VRS 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 that 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 including managing the length of time you are on a call before you transfer to a colleague and managing 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 raise 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 demonstrate flexibility in supporting the various video services that we provide to meet business needs as directed by the shift lead.

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

What We Offer

• Fixed hourly rates of pay
• PC that meets our requirements
• Access to free and low cost CPD and reflective practice
• Support from experienced Lead Interpreters
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders

*Additional Benefits Offered for Staff Interpreters

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.