VIRS Hiring Policies
The Vermont Interpreter Referral Service (VIRS) provides statewide
interpreter referral services. A finder’s
fee is charged to use this service.
Our policy is to refer primarily to nationally certified interpreters
who hold certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf, Inc. (RID, Inc.) and/or from the National Association of the
Deaf (NAD) Level 4 or 5.
Pre-certified interpreters who meet the following criteria will
be placed on the Referral List to be referred to only when the assignment
does not require a nationally certified interpreter, when no nationally
certified interpreter is available for the assignment and only with
permission of the Deaf person(s) involved. The pre-certified interpreter
must:
- Have graduated from an interpreter training program or passed
a state level screening test,
- Have at least two years of experience,
- Provide us with three reference letters, two from deaf consumers
and one from a nationally certified interpreter,
- Receive continuing education credits every two years,
- Pass the written RID test.
Once we receive a request, we contact certified interpreters living
closest to the assignment, with attention given to the consumer’s
preference. After we have secured an interpreter, we will contact
the hiring agency to provide the interpreter’s name, phone
number and address. The interpreters are all independent contractors
in private practice. The interpreter will directly answer your questions
regarding their rates, travel costs, including travel time and mileage,
cancellation policy and retainer fees. VIRS will send a bill for
the finder’s fee and the interpreter will send a separate
bill for the interpreting service. Requests received with less than
a week’s notice will be subject to a late fee whether or not
we fill the request, unless it is an emergency. The more notice
you can give us the better your chances of securing an interpreter
living closest to the assignment. If there are any changes in the
assignment or you need to cancel, please contact the interpreter(s)
directly and as soon as possible.
Common Business Practices
Interpreter billing policies vary and should be negotiated on
an individual basis. Rates may vary depending on the nature and
timing of the assignment and the level of experience and certification
of the interpreter. Some common practices include a minimum fee,
hourly rates, charges for mileage and travel time, cancellation
policies and retainer fees.
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