Continue reading »]]> The National Center for Interpretation at the University of Arizona understands that interpretation is both an art and a science, requiring very specialized training. With this in mind, NCI has designed a number of different training workshops and institutes for:

• Legal/Court Interpretation
• Medical/Healthcare Interpretation
• Professional Translation

Our trainings, ranging from 2-day weekend workshops to the 2-week Medical Interpreter Training Institute and 3-week Agnese Haury Institute for court interpretation, are held year-round throughout the country.

With all trainings, emphasis is placed on skill building and practice with instructor critique and analysis. All of NCI’s instructors are Federally Certified Court Interpreters, with years of not only interpreting, but teaching experience, helping to ensure you receive quality training.

Financial Assistance is available for all workshops in the form of both interest-free payment plans and partial scholarships.
If you do not see a particular training near you, please contact us to see about scheduling one.

Legal Interpretation. What is Legal / Court Interpretation?

Legal / Court interpreters interpret for people who come before the courts who cannot communicate effectively in English. These include defendants and witnesses in criminal courts as well as litigants and witnesses in family and civil courts. Interpreters also work in out-of-court settings such as attorney-client meetings, depositions, witness preparation sessions, and interviews with court support personnel (e.g., probation).

More Information at: National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) www.najit.org

What are the Prerequisites for Legal / Court Interpretation?

A legal / court interpreter must have superior, unquestionable command of the two languages and must be able to manipulate registers from the most formal varieties to the most casual forms, including slang. The interpreter’s vocabulary must be of considerable depth and breadth to support the wide variety of subjects that typically arise in the judicial process. At the same time, the interpreter must have the ability to orchestrate all of these linguistic tasks while interpreting in the simultaneous and consecutive interpretation modes for persons speaking at rates of 200 words or more per minute.

What is the Goal of the Legal / Court Interpreter?

The goal of a legal / court interpreter is to enable the judge and jury to react in the same manner to a non-English-speaking witness as they do with one who speaks English. Also, the legal equivalence provided by the court interpreter is the record. It serves as the basis for any potential appeal.

For the legal / court interpreter, protecting the record is accomplished through disciplined and rigorous attention to transferring the conceptual message and style from the Source Language (English or Spanish) to the Target Language (Spanish or English).

Through the interpreter, the judge and jury are given the opportunity to make judgments about the general socioeconomic, educational, and cultural background of the witness on the basis of the speaker’s linguistic style and choice of words. The latter point is especially important in terms of its legal implications.

How we can help you Become a Legal / Court Interpreter.

We have developed training seminars to help legal / court interpreters go from aspiring interpreter to a Federally Certified Court Interpreter.

Since 1983, our training seminars, which are held throughout the United States, have helped over 2,500 interpreters enter the professional ranks in the following areas:

Medical Interpretation. What is Medical / Healthcare Interpretation?

It is interpreting that takes place in medical / healthcare settings of any sort, including doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, home health visits, mental health clinics, and public health presentations.

Typically, the setting is an interview between one or more healthcare providers (doctor, nurse, lab technician), health care team(s) and a patient (or the patient and one or more family members).

Information from the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) is available at: https://www.ncihc.org

What are the Prerequisites for Medical / Healthcare Interpretation?

A medical / healthcare interpreter must have superior, unquestionable command of the two languages and must be able to manipulate registers from the most formal varieties to the most casual forms, including slang. The interpreter’s vocabulary must be of considerable depth and breadth to support the wide variety of subjects that typically arise in the many medical / healthcare settings.

At the same time, the interpreter must have the ability to orchestrate all of these linguistic tasks while interpreting in the simultaneous and consecutive interpretation modes for persons speaking at rates of 200 words or more per minute.

What is the Goal of the Medical / Healthcare Interpreter?

Medical / Healthcare interpreters facilitate communication between patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and their physicians, nurses, lab technicians, and other healthcare providers.

When a patient has limited second language skills, it is nearly impossible for even the most skilled clinician to provide high-quality healthcare services without accurate interpreting performed by a trained, qualified interpreter who is familiar with medical terminology. If family members, friends or staff who are not trained as healthcare interpreters try to interpret in healthcare settings, errors in understanding and/or communication can occur, posing grave risks to the patient and immense liability to the healthcare institution.

How we can help you Become a Medical / Healthcare Interpreter.
We have developed training seminars to help Medical / Healthcare interpreters go from aspiring interpreter to a competent interpreter.

