Elements and Performance Criteria
- Support clients in the use of a preferred language
- Encourage and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to communicate in their preferred language
- Accurately translate verbal and/or written information to address the needs of service providers and/or clients
- Provide interpreting services as required to support relationships between service providers, carers, clients and the community
- Advise clients as required of persons or organisations who may assist in interpreting a particular language
- Assist clients as required to contact persons or organisations who can interpret a particular language
- Translate verbal or written information into a form that is understood
- Respond to requests for assistance with interpretation in line with organisation guidelines
- Assess the need for interpretation and discuss with appropriate persons
- Translate information from one language to the language(s) of the other person(s) involved
- Regularly check the clarity of the communication, before and after the translation
- Use clear, appropriate and accessible language that values and respects each individual
- Facilitate communication between clients and service providers
- Assist clients to explain their needs and issues and negotiate available options
- Explain reasons for information needed by service providers to clients as required
- Explain in detail services offered by specific health service providers to clients
- Assist in ensuring the client has understood the information provided by the service provider
- Liaise with health service providers in meeting client and community needs
- Inform multi-disciplinary health service teams of ongoing and/or changing individual and community needs and issues that may impact on service provision
- Communicate local community values, beliefs and gender roles to service providers as required
- Explain the role of traditional healers in the community to service providers, if required
- Consult health service providers about the organisation and delivery of health services in the community
- Undertake consultation to provide clients with reasonable and timely access to general and specialist health services required outside their own community