Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:29 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Work with interpreters

Work with interpreters

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGEN040
State Code
AWV61
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/07/2016
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
21/07/2016
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the skills required to work with interpreters in an official capacity. It includes identifying interpreting needs, making preparations for using interpreting services, conducting a meeting using interpreting services and monitoring the safety and wellbeing of interpreters.This unit applies to those working in generalist and specialist roles within the public sector.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.Those undertaking this unit would work independently performing complex tasks in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify interpreting needs
  • 1.1 Identify the need for interpreting services, the type of service and client preferences in consultation with the client or client representative.
  • 1.2 Determine the purpose of interpreting to ensure the competency of the interpreter meets organisational requirements.
  • 1.3 Identify interpreting language and determine any specific requirements to support interpreting service.
  • 1.4 Advise client, where client refuses interpreting services but they are needed for communication, that communication cannot proceed and negotiate access to interpreting services at least for interviewer or defer communication.
  • 1.5 Record details of interpreting needs.
2. Make preparations for using interpreting services
  • 2.1 Identify and clarify legal and ethical responsibilities relating to the use of interpreters if necessary.
  • 2.2 Coordinate client appointments with interpreter bookings to ensure the need for interpreting services is met in accordance with client needs.
  • 2.3 Allocate additional time to appointments to allow for interpreting needs.
  • 2.4 Provide full details of interpreting requirements at time of booking to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of process.
  • 2.5 Arrange any specific requirements to support interpreting service in accordance with client and organisational needs.
3. Conduct a meeting/ interview using interpreting services
  • 3.1 Make positioning arrangements in consultation with the interpreter, and confirm the role and ethical requirements of the interpreter.
  • 3.2 Make introductions, and provide time for the interpreter and client to familiarise themselves to ensure a good understanding of language and other cultural issues.
  • 3.3 Direct communication to the client.
  • 3.4 Inform client of a need for clarification from the interpreter before it is sought.
  • 3.5 Use judgment to address or refer problems resulting from cultural/societal differences, situational or ethical issues.
  • 3.6 Close the meeting and debrief the interpreter as required.
4. Monitor the safety and wellbeing of interpreters
  • 4.1 Conduct induction of interpreters into environment.
  • 4.2 Monitor safety of interpreters.
  • 4.3 Provide safety equipment as required in accordance with the environment.
  • 4.4 Protect interpreters from physical contact or harassment from clients.
  • 4.5 Monitor stress levels of interpreters and offer debriefing and/or counselling services as required.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C8029 PSPGOV419A Work with interpreters Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODW84 PSPGEN103 Work with interpreters Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
AZX9 PSP40116 Certificate IV in Government Qualification