1.) DSHS/LTC PDC - Language Testing and Certification Professional Development Committee

WHO: Our Union sends 1 representative to the PDC

HISTORY: Our first union contract created an adhoc union management communication committee for 6 months only.  Read the committee's final recommendation and our Union's May 2012 press release regarding our partnership.  One of the recommendations was for DSHS and our Union to form a public-private partnership for professional development and training for social service and medical interpreters. 

WHAT: The PDC meets monthly to review and approve continuing education activities for DSHS Medical and Social Services spoken language certified/authorized interpreters.  Visit the DSHS LTC website and scroll down on the home page for a list of activities approved by the PDC.

2.) Professional Development and Training Committee (PDTC)

WHO: Our Union will send 4 representatives to the PDTC. 

HISTORY: Per Article 4.2 of our union contract that will start July 1, 2013 (pending legislative approval), the PDTC will be established within 6 months.  The number of participants on this committee will be four (4) from the State, four (4) from the Union, one (1) from a higher education institution, and one (1) from a professional interpreter association (NOTIS, WITS, etc.)  The State and the Union must mutually agree on participants from the higher education institution and the professional interpreter association. 

WHAT: The Committee will be responsible for identifying ways to create and maintain a stable pool of professional and qualified interpreters.  If the State decides to implement any recommendations from the committee, it will give notice to the Union in accordance with Article 9, Mandatory Subjects.