DSU Associates Federal Resource Guide
Welcome! You’ve completed onboarding—here’s what’s next.
Welcome, DSU Associates: Your Federal Assignment Guide
We’re so glad you’re here!
Welcome aboard! We’re excited to have you as part of the DSU Associates employee team. Your work directly supports access and equity across Federal agencies nationwide. As part of this team, you embody professionalism, reliability, and a deep respect for the Deaf community. We’re proud to partner with you. This page is your go-to guide for success in your new role supporting DSU’s Federal contracts. Whether you’re providing services virtually or on-site, this resource helps ensure you’re prepared, informed, and connected as a DSU Associate.
Scheduling & Assignment Flow
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Receiving Your Requests
You’ll receive assignment requests from your DSU Coordinators. Once you accept, a confirmation email will follow with all key details, including date, time, location or access link, Point(s) of Contact, and any prep materials available.
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Preparation
Please review all confirmation details carefully and plan ahead—Federal assignments often have no flexibility for delays or last-minute changes. Late arrivals and short-notice cancellations impact not only the consumer’s access but also DSU’s ability to maintain our performance ratings and ongoing contract work.
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Secure & Covered
Some Federal assignments may require additional steps such as background checks, government-issued ID verification, or security clearance. If this applies to your assignment, your DSU Coordinator will contact you with instructions. If an emergency arises that prevents you from attending an assignment, notify your DSU Coordinator immediately so we can assist with next steps.
Assignment Reminders
When preparing for federal assignments, here are a few things to keep in mind…
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You’ll receive assignment requests from your DSU Coordinators. Once you accept, a confirmation email will follow with all key details, including date, time, location or access link, Point(s) of Contact, and any prep materials available.
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Please review all confirmation details carefully and plan ahead—Federal assignments often have no flexibility for delays or last-minute changes.
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We expect all DSU Associates to arrive early, be fully prepared, and avoid last-minute givebacks whenever possible. Late arrivals and short-notice cancellations impact not only the Deaf consumer’s access but also DSU’s ability to maintain our performance ratings and ongoing contract work.
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If an emergency arises that prevents you from attending an assignment, notify your DSU Coordinator immediately so we can assist with next steps.
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You represent DSU, our clients, and the Deaf community in every assignment. Please maintain a professional appearance, respectful attitude, and dependable conduct.
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Even in complex or unfamiliar settings, your consistency, neutrality, and collaboration make a difference.
Resources For You
Once you’re set up with our payroll team and your ADP profile is complete, you’ll begin logging your hours through ADP.
Please make sure your hours accurately reflect the time you worked before submitting them in ADP. If something doesn’t look right or you’re unsure about how to log something, check in with your Coordinator first—we’re happy to help clarify before it’s finalized. If you need help accessing your account or submitting time, reach out to a DSU Coordinator or email the team at coordinators@deafservicesunlimited.com.
Log into ADP
Some Federal assignments are in areas with limited interpreter availability, and we deeply value our DSU Associates who are willing to travel to help meet those needs.
When travel is required and/or approved, your DSU Coordinator will provide location-specific expectations and guidance. If applicable, mileage and expenses will be reimbursed according to Federal Travel Regulations. Thank you for your flexibility and professionalism—your willingness to go the extra mile (literally!) helps us maintain strong partnerships and provide critical access regardless of the region.
Federal Travel Regulations
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
For most Federal assignments, DSU serves as the main Point of Contact. If you have questions, need support on the day of an assignment, or run into an issue—please contact us directly. Use our team email: coordinators@deafservicesunlimited.com This inbox is monitored Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Central Time, by our full team of DSU Coordinators. Depending on the contract, your assignment may have a designated Contract Manager or our supporting team of Coordinators. When in doubt—use the team inbox above so we can route your request appropriately and respond quickly.
DSU vs DSUAAssignment Requirements
While each assignment is unique, here are a few general standards that apply across the board:
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Federal contracts vary, and each assignment may have different expectations depending on the agency, setting, and service type. Please read your assignment details carefully and reach out to our team if anything is unclear.
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Arrive early. Whether on-site or virtual, aim to be logged in or present 10–15 minutes before the scheduled start.
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Follow check-in procedures. Each assignment may have its own process—always review the instructions and confirm arrival appropriately.
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Overages are not guaranteed. Do not assume that going over your scheduled time will be approved. Communicate with DSU and/or follow the provided contact chain before continuing.
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Know the expectations. Requirements around identification, technology, dress, communication, and documentation vary by agency and service type.
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Reach out if needed. If you’re ever unsure, we’re here to support you. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or updates before, during, or after the assignment.
Assignment Requirements
Each on-site assignment has unique check-in and protocol instructions. Follow directions closely, arrive early, and make sure you’re familiar with the location, parking, and POC contacts beforehand.
Virtual federal assignments often require specific platforms, access procedures, and etiquette. Make sure you’ve tested your technology and are logged in early. If anything looks off with the connection or participants, notify us right away.
CART assignments can vary widely depending on the platform and agency. You may need to coordinate with tech support, follow naming conventions, or provide transcripts after the session. Always review the job notes carefully, and let us know if any prep materials are missing or if you have questions ahead of time.
Accepting Your Assignments
Interpreter Intelligence LoginEasy as 1, 2, 3!
Our online request booking system Interpreter Intelligence makes accepting assignments easy! If you already an independent contractor with DSU, your DSUA profile will be a unique account to keep these assignments separate from your IC work. These accounts are differentiated by an asterisk (*) on your name for you to see which account you are accepting requests under. Your initial login information will be set to username: FirstNameLastInitial.DSUA and password: Password1. This Interpreter Intelligence profile is for scheduling needs only. Please submit all your hours/incidentals through ADP timecard logging.