Forum for New Interpreters — Archive
Question: As a new Interpreter, I realize I'm to use discretion when accepting assignments. But how do I know when Im ready fo things like medical, mental health or legal?
Answer: Great question from someone entering the field! Let's start with legal; you should never accept a legal assignment without certification, years of experience and legal training. There are guidelines at the RID website (www.rid.org), along with listings of workshops/training offered for Interpreters wishing to enter the arena of legal interpreting. There is also a special certification for people wanting to specialize in legal interpreting.
Medical is not so straight forward. Many facilities now request that Interpreters working with their patients are certified. However, that is not always possible, and pre-certified Interpreters are used often in those settings. Minimally, you should have a good understanding of the environment in which you will be entering, the terminology and have the emotional maturity to work on medical assignments.
These can range from middle of the night ER visits to routine Dr visits, to surgeries. All bring with them their own challenges. People are often distraught, confused and/or in pain. You need to maneuver effectively and maintain composure throughout. To prepare for such a working environment, I would suggest a class in medical terminology, workshops and observing a colleague before accepting such work. Speak openly with the agencies you work through to help give you honest feedback and resources to help prepare you for such venues.
Mental health is yet another area that requires special training and experience. Again, workshops and instruction in terminology are essential. At Empire we have access to mental health professionals that are willing to speak with interpreters about the processes of therapy, what they are trying to elicit from clients and your role working as part of the team. Observation in mental health is rare, however at times can be arranged. Again, look for training in that area, seek out Interpreters experienced in the field and glean knowledge from them.
Keep in mind both medical and mental health assignments can quickly become legal. The best case scenario is to become certified first, then look for specific training in the specialty that interests you. Kudos for showing discretion when accepting assignments and not being pressured into work you feel unprepared for.
Question: What should I do if a (hearing) consumer approaches me about contracting for work direct instead of going through the agency that booked me?
Answer: Sooner or later you will encounter someone that tries to circumvent the agency you are representing and hire you direct. Most agencies will ask you to sign a contract promising that you will not accept work directly from anyone on a job site they send you to. This is of course to protect the agency; they have devoted endless amounts of monies, contacts, reputation, advertising, staff, etc. into securing contracts and cannot afford to lose the income each assignment produces. You may even be in breech of contract if you did accept work direct on a job site.
The second part (and most important for you) is that you could severely tarnish your reputation in the interpreting field. If agencies feel you cannot be trusted and you are engaging in unethical behaviors, the calls could stop coming.
I would simply explain to the person approaching you "I am sorry, I am here through 'XYZ Agency' and unable to be hired direct. However, if you would like to request me personally, please feel free to do so when you call to rebook other work." Keep in mind they may not realize that they do have an avenue to have you be their Interpreter of choice.
Question: I just entered the field of community interpreting and would love help with the following question. When I interpret and I cannot think of the sign right away, or at all, it frustrates me because I cannot remember it. How can I remember signs when I do not use some as often as others?
Answer: A great way to expand your vocabulary and review signs is to keep a notepad with you and write down new vocab as you learn it (either through your team on an assignment or from your consumer). Review the list on a regular basis to keep the signs fresh in your mind and try to incorporate the sign (as appropriate) in a variety of settings. This will help you to recall the signs in different situations.
If you are trying to recall technical signs, or signs specific to a particular situation, ie; medical, having dictionaries in your professional library of resources is always very helpful. Prepping for these assignments by reviewing these signs and using your dictionaries is also a great help. Keep in mind that even experienced Interpreters continually have an expanding vocabulary. As we enter differing environments, we all continue to learn and need to prep for our assignments!
Great question! Thanks for asking!