Video & Community Interpreter - Staff (Northern Ireland/Scotland)

Company Summary

Sorenson Communications, incorporating SignVideo and Sign Language Interactions, is a well-established company with a proven track record of service delivery within the public, private and voluntary sector. In addition to providing communication support services, we also have experience in working with health boards, local authorities and other organisations to scope out local needs, pilot and deliver services. We are a Face to Face, Video Relay Services and Video Remote Interpreting provider in the UK. We provide British Sign Language (BSL) video interpreting services to enable communication between the community of over 150,000 deaf BSL users in the UK and hearing people. Our relay service allows users to make and receive BSL interpreted video calls so that they can effectively and effortlessly communicate with each other.

We are passionate about providing communication services and working in partnership with other organisations who share the same objectives. Our staff are fully committed to providing the best quality of service possible.

Role Description

You will be providing BSL/English interpreting in a variety of face-to-face domains and settings. In addition to this, there will be a requirement to support our remote services for Deaf people throughout the UK, as part of an established, committed and dynamic staff team. Interpreter deployment is managed with consideration for experience and length of qualification, supporting appropriate placement across the service.

All applicants are expected to have a sound knowledge of issues relating to the Deaf community and a clear understanding of the role of a BSL/English Interpreter and be registered as an interpreter with either NRCPD or RBSLI as a qualified Registered Sign Language Interpreter (BSL).

As part of your community role, it is expected you will travel to and from bookings within the local area, and further afield by agreement.

There is a large degree of autonomy within this role, and you are expected to use your professional judgement whilst working at bookings and follow the Code of Conduct as set out by your relevant registration body.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Within defined boundaries, to maintain the confidentiality of all participants in the interpreted calls (where applicable) or assignments you attend.

• To be aware of, and to alert a service lead of any safeguarding concerns.

• To follow agreed policies and procedures whilst processing calls (where applicable)

• To interpret all interactions as required between deaf and hearing individuals

• To provide remote interpreting as required

• Where requested, work alongside Registered Deaf Relay Intralingual Interpreters

• To report any concerns or difficulties to service leads.

• To inform the office of any difficulties attending bookings, including running late

• To remain in contact with interpreter colleagues through Teams and other channels

• To attend training, staff meetings and supervision as required.

Where eligible to work on VRS services:

• To interpret telephone calls to partner organisations.

• To provide remote interpreting to partner organisations who have agreed this service

• To interpret telephone calls from and to individual Deaf customers who are registered with us

• To translate brief written documents from English into Sign Language as required by individual Deaf customers

• To translate brief signed documents from Sign Language into English as required by individual Deaf customers

Person Specification

Essential:

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Registered with the NRCPD, RBSLI, or SRLPDC as a Registered Qualified Sign Language Interpreter.

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Flexibility in your approach to work

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Willingness to travel around the designated area for community assignments

Desirable:

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Three years post qualification experience in a range of domains.

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Experience in video interpreting (though training will be provided)

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Technology comfortable

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Own car and valid driving license

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Other Sign Language skills an advantage

Benefits

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Regular and reliable income from a monthly salary

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Professional support with an experienced interpreter

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Access to a full year’s worth of free CPD

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Opportunities for career progression

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Contribution to NRCPD/RBSLI/SRLPDC registration (pro rata for part time)

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A workplace pension

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Loaned PC and all other IT equipment

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Contribution to Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) costs

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Paid Sick, Parental and Adoption leave

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Paid Annual Leave of 32 days (including Bank Holidays) rising to 33 days (pro rata for part time).

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Life Plan

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Access to Employee Assistance Programme

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Vitality Health Insurance

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Cycle to Work Scheme

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Payroll Giving

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A joining bonus of £200

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Referral Scheme

Equal Opportunity Employer

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a successful company. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.