|
Below you will find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions from Interpreters and Interpreting Students.
What services does NIS provide?
What services does NIS provide?? NIS bridges communication between Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing parties through professional American Sign Language interpreting or real time captioning service (CART). Our services are available in person or can be delivered remotely through the Internet. We provide services in medical, government, legal, education, business, convention, media and personal/family settings. NIS uses a balance of staff and freelance interpreters to provide outstanding service. NIS is an Organizational Member of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
What geographic areas does NIS service?
Our services are uniquely focused in California, (San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, Temecula, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Atascadero, Central Coast, San Luis Obispo), Central Illinois (Springfield, Jacksonville, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Peoria), Northern Nevada (Reno, Carson City, Fernley, Elko), Northern Arizona (Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, Winslow), Idaho (Boise, Twin Falls, Gooding, Burley, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Coeur d' Alene), and Utah (Salt Lake City, Ogden, Orem, Provo). As NIS expands resources we continue to grow beyond these geographical areas of focus.
Do you have an Internship Program?
NIS is proud to offer an internship program to Interpreter Training students and recent graduates. For more information on the program please contact Christine Swick.
Do you have a Mentorship Program?
NIS offers a Mentorship Program which provides an opportunity for pre-certified interpreters to enter the workforce with support from an experienced mentor. Protégés learn to analyze their interpreting work and identify areas for improvement. They engage in specific activities to improve their interpreting, using resources provided by the mentor. For more information, contact Annette Miner.
What is your policy on team interpreting?
NIS provides team interpreters for most assignments lasting longer than 1.5 hours. Depending on the nature/complexity of the assignment, a team interpreter may also be provided for shorter assignments.
How can I become a freelance interpreter for NIS?
Our office staff will be in touch with you once you have submitted the online Freelance Interpreter Registration Form
How do I apply for a staff interpreter position?
Our office staff will be in touch with you once you have submitted our online Staff Interpreter Application
What qualifications are needed in order to work for NIS?
To work for NIS as a freelance interpreter, national certification (RID or NAD) as well as a four-year degree in any field are preferred, but not required. Our staff positions are limited to nationally certified interpreters.
How do I find out about work opportunities?
Afteryou submit our online Freelance Interpreter Registration Form, our schedulers will offer you assignments via e-mail, pager, and/or phone call. Because of this, it is important that you keep us updated with your availability. NIS wants to do all we can to support you in your interpreting business. If a customer requests your services specifically we will honor that request by checking with you before offering the assignment to another interpreter.
What types of interpreting jobs are available?
We need interpreters to fill requests in various settings which include, but are not limited to: medical, government, legal, education, business, convention, media, and personal/family.
What do I do if a deaf client brings their own interpreter, or an interpreter from another agency shows up at a job I am scheduled for?
If you are at an assignment and an interpreter from another agency arrives as well, please call the office for direction. In most cases NIS will have the name of the requester and any details regarding authorization to have an interpreter at the assignment, and the NIS interpreter will be asked to stay.
Is it ever OK to bring my kids with me to a job?
No, kids need to be cared for elsewhere while you are working for NIS. If you are in a bind with childcare, please notify the schedulers so they can replace you on the job in conflict.
How many hours are available for freelance interpreters?
The demand for interpreters varies throughout the year. Typically, the heaviest demand is in the fall and the spring, although we fill requests all year long.
How much does NIS pay interpreters?
Freelance interpreters negotiate their own rates. Staff interpreters negotiate their own salaries.
Is there a pay differential for multi-lingual interpreters?
Differentials are negotiated on an individual basis.
Does NIS compensate for travel?
Freelance interpreters incorporate charges into their rate. Staff interpreters receive mileage compensation.
Does NIS offer a benefits package?
NIS offers a benefits package to employees of the agency. This package includes health insurance for the employee and dependents, a retirement plan, paid professional development days, professional development stipend and other time off with pay.
How do I submit my invoice?
To submit your billing for completed assignments you are free to utilize either the generic Freelance Invoicing Form or, if granted a user name and password, the invoicing process through Gridcheck, our online scheduling and management software. Once your invoice has been received and verified, a confirmation will be sent to you.
How long is the billing cycle?
Invoices are paid Net-30 days.
| 
