Can I work from home?
Yes. TIS National interpreters can work from home by completing telephone and video remote assignments. Interpreters working from home are required to have a quiet area to complete assignments without distractions. See clauses 192 to 196 in the operational manual which comprises part of your Deed of Standing offer.
Do I need a police clearance to join the panel of service providers?
Yes. You are required to provide a certified copy of a current (less than one year old) National Police History Check/National Police Certificate (NPC) when applying to become a TIS National service provider. Please note that you are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining the NPC.
When does my NPC need to be certified?
The following types of National Police History Checks/National Police Certificates (NPCs) can be verified online by TIS National and therefore do not need to be certified before you upload them:
- NPCs obtained online from organisations accredited with Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). These NPCs are likely to be emailed to you
- Electronic NPCs issued by Western Australia Police.
All other NPCs, including paper NPCs issued by Western Australian Police or other police agencies, are not able to be verified online and therefore must be certified before you upload them.
Do I need an Australian Business Number to work as an interpreter?
No. TIS National interpreters are contracted as individuals not as a business therefore you do not require an Australian Business Number (ABN). TIS National automatically deducts tax from interpreter pay.
Do TIS National interpreters receive superannuation?
Yes. Superannuation is paid to a superannuation fund of the interpreter’s choice.
Does TIS National appoint interpreters in my language?
TIS National welcomes enquiries from Australian citizens and permanent residents who are interested in becoming interpreters.
TIS National contracts interpreters in more than 150 languages and always looks to appoint interpreters in line with demand from our clients.
See career opportunities for interpreters to view our current priorities for appointing new service providers.
How do I apply to become an interpreter?
To become a TIS National interpreter, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizens residing in Australia and highly proficient in English.
We encourage interpreters to have certification from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) where available.
See career opportunities for interpreters to view our current interpreter credential requirements.
TIS National encourages interpreters to be available to provide services between 9 am and 5 pm (AET), Monday to Friday. However, TIS National offers services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in becoming an interpreter with TIS National and meet the criteria, complete the interpreter application form and submit with the following documentation. (Please note applicants are not guaranteed appointment to the TIS National panel):
-
a certified copy of any NAATI credentials you hold
-
a copy of your National Police History Check/National Police Certificate (NPC). Your NPC must not be more than 12 months old. If your NPC is from Australian Federal Police or State Police, you will need to provide a certified copy. Click here for more information
-
a certified copy of a Working with Children Check from your state or territory of residence, where required (Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory and South Australia). Also see FAQ: What do I need to know about Working with Children Checks?
-
certified copies of 100 points of identification documentation.
-
a certified copy of proof of your Australian citizenship or permanent residency, or New Zealand citizenship
-
your resume
-
details of any interpreting experience you have including reference letters
How do I contact TIS National about becoming an interpreter?
Detailed information on becoming a TIS National interpreter is available on the TIS National website. If you have further enquiries you can contact the Interpreter Liaison Team.
TIS National appoints interpreters from around Australia in more than 150 languages.
All requirements for joining TIS National, are conducted online and by telephone, video conference or email.
How many assignments will I receive from TIS National?
When you have been appointed to the TIS National panel you can choose your hours of work and whether to accept or decline assignments TIS National offers you.
TIS National offers assignments to available interpreters with the highest level of National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) credential first.
The number of assignments offered to service providers is based on demand from our clients and can vary based on a variety of factors. We cannot guarantee the volume of assignments you may be offered. However, we encourage Interpreters to be logged in whenever available.
How much will I earn as a TIS National interpreter?
As an interpreter your pay will depend on the number of assignments offered, accepted and completed by you, so your pay will vary during each pay cycle.
TIS National offers work to available interpreters with the highest level of National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) credential first.
I speak multiple languages. Can I interpret in all of these languages?
Interpreters can only interpret in languages included in their Deed of Standing Offer with TIS National.
It is possible to join the TIS National interpreter panel in more than one language. However, TIS National requires you to have National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) certification in any additional languages (where it is available) before you can provide services in other languages.
