PSPGOV420A
Use translation services

This unit covers the use of translation services for routine correspondence, reports, standard text material and other non-specialised materials. It includes preparing information for translation, engaging a translation service and completing translation arrangements.In practice, the use of translating services may overlap with other generalist and specialist public sector work activities such as working ethically, complying with legislation, providing client services, applying government processes, promoting client compliance with legislation, preparing evidence, etc. This is one of 2 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that deals with interpreting and translating. The related unit is:PSPGOV419A Work with interpreters

Application

Not applicable.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare written information for translation

1.1 Written information for translation is presented in language that is simple, plain, grammatically correct and uses short sentences, while preserving the integrity of the required meaning.

1.2 Words without direct translations, key concepts, terminology and jargon are explained in simple terms or through diagrams/graphics/pictures.

1.3 Active voice is used in preference to passive where possible and acronyms and abbreviations are avoided or explained in full.

1.4 Question and answer formats are used for written information where possible to break text into meaningful chunks.

1.5 Written information is checked to ensure it is legible, and precise.

1.6 Written information is tested on others not familiar with the subject matter, in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements, to ensure that the meaning is clear and easy to understand.

2. Engage translation service

2.1 The purpose of translation is determined to ensure the competency of the translator meets organisational requirements.

2.2 Target languages are identified and any specific requirements of the translating service are determined.

2.3 Exact specifications and timeframe for finished product are determined and agreed with translator.

2.4 Occupational health and safety requirements are considered and incorporated in determining time allocations and deadlines for translations.

2.5 Quotes are obtained if required and translator/s engaged in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

2.6 Details of translation arrangements are recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3. Complete translation arrangements

3.1 Background materials and information for translation are provided to translator/s in agreed format and timeframe.

3.2 Contact details are provided for clarification of information, concepts and technical terms as required by translators.

3.3 Translations are received in accordance with agreed conditions, and payments authorised as required in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3.4 Where translated material is sent for printing, completed proofs/products are checked by translator/s prior to printing.

Required Skills

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

specifying requirements and preparing information to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of translating experience

tailoring written communication to suit the level of client understanding and the translating environment

briefing translators on subject matter, terminology and required background reading

addressing the occupational health and safety of translators (in terms of issues such as stress, repetitive strain injury) through adequate time allocations and deadlines

applying legislative and ethical requirements of working with translators

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legal and ethical requirements of working with translators

process for accessing translation services

translators' code of ethics

cultural aspects of communication with diverse client groups

language requirements of working with translators

roles a translator should and should not be expected to perform

legislation/policy/procedure related to working with translators

occupational health and safety and environmental issues related to working with translators

Evidence Required

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

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPREG402C Promote client compliance

PSPREG409B Prepare a brief of evidence

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

use of translation services in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the use of translation services

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of translation contexts likely to be required

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 using translation services, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

use of translation services 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:

demonstration

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace and 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


Range Statement

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.

Translation is:

the written rendering of the meaning of the written word from one language (the source language) into another (the target language)

Words without direct translation may include:

name of the organisation, which should not be translated

technical/specialist terms, such as ergonomic assessment

Legislative and organisational requirements may include:

privacy

public sector ethics

organisational code of practice

Purpose of translating may include:

translation of texts that do not contain technical or specialised information or terminology

simple translation where some level of inaccuracy is acceptable

translation work that may include routine correspondence, reports, standard text material in the general field of scholarship

translation of non-specialised scientific, technical, legal, tourist and commercial subjects

translation work requiring a reasonable level of accuracy

translation work requiring a high level of accuracy

complex, technical and sophisticated translation

Competency of translators may include:

paraprofessional level

professional level

advanced professional level

international standard

accreditation with National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) - a requirement for translation assignments in some jurisdictions

international credentials

degree of difficulty of written material

Language may include:

major language plus dialects

community languages

Aboriginal languages

register

syntax

level

Identification of target language may include:

expert advice on language/s to choose for translation (for posters or pamphlets for community or workplace, for example)

Specific requirements may include:

recording of translations (audiotape)

police clearance for translator

Specifications may include:

font size

margin specifications

layout template

word processing

desktop publishing

roles a translator is not expected to undertake, such as:

defining terms

reformatting material

providing examples

changing materials to make them more suitable for translation

Translations may be received by:

email

file transfer

hard copy


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Working in Government.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.