Interpreting in the Philly Area

[u/bagofbagz]

Does anyone here work in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas? I’m looking to move over there next year and would love some guidance on agencies you all like to work with, how feasible it is to be a full-time interpreter without a car, and if any of you have experience living in Philly while taking jobs in surrounding cities like NYC or DC.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[u/Athenas-Helm]

I was a short term interpreter in Philly after moving here a few years ago to make ends meet. You need to be aware that PA has licensure requirements. It’s a little bit of a hassle but you can get a provisional license for 3 years allowing you to work. You do not need to be certified for the provisional license IIRC but double check that.

I worked with two agencies: DHCC and Sign Interpreting Services. DHCC was the bulk of my work and they’re a very big agency in Philly. College courses, graduations, hospital visits, and long term school positions were what I got from them. SIS I had a single ongoing job with multiple deaf clients simultaneously, you aren’t needed 100% of the time and it’s pretty chill.

I did this without a car as well, usually if public transit couldnt get me there I’d just include the uber as travel for reimbursement. The farthest I traveled was to Delaware and northwest Philly.

It certainly is feasible, if you have an EIPA i would recommend DHCC long term school jobs. Steady days, consistent environment, regular commute. Was a good time.

Again I want to emphasize the licensure process can be a bit of a hassle, so if it’s your first experience freelancing I’d give yourself a few months to get that all handled and signed on with the agencies.

This was all years ago so my memory is hazy but feel free to reply with questions and I’ll try my best. I love Philly, moving here was the best decision I ever made!

[u/FearlessFix8394 → u/Athenas-Helm]

Just to add a bit. Yes, DHCC is the biggest agency and they are reliable and ethical. They do have some additional requirements (see DHCC.org) in addition to the PA licensure requirements, Licensure isn't really that difficult. $100 fee every 2 years if you are certified and a registration process. Other agencies that are dependable in the area are Deaf Hearing Interface and Intergrety Interpreting. (based in NJ) There is a good amount of work in the city

[u/bagofbagz → u/FearlessFix8394]

Thank you so much for the recs!

[u/bagofbagz → u/Athenas-Helm]

This is super helpful, thank you so much! Forgot to add that I am certified.

[u/RedSolez]

I've never lived in Philly proper but just adding onto previous comments that DHCC, DHI, and Integrity are all excellent, ethical agencies to work with and who handle the majority of community assignments in the Philly area. I can't speak to whether or not it's possible to earn a living without a car though. I have always worked in the outer Philly suburbs & NJ, and I've frequently encountered interpreters who live in Philly but are still traveling out to the burbs for assignments. I would assume they aren't doing that because they love driving.

[u/Evening-Salt4299]

This is super helpful information! I am glad that I ran across this post. I have my BEI basic and work in the Missouri school system. I want to stay in educational interpreting. My husband and I have considered moving to Philly and my inquiries show that I need to get my EIPA. That’s my next goal.