Information for Interpreters
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Information for Interpreters is designed to provide interpreters contracted by the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) with information about our services, news and current events, and details of upcoming professional development opportunities.
Automated Telephone Interpreting Service (ATIS)
ATIS is a very important tool which allows contracted interpreters to indicate their availability for immediate telephone interpreting work.
In addition to allowing our interpreters to indicate their availability for work, many of our large clients use ATIS to directly connect with interpreters in many high demand languages. To help make sure these clients' interpreting needs are met, TIS National reminds interpreters to log into ATIS regularly. This enables TIS National to deliver faster and more reliable interpreting services to our clients.
A study has found that the peak period for clients to request telephone interpreting services occurs between 9 am and noon daily, with the busiest day of the week being Monday. If you are available, please log into ATIS during these times.
Interpreters should log out of ATIS when not at home or no longer available to take telephone interpreting assignments. Failure to do so can cause delays for our operators and clients.
On-site assignments
TIS National is experiencing a steady demand for on-site interpreting services, particularly in new and emerging languages.
All contractors are encouraged to accept on-site assignments wherever possible. When accepting and attending onsite assignments, please ensure you:
- Record the job details in your diary
- Advise TIS National immediately if you are running late for an on-site appointment
- Abide by the terms of your Deed and the AUSIT Code of Ethics
- Provide TIS National with at least 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend a planned assignment
- Turn off your mobile phone during the assignment.
Telephone assignments
When you have accepted a pre-booked telephone assignment, you must be ready to answer the call at the arranged time, and remain available for the entire duration of the booked period.
At times, both interpreters and agencies can experience telephone line disconnection. In such cases, interpreters should stay by their phone for a brief period in case a reconnection is necessary.
New Interpreters Project
The Australian Government, through the department, is sponsoring a project to increase the number of National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)-accredited/recognised interpreters in ‘new and emerging’ languages.
Interpreters in new and emerging languages are critical for recent arrivals accessing services in Australia. The department is continually encouraging and recruiting interpreters for new and emerging languages. The department provides funding to the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI) to deliver the New Interpreters Project (NIP). The project targets potential interpreters who speak new and emerging languages in metropolitan areas, and those who speak any language with a high demand in rural and regional areas.
Eligible applicants can attend a workshop/s to help them prepare to work as an interpreter and apply to NAATI.
This project is fully funded and eligible candidates will be subsidised for the full cost of the workshop and application and assessment fees.
Contact your local NAATI office now to obtain information on workshop locations, eligible languages and enrolment details.
See: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI)
Professional development
TIS National highly regards accreditation from NAATI. Your Contractor Manager can advise you about how to obtain or upgrade NAATI accreditation or recognition. To find out more about accreditation or recognition, visit the NAATI website.
See: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI)
NAATI approved courses and a variety of other types of training programs are listed in the NAATI catalogue of Translator and Interpreter Training Opportunities in Australia.
See: NAATI Publications
The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Incorporated (AUSIT) develops and delivers a wide range of training courses and professional development activities, available to members and non-members alike.
See: AUSIT
Interpreters may be interested in participating in the professional development programs outlined in the table below.
| Provider | Description | Dates and Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) | Translating and Interpreting Awareness Day (TIAD) The NAATI Regional Advisory Committee of Victoria is proud to present the Translating and Interpreting Awareness Day 2010. The theme for this year’s conference is a technological one and is titled ‘Beyond 2010 - Translating and Interpreting: Another Dimension’. |
Dates: Friday, 21 May 2010
Conference venue: |
| Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) | Train as an Interpreter and Translator in 2010 RMIT is currently offering paraprofessional NAATI courses – if you are fluent in any of the following languages and English you may be eligible to apply. Diploma of Interpreting – Languages offered in 2010; Auslan, Dari, Dinka, Hazaragi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Tamil. Advanced Diploma of Translating and Interpreting – Languages offered in 2010; Arabic, Auslan, Cantonese, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese. |
Telephone: 03 9925 2328 Website: RMIT University |
Interpreter resources
Many organisations produce a variety of resources which may be of interest to interpreters. Some of these products are outlined in the table below.
| Organisation | Products | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Victorian Transcultural Psychiatry Unit | Publication, Guidelines for Working Effectively with Interpreters in Mental health settings which may be useful for interpreters working in the field of psychiatry. | See: Victorian Transcultural Psychiatry Unit > Guidelines for Working Effectively with Interpreters in Mental health settings |
| Foundation House | Information kit, Raising Children in Australia, designed for parents from African backgrounds which may be of interest to interpreters working within this community. The kit comprises a ‘Guide for early childhood services’ and a DVD for parents from African backgrounds with young children. | See: Foundation House |
| Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Incorporated (AUSIT) | Brochure, Interpreting – Getting it right with a focus on common questions, which may be useful for interpreters. | See: Interpreting –Getting it right |
Interpreter forms
TIS National forms for the information and use of contracted interpreters are available in PDF format.
The interpreter application form must be used to apply to become a TIS National interpreter
See: Contract interpreter application form (40KB PDF file)
The change of banking details form must be used by TIS National interpreters wishing to change their banking details.
See: Change of banking details form (32KB PDF file)
Key contacts for interpreters
| Contact Name | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Contractor Managers' Hotline | Telephone: 1300 132 621 Fax: 1300 655 151 |
| TIS National Contact Centre | Telephone: 131 450 |
| On-site interpreting bookings | Telephone: 1300 655 082 |
| Interpreter payment enquires | Telephone: 1300 655 080 |
| Client Liaison and Promotions Hotline | Telephone: 1300 655 820 |
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