Qualified Interpreters: The Contractor shall provide interpreters proficient in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, French (including Patois and Cajun), Tagalog, Hindi, Korean, German, Russian, and other languages as required. Each interpreter must possess a minimum of two (2) years of experience in comprehensive language interpretation services and demonstrate proficiency through independent assessment. Acceptable proof of proficiency includes passing scores on language/interpretation tests (defined as Interagency Language Roundtable scores of 2+ or equivalent) or current certification from one of the following entities: Federal interpreting services, State interpreting services, or the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) Judiciary Interpreters and Translators Certification Examination (JITCE). Qualified Translators: The Contractor shall provide translators proficient in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, French (including Patois and Cajun), Tagalog, Hindi, Korean, German, Russian, and other languages as required. Each translator must possess a minimum of two (2) years of experience in comprehensive language translation services and demonstrate proficiency through independent assessment. Acceptable proof of proficiency includes passing scores on language/translation tests (defined as Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scores of 2+ or equivalent) administered by the federal government or an equivalent qualified professional organization. The Department accepts current certifications from the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT), the American Translators Association (ATA), and the Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) through its testing branch Language Testing International (LTI). Telephonic Interpretation: A single, toll-free 800 number, within the United States, to access all services. Conference calling services and capabilities. Available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CT, and after normal business hours as needed and mutually approved for all divisions of MDHS office locations throughout the state. Provide telephonic interpretation services from foreign language to English and from English to foreign language. MDHS will not be required by Contractor to purchase or obtain any specific equipment to access telephonic interpretation services.
