- PSPGOV419A - Work with interpreters
Assessor Resource
PSPGOV419A
Work with interpreters
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024
Not applicable.
This unit covers the requirements for working with interpreters in an official capacity. It includes identifying interpreting needs, making preparations for using interpreting services, conducting a meeting/interview using interpreting services and monitoring the safety and well-being of interpreters.
In practice, working with interpreters may overlap with other generalist and specialist public sector work activities such as working ethically, complying with legislation, providing client services, gathering and analysing information, conducting interviews, etc.
This is one of 2 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that deal with interpreting and translating. The related unit is:
PSPGOV420A Use translation services
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package. | |
Units to be assessed together | Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to: PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies PSPGSD403A Conduct government service delivery interviews PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector PSPREG411A Gather information through interviews |
Overview of evidence requirements | In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms: the knowledge requirements of this unit the skill requirements of this unit application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit working with interpreters in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) |
Resources required to carry out assessment | These resources include: legislation, organisational policy, procedures and protocols relating to working with interpreters code of ethics for interpreters guides for working with interpreters, such as those produced by multicultural affairs agencies case studies and workplace scenarios, with role players in languages other than English, to capture the range of interpreting situations likely to be encountered. |
Where and how to assess evidence | Valid assessment of this unit requires: a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when working with interpreters, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine working with interpreters in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time). Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as: people with disabilities people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women young people older people people in rural and remote locations. Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of: case studies demonstration observation portfolios questioning scenarios simulation or role plays authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses |
For consistency of assessment | Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments |
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Skill requirements Look for evidence that confirms skills in: briefing interpreters on subject matter, situation and environment they will encounter making preparations to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of interpreting experience tailoring communication to suit the requirements of client understanding and the interpreting environment responding to diversity, including gender and disability ensuring the safety of interpreters in workplace situations debriefing interpreters and providing support as required |
Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of: legal and ethical requirements of working with interpreters process for accessing interpreting services cultural aspects of communication with diverse client groups dynamics and cultural aspects of the interpreting situation the importance of positioning arrangements and non-verbal clues in communication via interpreters strategies for effective use of interpreters language requirements of working with interpreters interpreters' code of ethics legislation, policy and procedures related to working with interpreters occupational health and safety and environmental issues related to working with interpreters |
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here. | |
Interpreting is: | the rendering of an oral or visual gesture communication from one language (the source language) into another (the target language) - languages include community and Aboriginal languages and Auslan (Australian sign language) |
Type of interpreting service may include: | face-to-face telephone interpreting service business interpreting conference interpreting tele-typing speech-to-speech relay (SSR) |
Client preferences may include: | right to choose their own interpreter, subject to organisational requirements for qualified interpreters to be used right to reject interpreter offered and ask for substitute gender of interpreter age of interpreter cultural background of interpreter religious persuasion of interpreter |
Purpose of interpreting may include: | general conversations non-specialised dialogue formal interviews consultations involving specialised terminology in one language direction/in both language directions complex, technical and sophisticated interpreting |
Competency of interpreters may include: | community language aide paraprofessional level professional level advanced professional level international standard accreditation with National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) - a requirement for interpreting in some jurisdictions recognition by NAATI - a requirement for interpreting in community languages in some jurisdictions international credentials Auslan interpreter (membership of Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association) degree of difficulty of spoken language |
Language may include: | major language plus dialect community languages Aboriginal languages Auslan |
Specific requirements may include: | cultural issues gender of interpreter equipment for simultaneous interpreting access to equipment such as teletypewriter adjustment for visual impairment need for more than one interpreter for longer sessions recording of interview/meeting (audio or videotape) police clearance for interpreter security constraints safe environment for interpreter especially in: workplaces where interpreter will not be aware of dangers hospitals (especially with people with mental illnesses) isolated circumstances home visits workplaces subject to harassment or violence |
