Interpreter FAQ
Q: How do I become an interpreter for Eaton Interpreting Services, Inc.?
A: Fill out our interpreter questionnaire and we will contact you.
Q: Is there a large demand for sign language interpreters in the Sacramento area?
A: Yes, there are several agencies that provide interpreting services in the area, a video relay service center, several post secondary educational institutions and many school districts that hire interpreters. There is plenty of work!
Q: What are the minimum certification and education requirements for working as a freelance/agency interpreter with Eaton Interpreting Services, Inc.?
A: It is expected that all interpreters working for EIS have completed an Interpreter Training Program. Most of our contracts require RID, NAD or NIC certification. There are only a limited number of settings when EIS can hire interpreters not yet certified. We also encourage a post secondary degree, but it is not mandated. All interpreters must be a member of RID.
California’s K-12 regulations require RID / NAD / NIC certification or an EIPA or ESSE score of 4.0 or above. If an individual would like to work in the K-12 setting, the interpreter must have the above qualifications. The following website provides a lot of information in this setting: http://www.classroominterpreting.com
Q: Where can an interpreter that has completed an interpreter training program but has not yet received certification get work?
A: Most non-certified interpreters get most of their work at community colleges. On occasion, a vocational setting will be an appropriate placement of a non-certified interpreter.
Q: I am not yet certified but am interested in working for your agency. What do I need to do?
A: An interpreter who does not have certification, but wants to work for EIS, would need to send a video tape sample of her/his interpreting work (both sign to voice and voice to sign) , a letter of reference from a Certified interpreter and a Deaf or HH consumer, and a resume. A copy of the certificate of completion from an interpreter training program or a letter from the program’s faculty stating the individual has finished all of the requirements for the program would be helpful as well.
Q: How many hours of work are interpreters guaranteed with Eaton Interpreting Services Incorporated?
A: EIS uses Independent Contractors for the provision of sign language interpreting services and there are no guaranteed hours. The amount of work received depends on qualifications, flexibility, education, skill, etc.
Q: What are the wages? Are there different wage levels for different levels of Quality Assurance Screening, or Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf, or, most currently, National Interpreter Certification levels?
A: California does not have QA screening. Hourly rates range from $22.50 for beginning interpreters who have completed an accredited ITP to a high of $50 for those with a NIC Master Level or a SC:L. EIS considers RID, NAD, NIC, and EIPA certification levels when determining pay rates and also takes into account educational degrees and years of experience.
Q: What professional development is offered?
A: EIS does not provide any direct professional development, but does underwrite workshops for local events. Interpreters are expected to maintain their certification through RID’s CMP. We encourage interpreters to be active members of Sacramento Valley Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Q: What, if any, health/dental/life/etc. insurance benefits come with this job?
A: Because EIS works with Independent Contractors, there are no health/dental benefits.
Q: How long does it take from the point at which one enters the profession from an interpreter training program until they receive desired qualifications? What kind of support is given for the transition period, if any (i.e. team interpreting, mentoring, specialized training, etc). What will happen if you never reach desired qualifications?
A: This certainly varies by individual. EIS does not have a formal mentoring program although there are some mentors in the area that will work with newer interpreters. From time to time, we do work with the local ITP Work Experience students. Because the requirements in California are becoming more closely defined, an interpreter who has not met minimum qualifications will find it difficult to find work.