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Below you will find the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions for Interpreters and Interpreting Students.
What does NIS do?
NIS bridges communication between Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing parties through professional American Sign Language interpreting or real time captioning service. These services are available in person or can be delivered remotely through the Internet.
We work in medical, government, legal, educational, business, convention, and personal settings. We use a balance of staff and freelance interpreters to provide outstanding service. NIS is an Organizational Member of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Where is NIS located?
Our services are uniquely focused in Southern California, Northern Nevada, Northern Arizona, Idaho, Utah and Colorado. We continue to reach out to other communities and do have resources available nationally, outside 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 the internship coordinator.
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 teaming policy?
Teams are provided for most assignments lasting longer than 1.5 hours. Depending on the nature/complexity of the assignment, a team person 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 Registration Form
How do I apply for a staff position as an interpreter??
Please see our online Staff Interpreter Application
What are the qualifications 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 opportunities to work?
After registering with us through our website, 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. To begin your registration, please visit the Freelance Interpreter Registration page. 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 jobs are available?
We need interpreters to fill requests in various settings including but not limited to education, government, business, healthcare, law, media, conferences, and families.
How many hours can I expect to work?
The demand for interpreters varies through the year. Typically the heaviest demand is in the fall and the spring.
How much does Network Interpreting Service pay interpreters?
Freelance interpreters negotiate their own rates. Staff interpreters negotiate their own salaries.
Is there a multi-lingual differential?
Differentials are also negotiated on an individual basis.
Is there any compensation for travel?
Freelance interpreters incorporate charges into their rate. Staff interpreters receive mileage compensation.
Does NIS offer benefits?
NIS offers a benefits package to employees of the agency. This package includes medical insurance, retirement, paid professional development days, and other time off with pay.
How can I submit my invoice?
To fill out and 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 the 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.
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