Ethical requirements may include: | ensuring impartiality of interpreter by: not asking their opinion not having them act for the client (fill in forms, pass on messages etc) not asking for their advice interpretation of everything that is said including: judging and including register in interpreting derogatory or vulgar remarks non-verbal clues patent untruths. confidentiality of client and organisational information |
Additional time may be required for: | briefing of interpreter on: purpose of the interview or meeting subject matter vocabulary likely to be used technical terms complex concepts. briefing by interpreter on: role of interpreter interpreter's code of ethics cultural issues positioning arrangements. assessment prior to commencement by interpreter, of client: language communication general knowledge. interpreting time alternate methods of explaining concepts such as diagrams, real life examples (rather than general principles) rest breaks for interpreter, particularly Auslan (restricted to 50 minutes with 10 minute break or two interpreters used in 20 minute rotations) for longer sessions |
Full details of interpreting requirements may include: | correct language and dialect male or female interpreter contact details for booking organisation exact time and location for meeting/interview purpose of meeting/interview: subject matter background material vocabulary likely to be used technical terms complex concepts to be interpreted duration of meeting/interview more than one interpreter for longer sessions any specific requirements |
Positioning requirements may include: | equal access to hands-free telephone or opposite each other using double adapter for 2 telephones circular seating arrangement for face-to-face meetings triangular seating arrangement seating equal distance apart interpreter seated behind and to one side of professional for Auslan, to allow client to see both professional's face and interpreter's signing interpreter in close contact for Auslan tactile method |
Manner of communication may include: | speaking clearly and directly to client slowing rate of speech choosing language to suit educational level of client avoiding slang, sayings, idioms, jargon, acronyms eye contact with client except when not culturally appropriate using first person, not third person short exchanges allowing time for interpreter to finish interpretation of each exchange responding to interruptions by interpreter if exchanges are too long using simple, plain language explaining technical language and concepts using diagrams, pictures writing information such as: dates numbers names. allowing for requirements for interpreter's rest breaks |
Interpreting situation may include: | legal: courts police compliance (for example, taxation) corrections. health: general mental specialist. commerce: delegations import/export meetings conferences. tourism social welfare education immigration customs employment: applications injury management |
Stress may be caused by: | interpreting in: court cases police interviews unpleasant medical cases. informing relatives of death or injury |
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
| Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice | Yes | No | Comments/feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| The need for interpreting services, the type of service and client preferences are identified in consultation with the client or client representative. | |||
| The purpose of interpreting is determined to ensure the competency of the interpreter meets organisational requirements. | |||
| Interpreting language is identified and any specific requirements to support interpreting service are determined. | |||
| Where clients refuse interpreting services but they are needed for communication, the client is advised that communication cannot proceed and access to interpreting services at least for interviewer is negotiated or communication deferred in accordance with legal and organisational requirements. | |||
| Details of interpreting needs are recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. | |||
| Legal and ethical responsibilities relating to the use of interpreters are identified and clarified if necessary. | |||
| Client appointments are coordinated with interpreter bookings to ensure the need for interpreting services is met in accordance with client needs. | |||
| Additional time is allocated to appointments to allow for interpreting needs. | |||
| Full details of interpreting requirements are provided at time of booking to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of process. | |||
| Any specific requirements to support interpreting service are arranged in accordance with client and organisational needs. | |||
| Positioning arrangements are made in consultation with the interpreter, and the role and ethical requirements of the interpreter are confirmed. | |||
| Introductions are made, and time is provided for the interpreter and client to familiarise themselves to ensure a good understanding of language and other cultural issues. | |||
| Communication is directed to the client, not the interpreter, in a manner that allows for effective exchanges of dialogue. | |||
| If clarification/explanations are needed from the interpreter, the client is informed first that this is to happen. | |||
| Judgment is used to address or refer problems resulting from cultural/societal differences, situational or ethical issues in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. | |||
| The meeting is closed in accordance with organisational protocols and the interpreter debriefed as required. | |||
| Induction of interpreters into environment/situation is conducted in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policy and procedures. | |||
| Safety of interpreters is monitored in terms of occupational health and safety responsibilities. | |||
| Safety equipment is provided as required in accordance with the environment/situation. | |||
| Interpreters are protected from physical contact/violence or harassment from clients in accordance with workplace safety requirements. | |||
| Stress of interpreters is monitored and debriefing/counselling services are offered/arranged for interpreters in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
PSPGOV419A - Work with interpreters
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Assessment Record Sheet
PSPGOV419A - Work with interpreters
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