We are now accepting applications for the April 2013 intake. The April intake screens for our next session which begins April 23, 2013.

Application deadline for our next session is March 9, 2013

The program is 10 months in length – 9 months of the program takes place in Toronto; 1 month involves experience as a staff interpreter in one of the CHS regional offices. During regional placement every effort is made to match interns with regions where they already have accommodation (i.e. their home community or a city/region where they have a place to stay).
The program includes

• Classroom instruction with both Deaf and hearing trainers
• One-to-one feedback from trainers and interpreter-mentors
• In-depth critical analysis of L1 and L2
• Hands on interpreting experience in a safe environment under the guidance of experienced staff and freelance interpreters
• Access to OIS video/text resources and innovative lab facilities
• Emphasis on specialized areas such as medical and mental health settings

The program will run two parallel sessions. The sessions each have 4 interns and follow the same curriculum. The two sessions run parallel but not with the same start and end dates. The staggered entrance/exit times ensures that there will always be an opportunity for placement and meaningful assignments in the community.

Each session accepts four interns, but some classes run with all eight interns. The two sessions intersect at times but continue to run as separate programs with separate timelines.  The program is interested in attracting applicants from regions currently without, or with limited, interpreting resources.

Yes, candidates will be paid $26,000 per annum, pro-rated to 10 months.

You must be a graduate of an accredited Interpreter Education Program (not currently enrolled in a program) to apply for the OIS Interpreter Internship Program. You may have been working in the field after graduation or be a recent grad.

• Graduate of an accredited Interpreter Education Program
• Completion of an OIS Interpreter Internship Program Application
• Completion of the IIP Entrance Screening
• Eligible to work in Canada

Candidates will be screened on the basis of their applications and analysis of their IIP Entrance Screening. Consideration will be given to regional need. Candidates must be committed to living and working in Ontario as either an OIS staff or freelance interpreter. Candidates who meet the above criteria may be selected for an interview in Toronto.

All employees of The Canadian Hearing Society must undergo a criminal reference check. If you are accepted into the OIS Internship Program a check must be done in order to accept assignments with OIS. OIS will cover the cost of this reference check.

No, there is no fee involved in taking the IIP Entrance Screening. The Screening can be taken in Toronto or arrangements can be made to take it in a regional office.

If you are re-applying to the internship program you must fill in a new application and re-take the IIP Entrance Screening.  This will give you an opportunity to highlight your skills and recent accomplishments.

You can apply to take the OIS Videotape Skills Screening and still apply to the OIS Internship Program.  Should you be successful on the OIS Videotape Skills Screening and wish to withdraw your application from the Internship Program you can do so without penalty.

If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact:

Debbie Smith, Program Assistant
OIS Interpreter Internship Program
The Canadian Hearing Society
271 Spadina Road M5R 2V3
Phone: (416) 928-2500 ext. 282
Fax: (416) 928-2551
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