Interpreter Training - WRHA

Interpreter Trainees – Fall Training Session 2013


WRHA Language Access Interpreter Services consist of a centralized pool of trained interpreters (casual employees) who are scheduled on an as-needed basis to work with service providers and limited/non-English speakers in a variety of healthcare and non-healthcare settings. These include hospitals, health clinics, private residences, personal care homes, long term care facilities, as well as a variety of other settings such as provincial courts and federal correctional institutions.

We are currently seeking individuals interested in becoming trained interpreters and are fluent in English and one or more of the following languages: Tagalog

Applications are currently being accepted for the WRHA Interpreter Training session scheduled for September/October 2013. This unpaid 72-hour training is offered at no cost to participants (funded by Manitoba Immigration & Multiculturalism). In addition to the qualifications and assets listed below, training eligibility includes successful completion of the interpreter language and skills assessment (ILSAT/CILISAT).

Successful completion of the ILSAT/CILISAT and the training program are prerequisites for the possibility of being offered casual employment opportunities with WRHA Language Access Interpreter Services.

QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated fluency in English (e.g. CLB 8 - listening, speaking, reading, writing) Demonstrated fluency in another language (listening, speaking, reading) Demonstrated interpreter skills (successful ILSAT or CILISAT assessment) High school diploma or equivalent Flexible schedule with daytime availability Available to attend unpaid 72-hr training (successful completion of the training is a job requirement) Ability to use information technology (Internet, E-mail); daily access to computer Successful criminal record check, adult abuse registry check and child abuse registry check

ASSETS Strong interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills Ability to work in stressful and sensitive situations with limited supervision Post-secondary education in target language Prior interpreting experience, preferably in health care and/or social services Knowledge of medical terminology, health references and resources Commitment to ongoing professional development Valid driver’s license and use of a vehicle

For more information, call Allana Carlyle, Coordinator, WRHA Language Access @ 204-940-8733.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by sending a cover letter and a detailed résumé (including details regarding language proficiency, interpreter experience/training) by Wednesday, August 14, 2013 to:

Jeannine Roy, Manager, WRHA Language Access

E-mail: jproy@wrha.mb.ca

REGRETFULLY, WE WILL ONLY REPLY TO APPLICANTS BEING CONSIDERED

FOR AN INTERVIEW

Speaking in tongues

A recent post from FB by a popular singer
So picture this scenario guys: I was waiting in line to pay for my groceries. The lady in front of me got upset with the cashier because the cashier asked another employee a question in their own language. So this lady called for the manager and requested to have the cashier written up/reprimanded because she spoke another language other than English in her presence. IS SHE FOR REAL??? Hello, we live in Canada, the land of the free, the land of cultural diversity. I was royally pissed and disgusted by what I witnessed.

Well this post generated a lot of response from all sides of the fence.  I think this statement will resonate with a lot of immigrant women and their families for whom English is not their first language.
This is an issue that is trending at the moment. It seems like co-workers do not like to hear languages other than English spoken in their earshot while at work or while being served.  How do you feel about the fact that others are offended when you speak in your mother tongue to someone with whom you share the same language.

Do you think this is reasonable?  How do you feel about this.  Please I want to hear from you:
These are some of the comments that were on FB (Face book)

A: OK, just to play devil's advocate. Maybe the customer was uncomfortable with people talking in front of her in another language. Perhaps she felt as though they were talking about her. You know the uncomfortable feeling you get when you walk into a room and people start to laugh. Chances are, it's not at you but you feel like they are. Having said that, repremanding the employee and making a huge scene like that is wrong too.

 

IF: That's so silly! If someone can speak your language and you have an english barrier it's better to have some who speaks your language is better than not getting the help you need. Nothing is always about you.

C: Canada does have Heritage Language Law rights for non-English or French speaking people. They have a right to speak and have their language learned in a classroom getting, church or home. The law does state, however, that only one of the two Official Languages be spoken in public. So I am with the customer, only English or French in public places where people are being served. It is the right thing to do. 2¢

 

Chris: ya, sure the customer overreacted but why would the two employees choose to speak a language that they obviously know the customers won't understand? They obviously can read and write in english as they are employed in a mainly english speaking country.