If TIS National appoints you to provide services in more than one language, the languages you can provide services in will be listed on your TIS National identification card.
You must not interpret for any languages not approved in your Deed of Standing Offer signed with TIS National as you may not meet the required credentials or hold the appropriate skills required for that language.
If you think you meet the requirements to interpret in more than one language, please contact the Interpreter Liaison Team.
What do I need to know about Working with Children Checks
What is a Working with Children Check (WWCC)?
A WWCC (or its equivalent depending on the jurisdiction) provides a level of screening designed to protect children from possible harm perpetrated against them by workers. It is a legal requirement for workers to hold a valid WWCC before undertaking certain types of work involving children. The requirements currently differ from state to state.
Why do I need a WWCC?
It is a legal requirement for workers to hold a valid WWCC before undertaking designated types of work involving children. This can include certain interpreting assignments with children. To ensure compliance with the law, TIS National policy requires interpreters to hold a WWCC to undertake these assignments. A valid WWCC is required to meet eligibility to be offered Illegal Maritime Arrival (IMA) deployments.
How do I obtain a WWCC?
To apply for a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) see the relevant link below for your state or territory.
- Victoria: www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
- New South Wales: https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check
- Northern Territory: nt.gov.au/emergency/community-safety/apply-for-a-working-with-children-clearance
- Queensland: www.bluecard.qld.gov.au
- Western Australia: www.workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au/
- Australian Capital Territory: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/1804
- South Australia: https://screening.sa.gov.au/
- Tasmania: www.justice.tas.gov.au/working_with_children
Please note that TIS National applicants are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining the WWCC.
How long is a WWCC clearance valid for?
Working with Children Checks (or equivalent) have different validity periods in each state or territory. To find out more information about each state or territory, see links listed under ‘How do I obtain a WWCC?’ above.
Do I need a WWCC for every state or territory for phone interpreting involving children?
WWCC requirements differ from state to state. In some states or territories, interpreters undertaking certain jobs involving children (including telephone interpreting) will require a valid WWCC from the state or territory where the child is located. TIS National is developing systems to ensure compliance with this requirement.
How do I show TIS National my WWCC card/letter?
You can upload a certified copy of your WWCC certification to your interpreter profile by logging into your TIS Online portal. For more information on certifying documents, see question: ‘Who can certify my documents?’
What is the NDIS-WSC and do you need the check?
The NDIS – WSC is the new National worker screening arrangement to assess whether the person carrying out work on behalf of the registered/unregistered provider poses a risk or threat to the person with a disability/client.
- While similar to a Working with Children Check (WWCC) or Working with Vulnerable People Registration (WWVPR) this is a separate requirement specifically for the NDIS.
- NDIS Worker Screening Clearances expire every five (5) years.
- They are portable across all states and territories.
- More information on NDIS Worker Screening Clearances and associated checks can be found at NDIS Worker Screening Check | NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (ndiscommission.gov.au).
TIS National requires all interpreters completing work for an NDIS agency to hold the worker screening clearance.
You will not be able to undertake work for NDIS agencies without the clearance.
State agency links:
- Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra
- New South Wales: Service NSW
- Northern Territory: NDIS Worker Screening Check | NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services
- Queensland: Disability Worker Screening
- South Australia: Department of Human Services Screening Unit
- Tasmania: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services
- Victoria: Department of Justice and Community Safety
- Western Australia: Department of Communities
What is the process to apply to become a TIS National interpreter?
TIS National uses the following process to appoint new service providers:
- Application: You submit your application, including relevant documentation to TIS National via the online application form.
- Review: In line with our current demand, a decision will made based on your qualifications, experience and availability about whether your application will progress to the next stage.
- Due to the large number of applications we receive each week, the assessment of your application may take some time.
- Interview: We may conduct an interview with you. You can prepare for your interview by developing your understanding of the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) Code of Ethics and preparing some of your own examples to demonstrate your understanding of the code.
