Our Approach

Our goal is to make interpreting accessible, affordable, and rigorously professional. Establishing high standards with our employees is where we begin, but day-to-day management and quality assurance is the key to our success. Our dedicated team of supervisors and mentors take a proactive approach to improving the skills, education, and training of over 100 employee-status Interpreters speaking in over 60 distinct languages and dialects. 

Language World Interpreters are carefully recruited not only for their multi-linguistic expertise, but for their deep knowledge of the communities they serve, and their sincere commitment to assisting their respective limited English proficient communities.

Providing language assistance to help limited English proficient patients in any setting requires strict adherence to a rigorous operating standard; service must be consistently excellent, carefully delivered, and continually monitored. Language World Interpreters are linguistically tested in English and their language(s) of service, background checked and cleared for healthcare provider screening. Educational requirements include: an introductory interpreting course in the classroom, completion of a field mentorship, and fulfillment of annual continuing education. Interpreters also receive training specifically regarding HIPAA regulations and safety training for conducting work in hospitals, clinics and in homes while on home health assignments.

In addition, some of our on-site Interpreters have specialized skills that enable them to provide mental health and legal interpreting services, and cultural brokering consultation and training services for customers who wish to receive in-depth understanding of the diverse communities they serve.

Requirements

Service Requirements, Healthcare Interpreter

• Fluent in English and a second language (bilingual is required)
• Successful completion of a verbal medical terminology exam and verbal interpreting examination in the target language
• Successful completion of the Language World New Interpreter Certification
• Interpreting, listening and memory skills sufficient to perform interpreting work accurately, completely, quickly and clearly with the greatest possible fidelity to the spirit of the original communication
• Ability to sight translate into the target language complex medical documentation and complete medical forms and patient histories
• Tact, diplomacy and a passionate concern to assist the Limited English Proficient
• Knowledge of anatomy, major body systems and medical terminology in at least two languages extremely useful
• Willingness to continue professional development as a professional interpreter
• Accuracy, honesty, and diligence in completing and submitting documentation as required and ability to maintain safe and secure records
• Accuracy, honesty and diligence in completing and submitting Agency paperwork as required and ability to maintain safe and secure records
• Minimum availability of 20 hours or more between regular business hours 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Ability to travel to multiple locations throughout the region in a reliable personal automobile with a valid CA driver's license and proof of Automobile Liability Insurance Card
• Cellular phone, computer with Internet access, and email address; familiarity working with various computer programs including, the Internet
• Current tuberculosis exam/clearance. Current Healthcare Provider Medical Clearance
• Acceptable criminal, background, and DMV verifications
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)

For specialized interpreting such as legal, educational, behavioral health and conference interpreting, additional training and/or certifications are required

Our Screening and Training Process

All Interpreters are cross-checked for linguistic proficiency in both English and in their language(s) of service. Interpreters must have either a background in the medical field with experience in a hospital or clinical setting, and/or posses an Associate Degree from an accredited U.S. College or University. An oral interpreting test is given to determine linguistic competencies and interpreting skills. Interpreters must be willing to complete classroom training for professional Interpreters that is guided by the Standards for Healthcare Interpreter Training Programs set forth by the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare and taught by an experienced member of the healthcare interpreting community who herself has completed Bridging The Gap (CCHCP- The Cross Cultural Healthcare Program-a 40 hour training) and The University of Arizona Training for Healthcare Interpreters.

In addition to our classroom training, Interpreters complete mentorship hours in the field led by proven, experienced and knowledgeable Interpreters. As continuing education is imperative to all professionals, Language World requires the completion of six CEU’s per year for all practicing members of the interpreting team. Language World, in an effort to ensure that its Interpreters receive ample and quality opportunities to fulfill their continuing education requirements, holds monthly Language League Workshops which educate Interpreters on specific areas of knowledge such as: behavioral health and diabetes for healthcare Interpreters, listening skills for conference Interpreters and legal terminology for Interpreters who are prepared to render linguistic assistance during legal encounters.

Linguistic resources for healthcare terminology are made available via the Internet and in our in-house resource library. Interpreters are also encouraged to seek further opportunities for growth within the community including membership to professional organizations such as CHIA (California Health Interpreters Association) and NCIHC (National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare), both which offer continuing education opportunities to all members.

To reinforce training and as part of our practices to ensure quality, all Interpreters are evaluated quarterly while practicing in the field. Members of the supervisory team observe and evaluate practicing Interpreters and give meaningful feedback for continual improvement of skills and service delivery. The supervisory team also actively solicits feedback from all Language World’s customers to guide training and improve the services we deliver.