 

C: It is necessary. These store clerks were breaking the law. Can you imagine what kind of country we're going to have if everybody is allowed to A) go around breaking the law and B) allowed to speak in a foreign language in public makes a mockery of the justice system and I for one will not stand for that

SK I'd have to agree with Flo on this one, although I do understand where other commenters are coming from. However I will say I can understand where it might be inappropriate from a customer service point of view, I think it's a bit much calling it a mockery of the justice system.

BB And Cheryl they weren't breaking any law. That's nonsense

C.S:  Well, I don't know if it's illegal or not to speak a language other than French or English in public in Canada, but I can understand where the clerk was coming from. I would assume she simply wanted to say something (that probably had NOTHING to do with the customer) and she immediately resorted to her first language. Having a co-worker nearby who speaks that language is just a comfortable coincidence, in her mind. (this is my assumption) I really don't think she was going all "Seinfeld" on the customer and talking trash about her in her native language. But that's just me. I have a healthy self esteem and I rarely ever assume that people are talking trash about me. [Seriously! You'd have to say to my face "I'm talking sh!t about you, Candace"] LOL I hope the Manager of the store explains to the clerk that customer service is a thankless job and sometimes that means you have to go out of your way to deal with people's neuroses and insecurites, however unfair and ridiculous they may seem. That's my 2 cents!

M: Give these people a chance! We think and speak in our first language. It's human nature. Perhaps the clerk was flustered and needed some help from her coworker and it was her gut reaction to rely on their mother tongue. And we are going to stand firmly and pretentiously on some language law because of one little "error" (if it can even be called an error) at a grocery store?! And this - coming the day before Folklorama?! Where we celebrate our country's wonderfully diverse population?! Sure, you can gorge on their tasty food but heaven forbid you hear them speaking their own language in your presence? And all because you think they might be talking trash about you? Doubtful! You go try working in a new country and not once slip back into English or French. They aren't trying to be rude, they are trying to survive and get through their day, which can't be great if they are serving racist and insecure customers all day! I wish you luck; you've got a long fall of that high horse of yours. 

M.O. I was born and raised in Canada, but we speak mostly Spanish in my home. I still sometimes forget what something is in English. Now imagine someone who is still learning the language. I think that when we take extremes, we become narrow-minded. I think the customer was too preoccupied with what a complete stranger MIGHT have thought/said of her to even consider the clerks point of view.

Geoff: To be reprimanded is a bit much I agree. However being from a customer perspective I have walked into 7-11 and they have done nothing but speak their language even with me standing there waiting and while I was paying also and that's disrespectful and shouldn't have to be accepted. 

B Why do people feel they are so important that as soon as people speak another language in their presence they feel it must be about them. English is not the only language in the world? What happens if the person speaks French? Would anyone be insulted if two French people started talking in their language in front of customer? Would a French person be insulted that he is being served in English and everyone around him speaks in English, would he assume everyone's talking about him or her? Life is not perfect and sometimes we have to assume the best in others. 

M,H: But what does it matter? I mean, I have had to lower my expectations of customer service in general over the years. It might be two 7-11 employees talking in a foreign language. It might be two teenage employees at a clothing store chatting about their boyfriends. Either way, I'm pretty tuned out. If the debit machine works and I can walk out of there with my purchase, I'm happy. What more do you need from them?! I think people are being a bit too sensitive as the customer. Chill out, I say.

 

It's fine and dandy to have a plan of attack when an employee is suddenly confused but I think we can all admit plans generally get thrown out the window, especially when that employee can probably tell that the customer is looking fairly impatient/intolerant. At that point, I'm sure they are just looking to expedite the situation and if that means quickly resorting to their first language, than so be it. I refuse to ever pass judgement on someone who is trying to learn English, because I had the advantage of learning English as an infant. It's an extremely complex and ridiculous language and I can't even imagine the pressure that is put on someone who is trying to navigate their way through an English-speaking country when they speak something different. And generally languages and race go together, which is why people are bringing up "the race card". I still don't see what the big deal is,

but I guess my expectations as the customer are just different than others. 

MS: I hope you made a fuss to the manager!