- Outcome: TIS National will email you about the outcome of your application.
- Official paperwork: If your application has been found suitable you will be progressed to the next stage of our appointment process. TIS National will send you a Deed of Standing Offer to sign and paperwork which you need to complete and return to TIS National.
- Induction interview: Upon receipt of your correctly executed deed and further documentation you will be invited to attend a one on one telephone induction with a TIS National
- Interpreter Liaison Officer. The induction is a process that every interpreter joining the TIS National panel of service providers must complete. Induction helps our new interpreters to gain knowledge about completing assignments, how to use our systems and other important information. You will also meet a TIS National Interpreter Liaison Officer.
- Panel Appointment: After you complete the one-on-one induction session your interpreter profile will be activated and can start accepting assignments from TIS National.
When do I need to be available to work as an interpreter?
TIS National encourages interpreters to be available for work between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. This is when TIS National receives the majority of our calls from clients.
TIS National provides services 24 hours a day, every day of the year so you may still be able to accept work outside of these hours.
Interpreters can choose to accept or decline work offered from TIS National.
When does my NPC need to be certified?
The following types of National Police History Checks/National Police Certificates (NPCs) can be verified online by TIS National and therefore do not need to be certified before you upload them:
- NPCs obtained online from organisations accredited with ACIC (Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission) (these NPCs are likely to be emailed to you)
- Electronic NPCs issued by Western Australia Police.
All other NPCs, including paper NPCs issued by Western Australian Police or other police agencies, are not able to be verified online and therefore must be certified before you upload them.
Who can certify my documents?
- Chiropractor
- Dentist
- Legal practitioner
- Medical practitioner
- Nurse
- Optometrist
- Patent attorney
- Pharmacist
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist
- Trade marks attorney
- Veterinary surgeon
- Agent of Australia Post in charge of an office supplying postal services to the public
- Bailiff
- Bank, Building Society or Credit Union officer with 5 or more continuous years of service
- Chief executive officer of a Commonwealth court
- Clerk of a court
- Commissioner for Affidavits or Commissioner for Declarations
- Fellow of the National Tax Accountants’ Association
- Finance company officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
- Holder of a statutory office not elsewhere specified in this list
- Judge of a court
- Justice of the Peace
- Magistrate
- Marriage celebrant (registered)
- Master of a court
- Member of Chartered Secretaries Australia
- Member of Engineers Australia (other than at the grade of student)
- Member of the Association of Taxation and Management Accountants
- Member of the Australian Defence Force who is:
- an officer
- a non-commissioned officer within the meaning of the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 with 5 or more years of continuous service
- a warrant officer within the meaning of that Act
- Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants or the National Institute of Accountants
- Member of the Parliament of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory
- Member of a local government authority of a State or Territory
- Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
- Minister of religion (registered)
- Notary public
- Permanent employee of Australia Post with 5 or more years of continuous service who is employed in an office supplying postal services to the public
- Permanent employee of the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority, a State or Territory or a State/Territory authority, or a local government authority with 5 or more years of continuous service
- Person before whom a statutory declaration may be made under the relevant State or Territory law
- Police officer
- Registrar or Deputy Registrar of a court
- Senior Executive Service employee of the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority, or a State or Territory or a State/Territory authority
- Sheriff or Sheriff’s officer
Why should I be a TIS National service provider?
TIS National is one of the largest interpreting services in Australia. TIS National’s resources and depth of experience makes it ideally placed to provide professional interpreting services for all Australians.
TIS National:
-
provides telephone interpreting services 24 hours, every day of the year
-
offers immediate and pre-booked telephone, video remote and on-site interpreting
-
has more than 50 years' experience in providing language services
-
delivers Access and Equity to eligible persons with no or limited English language skills in the Australian community
-
offers assignments to the highest credentialed interpreter available in the language requested first
TIS National also insures interpreters for professional indemnity, public liability and workers compensation.
Share this page
Facebook Twitter