VRS Staff Interpreter

Staff Video Interpreter

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
Working for a leading video relay service company, you will be providing access and inclusion for the Deaf community by interpreting telephone calls and interpreting remotely. Using a custom built platform you will connect Deaf people to organisations, colleagues, friends and family.

In this role it is expected you will process calls from Deaf people wishing to contact partner organisations, as well as calls from and to Deaf customers who are registered with the service. You may be asked to translate written documents from and into English or to act as a remote interpreter for pre booked appointments and meetings. A nominated Shift Lead will be available to support you throughout your shift.

There is a large degree of autonomy within this role and you are expected to use your professional judgement whilst on calls, the length of time you are on a call before you transfer to a colleague and your need for micro breaks between scheduled break times.

Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Within defined boundaries, to maintain the confidentiality of all participants in the interpreted calls.
2. To be aware of, and to alert Interpreter Team Leads/hearing call participants as appropriate if you hear or see anything that may give you a safeguarding concern.
3. To follow agreed policies and procedures whilst processing calls
4. To interpret telephone calls to partner organisations.
5. To provide remote interpreting to partner organisations who have agreed this service
6. To interpret telephone calls from and to individual Deaf customers who are registered with us
7. To translate brief written documents from English into Sign Language as required by individual Deaf customers
8. To translate brief signed documents from Sign Language into English as required by individual Deaf customers
9. To report any concerns or difficulties to the Team Lead/Shift Lead
10. To remain in contact with interpreter colleagues and keep them informed of breaks using the means provided.
11. To attend training, staff meetings and supervision as required.

Person Specification
Essential:

• Registered with the NRCPD, RBSLI, or SRLPDC as a Registered Sign Language Interpreter.
• Three years post qualification and experience in a range of domains.
• Suitable home working space
• Fast, reliable broadband connected via an ethernet cable

Desirable:

• Experience in video interpreting (though training will be provided)
• Technology comfortable
• Flexibility in your approach to work
• Other Sign Language skills an advantage

Benefits
• Regular and reliable income from a monthly salary
• Professional support with an experienced interpreter
• Access to a full year’s worth of free CPD
• Opportunities for career progression
• Contribution to NRCPD/RBSLI/SRLPDC registration (pro rata for part time)
• A workplace pension
• Optional private health insurance
• Loaned PC and all other IT equipment
• Contribution to Enhanced DBS costs
• Paid Sick, Parental and Adoption leave
• Paid Annual Leave of 32 days (including Bank Holidays) rising to 33 days (pro rata for part time).
• Life Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Payroll Giving
• Paid volunteering time

You need to provide
• Suitable home working environment
• Fast reliable broadband connection (min 5mbps upload)

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.