Geoff: I am totally for multi cultures' in this big country we have. My family has taken in home stay students for years and we really enjoy it thoroughly. In saying this I have to give my two cents. A few examples are as follows. In order for you to study in university or college you must have a certain understanding of reading writing and speaking it. I believe it has a class 5 tag to its name? This also goes for many places where you are in the eyes of the public and it's a part of your job to serve them.
However to say its wrong for them to speak their language walking down the street or in a mall? That would be absurd. The point I am trying to make is that this whole scenario has seemed to strike people in different ways, some good, some bad, and well then just some. To look at it from the outside in its easy to sit back and say what should've happened or not. What could've made it better or worse, but the fact is that what happened has happened. Maybe this customer was having a bad day and she took it out on the cashier? There's always things that aren't seen that is never taken into consideration. Maybe the cashier should have said to the lady excuse me one minute please and whispered to her co worker? Maybe the question could have waited until later? Or maybe it was a necessity at that moment.

FACT we all have bad days, we all get cranky and rude sometimes, and we all have been impatient as well. I will hope the manager is a manager because if their experience and will deal with it accordingly. That's my two cents

 

 

Community come together after reckless violence

http://www.upworthy.com/you-might-be-in-tears-after-watching-this-communitys-response-to-fear-terror-and-hatred?c=ufb1

Upcoming Event - Winnipeg

Mark your calendars!
September 18th, Wednesday, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pmWomen's Pathways to PeaceMillennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium

Panel Presentation and DiscussionBrown Bag Lunch - All Are Welcome!

The Institute for International Women's Rights - Manitoba is pleased to be part of Rotary Peace Week.
During Winnipeg's Rotary World Peace Week 2013, the International Institute for Women?s Rights, Manitoba is pleased to host Women?s Pathways to Peace to acknowledge what women are doing locally and globally to make our world a more peaceful place. War and conflict continue to be a key source of gender-based violence, and has grave consequences for the safety and security of our society as a whole, including women, children, and men. Locally, and according to Canadian government statistics, Indigenous women are five to seven times more likely than other women to die as the result of violence here in Canada. The Native Women's Association of Canada has documented more than 580 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada, most within the last three decades.
Moderator: Marilou McPhedran (co chair, Institute for International Women's Rights, Manitoba)

Panelists:
Chief Francine Meeches (Chief Swan Lake First Nations, and Chair Women's Committee Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs);

Corporal Candice McMackin (Corporal with the RCMP, and has served in Afghanistan); and

Nadia Mahmood (Manager of Diversity and Immigrant Student Support Services at RRC, and has worked extensively internationally, including implementing emergency health and sexual and gender-based violence prevention programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and coordinating disaster relief operations for flood victims in Pakistan)

Computerized Note Taker(s)

Term Part-Time Positions up to June 30, 2014
Student Support Services
Red River College is a leader in applied learning and innovation. Our talented team of employees is passionate about education, innovation and student success. We offer competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and the opportunity for personal and professional growth in a rewarding career. Together, we are going places.
Duties:
As a team member of Student Support Services and under the direction of the Coordinator of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, the Computerized Note Taker(s) will provide access to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students enrolled at Red River College by typing on a laptop and capturing all the spoken information presented in a variety of settings including classroom lectures, tutorial sessions, conferences, presentations, workshops, counselling sessions, teacher-student meetings, graduation ceremonies, interviews, exams and tests, field trips, tours, and other ancillary settings.
Hours of work may be approximately 20 to 25 hours per week during the 2013/2014 academic year.
Qualifications:
Required:  Extensive experience with Microsoft Word with keyboarding speed of 70 + wpm

Proficiency in utilizing a laptop computer  Considerable experience in note taking  Ability to process information with speed and accuracy
 Strong communication skills
 Ability to function independently as well as part of a team
 Ability to maintain a professional manner with students and staff
 Knowledge and familiarity with the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC) Code of Ethics  Cultural sensitivity
 Commitment to lifelong learning
Assets:  Experience in a post-secondary environment Conditions of Employment  This position may require the use of safety equipment (steel toed shoes, safety glasses)  This position may be subject to audiometric assessment
 This position may be required to work evenings This competition may be used to establish a one year eligibility list for future Computerized Note Taking opportunities.
We seek diversity in our workplace. Aboriginal persons, women, visible minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Competition Number: 2013-116
Closing Date: August 9, 2013
Salary Range: $15.65 to $21.42 per hour
Apply to: Red River College
C410 - 2055 Notre Dame Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9
Fax: 204-694-0750 e-mail:
humanresources@rrc.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information and other employment opportunities, visit www.rrc.ca/employm

