Reso 2013-136 - Laserfiche WebLink

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12 2. Whether a significant number of LEP beneficiaries are likely to be eligible or be affected by the program/activity; 3. Whether the consequences to LEP beneficiaries will be detrimental if the information is not provided accurately or in a timely manner. 3. Bilingual/Multilingual Interpreters Although the City currently employs 47 employees who have been identified as bilingual or ASL interpreters, City staff shall work with the Human Resources Department to encourage the hiring and retention of bilingual and/or multilingual staff for jobs that require public contact, within the constraints of labor agreements. However, hiring new staff poses a major challenge due to the current hiring freeze. Moreover, the City has been downsizing staff due to our budget deficit, and many positions are not being filled when a staff member leaves. It is difficult to forecast job opportunities, but this situation is unlikely to change for at least the next two years unless the City’s revenues improve significantly. The City also hires professional bilingual or ASL interpreters for public hearings and public meetings if one is requested in advance. Although this service has been offered for many years, it is a rare request. There have been more requests for ASL interpreters than for bilingual interpreters. 4. Staff Training It is important to have well-trained City staff capable of effectively providing LAP services to LEP clients. The City will provide three tiers of staff training for the LAP: one tier for citywide training for telephone communication; another for City staff who speak another language other than English; and a third for staff to assess vital documents. Staff in Tier 1 will only receive first-tier training. Those in Tier 2 will receive first- and second- tier training. Those in the Tier 3 will receive first- and third-tier training. Certain staff members may fall into more than one tier. These training programs were finalized in 2011 as the City works to fully implement the LAP. The following is a preliminary outline of what the training may cover: Tier One Training: Citywide All staff members will receive Tier One training, which covers LAP protocol for LEP telephone clients. While not all staff members speak another language besides English, any City staff member may have the potential to receive an incoming call from a LEP client. Therefore, each staff member should be aware of the LAP and its procedures to better serve LEP clients. All staff members will be given a copy of the City's LAP procedures. Training may include: • A description of the LAP • How to respond to LEP callers • How to respond to written communications from LEP clients • How to respond to LEP clients who contact the City in person • Overview of Eden I&R’s 2-1-1 hotline • The location of translated documents • Keeping track of calls for data collection