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BOOK 23 PAGE665 <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 />Describe how the agency ensures the competency of bilingual staff <br />and interpreters: <br />The agency will ensure the competency of bilingual and <br />interpreters through personal interviews that address certain <br />identified standards. Interpreters employed by the County are <br />required to have at least one (1) year of experience in interpreting <br />and translating English and the required foreign language in a <br />setting that requires knowledge of the programs or services. <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 LEI' 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 />d. Only under extenuating circumstances shall the agency allow a <br />minor (under the age of 18 years) to temporarily act as an <br />interpreter. The agency will keep a written record of when it has <br />