Job Vacancy

Instructor – Clinical Nursing

Half-Time Term (.5) from August 2013 up to June 2015
School of Health Sciences & Community Services
Neepawa Rural Bachelor of Nursing Site
Red River College is a leader in applied learning and innovation. Our talented team of employees is passionate about education, innovation and student success. We offer competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and the opportunity for personal and professional growth in a rewarding career. Together, we are going places.
Duties:
The primary responsibility of this position is to teach, mentor, supervise and evaluate nursing students in the clinical practice settings for the Red River College LPN – to BN Neepawa rural location. Other responsibilities include maintaining clear and current communication and consultation with the Neepawa site classroom instructor and the RRC main campus, the rural program coordinator and the Clinical Course Leader.
Qualification Requirements:
Required:
 Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. Applicants with a Diploma in Nursing and significant clinical expertise may be considered  Registration or eligibility for registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba  Experience and competence as a practitioner in the areas of medical, surgical and gerontological nursing  Interpersonal communication competence and the ability to relate to a diverse nursing student population
 Computer skills
 Cultural sensitivity
 Commitment to lifelong learning Assets:  Previous clinical teaching experience Conditions of Employment:  This position may be required to work evenings
We seek diversity in our workplace. Aboriginal persons, women, visible minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Competition Number: 2013-117
Closing Date: August 23, 2013
Salary Range: $28.19 to $41.88 per hour *The successful candidate with a Masters or PhD in a related field will receive an
Educational Supplement of $2,725 or $5,450 per annum respectively pro-rated on an hourly basis. Apply to: Red River College C410 - 2055 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9
Fax: 204-694-0750 e-mail:
humanresources@rrc.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information and other employment opportunities, visit www.rrc.ca/employment, http://www.rrc.ca/hiringprocess, www.rrc.ca/peopleplan
& www.rrc.ca/about

Job -Vacancy

– – –

udent success. We offer competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and the opportunity for personal and professional growth in a rewarding career. Together, we are going places.

Duties:
Reporting to the Manger, Athletics and Recreation Services, this position will be responsible for providing effective delivery of sport and recreation programs and exceptional customer service. Programming areas include but are not limited to recreation programs, sport camps, recreation camps, and Rebel Athletic events. The Coordinator will directly supervise part-time contracted program staff, contracted officials, and other personnel as required when delivering programs, services and events throughout the year. This position is also responsible for promoting leisure activities to students, staff and the community, providing opportunity for participation in sport and recreational activities; contribution to an active lifestyle; enhancing physical fitness; and learning new skills. The incumbent will also assist with the development, delivery and assessment of innovative and effective marketing approaches to service delivery and events, as well as assist in the creation of budgets and associated reports.
Qualifications:
Required: 
Post-secondary education in Recreation Management, Kinesiology, or Education; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered  Experience in recreation, athletics and fitness programming  Experience in event management
 Experience in managing budgets
 Knowledge of fitness equipment with ability to assess for safety hazards  Excellent customer service skills
 Effective written and oral communication skills
 Strong interpersonal skills  Ability to initiate collaborative activity to promote and deliver sport and recreation programs, services and events with other college departments and the community of Winnipeg and Manitoba in general  Understanding of the principles of CS4L and LTAD  Excellent organizational skills
 Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in group settings  Cultural sensitivity
 Commitment to lifelong learning Assets:  NCCP Certification

Experience teaching, leading, or instructing in multiple sports disciplines  Experience in youth programming Condition of Employment: 
Incumbent must have current CPR and First Aid Certification  Incumbent must provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Records Search Certificate, including Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to employment  This position will be required to work some evenings and weekends
We seek diversity in our workplace. Aboriginal persons, women, visible minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Competition Number: 2013-118
Closing Date: August 16, 2013
Salary Range: $47,680 - $65,231 per annum
Apply to: Red River College C410 - 2055 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9 Fax: 204-694-0750 e-mail: humanresources@rrc.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information and other employment opportunities, visit www.rrc.ca/employment, http://www.rrc.ca/hiringprocess, www.rrc.ca/peopleplan
& www.rrc.ca/about.