Since 2002, our training seminars, which are held throughout the United States, have helped over 400 interpreters enter the professional ranks in the following areas:

• Emergency medical response services
• Prescription drug instructions
• Emergency care
• Critical care
• Routine care
• Health insurance
• Behavioral health care

Professional Translation. What is Professional translation?
Translation is the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text.
For more information please visit the American Translators Association (ATA) at: www.atanet.org

What are the prerequisites for professional translation?
Professional translators must have superior, unquestionable command of the two languages and must be able to manipulate registers from the most formal varieties to the most casual forms, including slang. The translator’s vocabulary must be of considerable depth and breadth to support the wide variety of subjects.

What is the Goal of the Professional translator?

Professional translators will translate the original message faithfully to satisfy the needs of the end user.

How we can help you become a professional translator.

Since 2007, our training seminars, which are held throughout the United States, have helped translators to start their professional journey in the following areas:

• ATA Certification

• Business Translations

• Medical / Healthcare Translations

• Legal Translations – Don’t forget to check out our Legal Transcription and Translation Workshop!

For more information, please contact the National Center for Interpretation at 520.621.3615 or visit NCI at: http://nci.arizona.edu/interpreter_training

Continue reading »]]> The position will be responsible for providing language interpretation and translation services for the medical staff, patients and visitors to University Hospital. Coordinates request for interpretive services for all languages, including sign language.

High School or equivalent
1 years of related experience

There are many important advantages to becoming part of UCH, including our continuing growth and financial stability. This means that going forward, we can provide everything you need to succeed and thrive. Here are some of the excellent compensation and cafeteria-style benefit programs we offer:

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability insurance
Health care spending account
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Continuing Education and Professional Membership Program
Life Insurance for employee and dependents
403 (b) Retirement Savings Plan
Basic pension plan

The University of Colorado Hospital in the metro-Denver area is not only a 3-time MAGNET hospital and one of the region’s largest academic teaching hospitals, it consistently ranks among the best academic medical centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report. They have also recognized us as the #1 Hospital in Denver. Most recently, the University Health System Consortium has honored us as the highest-performing academic hospital in the U.S., an award especially coveted as it is based solely on patient experience.

To apply, please go to Career Opportunities at: http://www.uch.edu/find-a-job/current-job-openings/

Continue reading »]]> Cardiff School of European Languages, Translation and Politics is currently recruiting for a dynamic Lecturer in Translation. You will be required to deliver high-quality teaching and co-ordinate the curriculum development at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in the area of Translation. You will also contribute to the School’s research activity through publishing high-quality research submissable to the Research Excellence Framework.

You will demonstrate an excellent ability to communicate in English and at least one other main European language, both orally and in writing. With research expertise in translation, you will have, or be nearing completion of, a PhD in a relevant area. Experience in the theory and practice of translation, as well as translation technology (or a commitment to developing skills in this area) are also essential.

This is a full time position to work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity.

For more information, please visit: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AEJ416/lecturer-in-translation/

Continue reading »]]> The Court Interpreter position is located in the Clerk’s Office in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and reports to the Supervisory Court Interpreter. The incumbent provides interpretation and translation services for Spanish-speaking defendants, witnesses, sureties, and family members in judicial proceedings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, and sight translation services for
in-court proceedings (trials, hearings, etc.) by transferring the message from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English. This includes telephone interpreting through the Court’s Telephone Interpreting Program (TIP).

2. Provides interpretation and translation services for out-of-court proceedings for the United States Probation and Pretrial Services Department, attorney-client conferences
and language support for the Court and the Clerk’s Office.

3. Translates documents and correspondence to and from the Court.

To be considered for this position, applicant must be federally certified by the Administrative Office of the US Courts for Spanish/English proceedings at the time of application. Applicant must be fully bilingual in Spanish and English, with the ability to synthesize linguistic skills and to orchestrate them with superior interpreting techniques in simultaneous, consecutive modes, and sight translation.

http://www.nmcourt.fed.us/web/DCDOCS/dcindex.html

Continue reading »]]> FBI Linguists play a vital role in the translation, transcription, reporting, and analysis of materials with national security ramifications. Terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, organized crime, air piracy, interstate criminal activity, public corruption, financial crime, bribery, civil rights violations, kidnapping, drug trafficking…investigating these crimes and others may all be part of your challenging career as a Linguist with the FBI. Combining your proficiency in a critical foreign language with the exciting science of investigative work, you will apply your unique skills and talents to protect the security and welfare of your country.

Consideration is currently being afforded to English-speaking candidates with a professional-level language fluency in over 100 foreign languages. Your fluency in both English and the foreign language must be at the professional level in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

Since our language needs periodically change, we encourage you to apply now if applications are being accepted. Your application will be added to our skills registry, where it can be considered at any time. Due to the high volume of applications received, we only contact applicants who have been selected to take our language proficiency test battery.

