Working with the assistance of an interpreter
- Working with the assistance of an interpreter is part of proficiency
- Interpretation in mental health work
Working with the assistance of an interpreter ensures that both clients and professionals are understood during different encounters in all services. In fact, work should be assisted by an interpreter whenever the client’s language skills are insufficient for properly discussing issues.
Under the Language Act, a person has the right to interpreting services if he/she cannot speak Finnish or Swedish or, due to an injury or illness, cannot be understood. The authority that booked the interpreter will pay for the interpretation costs, as the act obliges the authority to organise interpretation if necessary. In the case of patients with a refugee background, the state reimburses the municipalities for the interpretation costs.
The reception centres organise interpretation and translation services for asylum seekers.
Being assisted by an interpreter when meeting clients, e.g. in social and health care services, reduces the likelihood for misunderstanding, making the service also cost-effective. Interpreting is also important from a patient safety perspective.
Working with the assistance of an interpreter is part of proficiency
Working with the assistance of an interpreter requires no special skills. The work goes well when professionals:
- Are familiar with their organisation's practices for booking an interpreter.
- Familiarise themselves with how work with the assistance of and interpreter is carried out.
- Book an interpreter whenever there is no common language with the client.
- Work with interpreters who have a qualification from a vocational institute or a university.
- Verify that the booked interpreter is not a relative of the client or otherwise prevented from the task.
- Reserve twice as much time for the appointment whenever using an interpreter.
- Work with the same interpreter when dealing with the same customers on several appointments if this is the best interest of everyone involved.
- Explain the client about the role of the interpreter and the professional in customer service situations, confidentiality, and the benefits of the assistance of an interpreter to the client's wellbeing, provision of mental help and implementation of legal protection.
- Help the interpreter prepare to the meeting in advance by informing him or her about the nature, content and objectives of the meeting.
- Talk to the client even though they are communicating through an interpreter.
- Refuse to use an underaged person as an interpreter.
- Give feedback to the interpreter centre if they have any remarks regarding the interpreter's work
Working with the assistance of an interpreter may be prevented if the client is not comfortable with the help of an interpreter. Indeed, establishing trust between the client, professional and interpreter is key.
In the context of minors, working with the assistance of an interpreter does not significantly differ from using an interpreter with an adult client. Children largely understand communicating through an interpreter similarly as adults and are able to participate in meetings assisted by an interpreter.
When using an interpreter with a child client, it is advisable to consider in advance which approaches allow creating a connection with the child through non-verbal communications in the interpreting situation. The child must understand that the professional, not the interpreter, is his or her primary communication partner.
Interpretation in mental health work
Providing and obtaining mental health assistance requires a well-functioning interpersonal relationship between the professional and client. A common language is needed for this to work.
While using on-site interpreting is recommended in mental health work, remote interpreting via video or telephone can also be used. This particularly occurs in urgent situations, due to geographical distances, or with rarer languages.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that working with the assistance of an interpreter does not undermine the effectiveness of therapy, for instance, but that interpreting is also suitable for special services.
The client’s wishes regarding the interpreter should be particularly taken into account in interpreting concerning mental health and long-term therapeutic relationships.
Part 4: Working with an Interpreter
