How do I access interpreters if my service is funded by...
This is a list of commonly asked questions about accessing interpreters and translators in Queensland. It is a developmental and evolving list and will be updated as more questions are submitted and when arrangements or situations change. To submit a question or to provide feedback on any of the responses, email lisat@qcoss.org.au [6]. Click here [7] to download printable copy of the FAQs.
3.3 Department of Communities (Disability Services)?
3.4 Department of Communities (Housing)
3.5 Other Queensland Government departments?
Queensland Health Multicultural Services has implemented arrangements for funded non-government organisations (NGOs) to access departmentally funded interpreter services. This means an interpreter will be provided at no charge to assist you with your client when your organisation requests and books an interpreter through the Queensland Health Interpreter Service for Queensland Health funded NGOs.
Click here [8] for information on supporting resources to access interpreters for organisations funded by Queensland Health. If you are unsure if your organisation is funded via the Community Services Unit or a Health Service District, please contact Angel Bogicevic on 3328 9879 or on NGO_int_service@health.qld.gov.au [9].
3.2 Department of Communities (Child Safety, Family & Individual Support, Youth Services, Neighbourhood Centres, and Homelessness Services)?
As of 1 July 2010, non-government organisations (NGOs) funded under Child and Family Programs, Homelessness, Multicultural Affairs Queensland, and Child Safety (Family Intervention Services) programs have a new streamlined process for accessing interpreting services. This new process aims to reduce the administrative burden on funded service providers by eliminating the need for NGOs to pay up-front for interpreting access and then request reimbursement from the department.
If an organisation has not received a letter with their unique Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National code and they are funded for services that may require an interpreter under these programs, they can apply for a code from the department by emailing interpreting.services@communities.qld.gov.au [10].
Click here [11] for more information or contact the department on (07) 3405 6450.
3.3 Department of Communities (Disability Services)?
NGOs funded under Department of Communities, Disability Services, HACC and Community Mental Health can access interpreting services through Support with Interpreting, Translating and Communication (SWITC) [12]. Managed by Deaf Services Queensland, SWITC assists funded non-government organisations to provide appropriate service responses to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (including South Sea Islanders), and people who are hearing impaired and/or visually impaired.
Find out more on the SWITC [12] website. Funded non-government organisations can book interpreting services through SWITC on (07) 3892 8559 or book online [13].
3.4 Department of Communities (Housing)?
Organisations funded under Social Housing and Private Housing Programs have had access to the streamlined process for interpreting services from TIS National since 2009. Registered providers utilise one common TIS access code when accessing services for housing clients. If you have any questions regarding the existing process, please contact your Services Officer on (07) 3225 1253 or 1300 880 882. Alternatively you can email Housing Provider Management [14].
3.5 Other Queensland Government departments?
The 2011 Queensland Government Language Services Policy [15] states that Queensland Government funded non-government organisations (NGOs) must be provided with adequate budget and assistance to engaged interpreter services for service delivery. The relevant funding department is responsible for informing funded NGOs of the process and arrangements for accessing interpreting services.
If you are funded by another Queensland Government department and are unsure of your process to access interpreters, contact your contract manager for more information.