Why may community interpreters need to work with social services personnel?

Community interpreters play a crucial role in helping non-English speaking clients access social services by bridging the language gap that can otherwise lead to misunderstandings and prevent effective communication. This empowerment is essential because it allows clients to articulate their needs, understand the services available to them, and engage fully in their treatment or support processes. By facilitating clear communication between clients and service providers, interpreters ensure that clients are not only heard but also understood, which can significantly affect their overall well-being and access to necessary resources.

The focus on empowering clients highlights the importance of the interpreter's role beyond mere translation; they help build trust and enable clients to navigate complex systems that might be daunting without linguistic support. This collaborative effort ultimately enhances the effectiveness of the social services provided to non-English speaking communities.