Once you have applied, you can log back in at any time to check the status of your application. To do so, go back to the www.fbijobs.gov website and select Apply Now under the Linguist heading. On the next page, enter your User ID (either your email address or the number you were assigned during registration) and your Password, and mark the option to View Application Status before clicking Next. This will bring up a list of all positions you have applied for with the current status. When we review an application, the status is updated. Therefore, if your status only indicates that your application has been received, we have not yet reviewed it.

Because it could be an extended period of time before your application is reviewed, you should log back into the system occasionally and update your personal information and resume. You must enter a resume during registration, or your application will not be considered.

Learn more about becoming an FBI Linguist at: https://fbijobs.gov/124.asp

Continue reading »]]> Language competitive examinations

The United Nations (UN) is looking for motivated and qualified candidates to fill its language positions across the Organization. The language competitive examinations (LCE) are organized to identify willing and able language professionals to provide high quality language services in support of multilateral communications in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, Nairobi, New York, Santiago, and Vienna.

The United Nations has six official languages for which most of the language specialists are needed: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

The examinations are offered from time to time based on the needs of the Organization, and are open to internal and external applicants who meet all eligibility and qualification requirements.

The United Nations is a global organization; it encourages mobility within and across duty stations. Language assignments are subject to rotation and successful candidates may thereafter be called upon to serve at other duty stations, according to the needs of the Organization. Successful candidates are expected to serve a minimum of five years in language posts before they can apply for another type of post with the United Nations.

Language competitive examination application process information available at: http://www.careers.un.org

Continue reading »]]> Over the past few months, I have received a number of different emails from people trying to scam me. They were from different “companies”, they had different approaches, different pseudonyms, but they all had one same goal.

One of the emails was for an interpreting job. They accepted my rate, and additional fees, without any hesitation and they offered to pay me before I even rendered my services! Even though a part of me really wanted to believe that it was true -who wouldn’t want the money up front?- deep down I knew that something was wrong.

Another scammer contacted me about a translation job, and wanted me to tell him “which languages I could handle”…if this had been a serious potential client, they would be contacting me because they already know that I can deliver the translation services that they require.

So here’s what these bad guys have taught me, and a list of signs to look out for:

• the email is usually from a free email service (gmail, yahoo, hotmail, aol…)
• they do not know what languages you work in
• they offer to pay before the services are rendered
• they offer to pay in money order, PayPal, or travelers check
• they come across pushy
• they are not very interested in answering your questions or addressing your professional concerns and reply with simple short sentences like: “we’ll take care of everything”
• their priority is to find out where they can send the money to
• the email contains typos, spelling and grammar mistakes. It is written in very poor English
• the information about the job is extremely vague
• the email contains missing spaces which suggest copy/pasting
• they do not mind paying higher than market rate

Always type the company name + the word “scam” into Google. See what comes up. This will pull up any past forum postings, blog mentions and might help you find previous instances in which these same people have already tried scamming others.

If they provide a phone number in their email, call it for verification, and see how the phone is answered. And if they have an address, also go ahead and Google it. See what comes up.

You may also check and see if they are listed in the scams section of The Payment Practices (PP) http://www.paymentpractices.net/Scams.aspx. If you are sure that the email is a scam, and they are not yet listed on the scams page, please add their name, phone number email address and any additional contact information that they had provided so as to help other interpreters avoid their traps.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Jennifer Bikkal Horne is an English and French interpreter and translator in Atlanta, Georgia. She runs Translations by Jen. She is an avid social networker who specializes in marketing. She is a member of the American Translators Association (ATA) and Board member of the Atlanta Association of Interpreters and Translators (AAIT). She blogs at www.translationsbyjen.wordpress.com. Contact: jen@translationsbyjen.com.

Continue reading »]]> The essential function of the position within the organization is to interpret legal proceedings for non-English speaking or hearing impaired persons to ensure due process. The position is responsible for interpreting the spoken or written word from a source language to a target language, translating court evidence to a target language, testifying as an expert witness regarding accuracy of translated documents or tapes, and collecting statistical data. The position works under direct supervision according to set procedures.

Education and Training Guidelines:

Additional relevant experience may substitute for the recommended educational level on a year-for-year basis and additional relevant education may substitute for the recommended experience on a year-for-year basis.

Bachelor’s degree in English, the source language, or a closely related field and two year of court/legal related experience.

Competencies

Data Responsibility:
Compiles, examines, or evaluates data or information and possibly recommends action based on results.

People Responsibility:
Provides assistance to people to achieve task completion; persuades or influences others in favor of a service, course of action, or point of view.

Assets Responsibility:
Requires minimum responsibility for only small quantities of low cost items or supplies where opportunities for achieving economies or preventing loss are negligible.

Mathematical Requirements:
Uses addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; may compute ratios, rates, and percents.

Communications Requirements:
Reads scientific and technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and legal documents; writes complex translations; makes presentations to professional groups.

