Global Interpreting Network

Global Interpreting Network is an over-the-phone interpreter service available to Social Services employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bilingual Languages Provided

For a comprehensive list of the over 200+ bilingual languages provided by Global Interpreting Network, please review the information found on the DEBS Program & Policy Bureau > Resources > CP-DCBP Reference Materials > Language Access page.

Global Interpreting Network may be accessed when staff require interpreter services when speaking to a client:

Via telephone (interpreter services would be utilized as a third-party line), or
In person, when staff require immediate interpreter services, and no other interpreter is available. A phone with special features for three-way calling may be utilized with the client present and the interpreter will translate via telephone, or
Via video remote interpretation (VRI) to support American Sign Language (ASL) and the 45 most common foreign languages from any laptop, desktop or tablet computer, or handheld device. (Please review the Video Remote Interpretation section for detailed instructions on accessing VRI services.)

Who	Action
Client	Contacts SSA via telephone or appears in the District Office Note: No staff member is available to provide interpreter services in the client’s native language.
Staff Member	Explains to the client that interpreter services will be requested. Dials 1-833-769-1307. Note: If the client contacts the Agency via telephone, the transfer button must be utilized. Follows Prompts. Enters DEBS telephonic PIN: 786357 followed by the # sign. Says or enters at least the first three letters of the required language. Note: To reach an operator, say "Operator" or press 0 when the system prompts you for the language for assistance. When the interpreter is on the line, states: “I have a client on the line (here in the office). Please ask the client how I can be of assistance.”
Interpreter	Asks the client what assistance is being requested. Relates request to a staff member.
Staff Member	Assists the client via the interpreter. Checks with the client for understanding. Says "end of call" to the interpreter to complete the call. Documents in the CalSAWS Journal that an interpreter was used, including the interpreter's name and ID number.