Interpreter services
Last published 13 Feb 2018
DCJ Housing provides free, confidential and qualified language services to clients who may need information or assistance with housing.
The interpreter and language services provided by DCJ Housing assist clients to communicate with staff to ensure that the information provided to them is accurate and the type of assistance they receive is suitable to their needs.
If you need an interpreter you can:
Phone All Graduates Interpreting and Translation Services and they will arrange for a telephone interpreter to speak with you in the language you require.
The Block Booking Interpreter Service Timetable has the time and location interpreters are available in selected DCJ Housing offices. You can contact your local office and make an appointment for this service or you can visit the office on the day the interpreter you need is available. There is often a high demand for interpreters so it is important to remember to be on time for your appointment.
Block Booking Interpreter Service (BBIS) timetable: DCJ Housing offices
| Language | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Bankstown: 10am - 2pm Fairfield: 9am - 12pm Liverpool: 9am - 1pm Parramatta: 9am - 12pm | Bankstown: 1pm - 4pm | Bankstown: 1pm - 4pm | Fairfield: 9am - 12pm Miller: 10am - 1pm | Riverwood: 9am - 12pm |
| Assyrian | Fairfield: 9am - 12pm | Fairfield: 9am - 12pm | |||
| Cantonese/ Mandarin | Burwood: 1pm - 4pm (x2) City (Sussex Street): 1pm - 4pm | Riverwood: 9am - 12pm Surry Hills: 1pm - 4pm | City (Sussex Street): 1pm - 4pm Hurstville: 1pm - 4pm Waterloo: 9am - 12pm | Parramatta: 9am - 12pm | |
| Farsi | Parramatta: 9am - 12pm | Parramatta: 9am - 12pm (each fortnight) | |||
| Korean | Burwood: 9am - 12pm | ||||
| Russian | Maroubra: 9am - 1pm Waterloo: 9pm - 12pm | Surry Hills: 9am - 12pm | |||
| Turkish | Parramatta: 9am - 12pm (each fortnight) | ||||
| Vietnamese | Bankstown: 9am - 1pm City (Sussex Street): 1pm - 4pm | Bankstown: 1pm - 4pm | Bankstown: 9am - 1pm Fairfield: 1pm - 4pm |
Why is it important to use a professional interpreter?
The interpreters provided by DCJ Housing are qualified, follow strict rules about confidentiality and cannot discuss anything about a client’s circumstance with anyone else.
Using family or friends as interpreters
DCJ Housing cannot use family and friends as interpreters even if some clients may prefer this. Interpreters are qualified and speak the required language and English fluently. A family member or friend can come and support you during the interview with the interpreter and a staff member of DCJ Housing.
If you can’t attend an interview
Clients are strongly encouraged to give at least 24 hours’ notice if unable to attend an interview with an interpreter. DCJ Housing may have to pay a cancellation fee if less than 24 hours notice is given or if the client arrives too late for the appointment.