Interpreter

What is an Interpreter?

An interpreter is a person qualified to perform interpreting; that is to convey communication spoken in one language into another language.

Interpreting in various health settings in accordance with competency standards
Interpreting in context of triads and groups
Interpreting consecutively or simultaneously presentations and speeches in various formal settings
Provision of cultural information to assist health care providers understand patients/clients in order to achieve better health outcomes
Provision of information regarding the NSW health care system to patients/clients and their families
Short translation of documents
Understanding and compliance with the Interpreter Code of Ethics
Maintaining ongoing education and professional development

Interpreters work in all areas of health care, where communication between health care providers and patients/clients takes place:

Hospital inpatient departments (eg. wards, units, Accident & Emergency departments, Labour Wards, Mental Health, Aged Care, Operating Suite)
Hospital outpatient departments (eg. Antenatal Clinics, Preadmission Clinics, Specialist Clinics, Cardiac Catheter Laboratory)
Community and Allied Health (eg. Aged Care Assessment Teams, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Counselling, Dental Services, Palliative Care and Early Childhood Centres)
Other services provided by some Non-Government Organisations (Services for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors - STARTTS, Family Planning, Breast Screen NSW, Women Health Centres, Karitane)

Interpreter grade 1 - no NAATI accreditation required; not employed by SSWAHS Health Language Services-Interpreting Service
Interpreter grade 2 – NAATI accreditation at paraprofessional interpreter level
Interpreter grade 3 and above – NAATI accreditation at professional level

An intensive orientation program is provided for all new staff members with ongoing support.

A good team member: although interpreters work individually, they are part of a team together with other interpreters and clerical staff. They need to cooperate well with everyone, to achieve the Service goals.
Tolerant and respectful of others: there is a unique mix of different nationalities and cultures in the Service and these two qualities are essential for the functioning of
the team
Have good problem solving skills: be able to approach problems with the aim of resolving them, not take them personally and assume adversarial position
Committed: this is a demanding job and commitment to service quality is essential
Possess good personal/social skills
Compassionate but able to control emotions
Supportive of colleagues and management