interpreters

Catholic Charities, with funding from the Texas Department of Health, has established a network of interpreters to improve client access to health care, immigration and social services in both Dallas and Tarrant Counties. A pool of linguistically and culturally diverse staff that is fluent in English and at least one other language has been established to serve the community.

Besides being fluent in at least two languages, interpreters must attend a three-day training course which will be offered several times during the year at locations throughout the DFW Metroplex. The program will also offer on-going training to all interpreters in the network. Interpreters work on a contract basis and are paid for all hours worked according to an established salary schedule.

Since all health care, immigration and social service

providers who receive funding from the Federal

government are required by law to provide an

interpreter for any client who does not understand

English, the network's services meet a significant need.

Service providers can call the network to schedule

interpreters who can communicate with non-English

speaking clients during set appointment times.

Providers are charged a minimal hourly fee for the services of a professional intepreter. The network also provides on-site training for service provider staff on how to most effectively use an interpreter.

The training seminar is a comprehensive course designed to train bilingual individuals in developing intrerpreting skills for the social services environment. Each session builds on an interpreter's experience, providing them with extensive information on interpreting methods, professionalism, cultural contexts, advocacy and the social services system.

Training Sessions

Basic Interpreting Skills

The five basic roles of an interpreter, clarifying information, intervening, and skills for facilitating a interpreted session. Also included: ethics, modes of interpreting, memory development and sight translation.

Communication Skills

Effective communication, listening skills, communication barriers and the interrelation of communication and interpreting.

Culture and Its Impact

An examination of culture, recognizing how communication impacts culture, cultural dilemmas, building cultural bridges, and applications to the interpreter's role.

The Social Services System

An overview of the social services system in the United States, the culture of social services (how the system operates), the variety of services provided, and common terminology.

Professional Development

Professional conduct, personal appearance, and resources for professional growth.