communication . Departments should also have a language access plans <br /> in place for handling written communication with LEP individuals in less frequently <br /> encountered languages . <br /> a . Departments shall prioritize translation of vital documents . Classification of a <br /> document as "vital" depends upon the importance of the program, information, <br /> encounter, or service involved, and the consequence to the LEP person if the <br /> information in question is not provided accurately or in a timely manner . The <br /> determination of what documents are considered "vital" is left to the discretion of <br /> individual department, which are in the best position to evaluate their <br /> circumstances and services within their language access planning materials . <br /> MEN <br /> Page 3 <br />