Complexity of Work:
Performs coordinating work involving guidelines and rules with constant problem solving; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressure.

Impact of Decisions:
Makes decisions with moderately serious impact – affects work unit and may affect other units or citizens.

Equipment Usage:
Handles machines, tools, equipment, or work aids involving moderate latitude for judgment regarding attainment of standard or in selecting appropriate items, such as recording equipment, computer or telephone.

Safety of Others:
Requires some responsibility for safety of others and/or for occasional enforcement of the standards of public safety.

Special Comments:
Successful applicants must have passed Florida Consortium exam.
Successful applicants are required to work at any of the five Palm Beach county Courthouse locations on a rotation basis.

How to Apply:

Submit a current and complete State of Florida application, cover letter (3 copies each) and verification of required education (i.e., copy of college degree or college transcript) to:
Letitia Warren, Personnel Management Analyst | 205 N. Dixie Highway, 5th FL | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | Phone: 561-355-1847 | Fax: 561-355-6711

An application must be submitted for the position listing the appropriate class title and position number for which you are applying. Your application must be received by 5:00pm on the closing date.

An application must be submitted for the position listing the appropriate class title and position number for which you are applying. Your application must be received by 5:00pm on the closing date.

The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please call the contact person at the number indicated for each respective position. Persons using a TDD may call the contact person through the Florida Relay Service 1-800-955-8771.

For more information: http://www.flcourts.org/gen_public/employment/10577,10579&10584.shtml

Continue reading »]]> FBI Linguists play a vital role in the translation, transcription, reporting, and analysis of materials with national security ramifications. Terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, organized crime, air piracy, interstate criminal activity, public corruption, financial crime, bribery, civil rights violations, kidnapping, drug trafficking…investigating these crimes and others may all be part of your challenging career as a Linguist with the FBI. Combining your proficiency in a critical foreign language with the exciting science of investigative work, you will apply your unique skills and talents to protect the security and welfare of your country.

Consideration is currently being afforded to English-speaking candidates with a professional-level language fluency in over 100 foreign languages. Your fluency in both English and the foreign language must be at the professional level in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

Since our language needs periodically change, we encourage you to apply now if applications are being accepted. Your application will be added to our skills registry, where it can be considered at any time. Due to the high volume of applications received, we only contact applicants who have been selected to take our language proficiency test battery.

Once you have applied, you can log back in at any time to check the status of your application. To do so, go back to the www.fbijobs.gov website and select Apply Now under the Linguist heading. On the next page, enter your User ID (either your email address or the number you were assigned during registration) and your Password, and mark the option to View Application Status before clicking Next. This will bring up a list of all positions you have applied for with the current status. When we review an application, the status is updated. Therefore, if your status only indicates that your application has been received, we have not yet reviewed it.

Because it could be an extended period of time before your application is reviewed, you should log back into the system occasionally and update your personal information and resume. You must enter a resume during registration, or your application will not be considered.

Applicants for the Special Agent position must apply through the FBI Field Office covering their residence, place of education, and/or place of employment. If your residence, place of education, and/or place of employment are in different zip codes, please query the system with each zip code and apply through the FBI Field Office that is most convenient for you (because you will have to report to that office several times over the course of the application process). Please note: applicants are only eligible to apply through an FBI Field Office if they live, work, or attend school in that Field Office’s territory. Applicants that do not live, work, or attend school in the territory of the Field Office through which they apply will not be considered. Please enter your zip code in the box below to find your FBI Field Office.

Learn more about becoming an FBI Linguist by visiting the FBI website at: https://www.fbijobs.gov/index.asp

Continue reading »]]> The Essex Vicinage is seeking a Spanish Court Interpreter with exposure to the legal environment and technical competence in the court interpreting arena. The chosen candidate will exhibit a high degree of integrity, honesty, commitment to customer service and dedication to professional development. Under the General Operations Division Manager and the Administrative Supervisor 2, the successful candidate must be able to interpret in the three modes of interpretation (sight, consecutive and simultaneous) in court proceedings, (including complex cases) quasi-judicial hearings, complimentary dispute resolution events and other court related events in person or via a telecommunication device.

The qualified candidate will be able to produce translations of documents (either in draft or final form), such as official forms, public signs, notices, posters, form letters and correspondence. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, collecting and entering data into automated record-keeping systems, mentoring interns, participating in study and training activities in a group or individually in order to develop and maintain interpreting and translating skills and any other administrative duties as necessary. The successful candidate must also possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively with all levels of Judiciary staff.

Applicants must have passed the Screening Test administered by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts at the master level or an equivalent test by a member of the Consortium for State Court Interpreter Certification.

Contact Superior Court of New Jersey at: http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/jobs/j120411a.pdff