At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide BSL interpretation for disabled children during online sessions.
- Company: Flamingo Chicks, a charity promoting inclusivity for disabled children.
- Benefits: Make a real difference, gain experience, and join a supportive community.
- Other info: Join inspiring sessions with VIP guests and unique opportunities.
- Why this job: Empower young voices and help break down barriers for disabled children.
- Qualifications: Deep knowledge of BSL and confidence in group settings.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 € per hour.
Are you trained in BSL? Flamingo Chicks is looking for a volunteer to provide BSL interpreter skills to disabled children for just one hour per month during an online class for our Agents of Change.
What difference will you make? The Agents of Change are an elected body of 40 disabled and non-disabled young people aged 4-18 who represent their peers, lead our organisation and campaign for a fair future for disabled children. We want to remove all barriers to ensure that anyone and everyone can be part of our AOC group, and participate in a full and meaningful way, so we would love to welcome a BSL volunteer to these sessions.
Our AOCs have performed and spoken on some of the biggest platforms in the world! From No.10 Downing Street and the House of Commons to the United Nations in New York, this impressive group of young people are determined to break down barriers and make their mark on the world. Flamingo Chicks aims to challenge ideas about what disabled children and adults can do, inspire and grow our audience, and help us build a more inclusive society.
As a BSL Interpreter volunteer you'll play a vital role in amplifying not only our Flamingo Chicks' message and expanding our reach, but also amplifying the voice of the children we support. Your interpretation skills will help to advocate for social change and ensure that all children's views and voices are heard, and that deeper connections and friendships are built between our AOCs.
What are we looking for?
- Deep knowledge and understanding of BSL
- Confidence using skills in front of a group
- Ability to process spoken or signed language quickly, understand meaning, and express it in another language almost simultaneously
- Excellent memory retention and ability to anticipate meaning and intent
- Understanding of Deaf culture and identity
- Ability to navigate cultural nuances to ensure respectful and accurate interpretation
- Reliability and enthusiasm about inclusive education and dance
What will you be doing?
We are looking for a volunteer with a thorough knowledge of British Sign Language, to join our Agents of Change (AOC) to provide interpretation skills for the group online. You'll need to be a confident communicator who feels at ease interpreting in front of a group.
The Agents of Change programme and its sessions are underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our change makers get together once a month online, meeting with incredible VIP guests, enjoying camaraderie, friendship and discussion as a group, and even enjoying therapeutic art and craft activities as part of their call. Our AOCs thrive on these regular development workshops as well as enjoying unique, special opportunities as a group.
Underpinned by a core theme and featuring some outstanding VIP guests, AOC sessions aim to inspire our young advocates to further their leadership skills and realise their potential. The AOCs also volunteer within their communities, undertaking accessibility audits and advising large companies on how to be more accessible. Recent audits include the Science Museum in London and Complete Control, the leading children’s digital agency.
This volunteer opportunity requires a skilled individual, to help us better communicate with our AOCs and to attract more members to our group.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Joining our monthly Agent of Change meetings online on Zoom (sessions run once a month on a Tuesday evening, 5 - 5.45pm on Zoom)
- Providing BSL Interpretation throughout the session to the group
- From time to time we also have opportunities to meet in person as a group eg for a one-off session or fundraising event (previous examples include a visit to Downing Street; a Fundraising Dance Relay; a trip to Disneyland Paris; a visit to Good Morning Britain TV studios to advise presenters on best practice when interviewing disabled people). We would encourage our BSL volunteer to attend these activities too (usually 2 or 3 per year).
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a strong community and help a meaningful cause. You'll be helping to make our sessions more inviting to young disabled people and encouraging a wider group of children to access and join our sessions.
British Sign Language Interpreter: 1 hour a month - Volunteer in Bristol employer: Flamingo Chicks
Flamingo Chicks is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to empowering disabled children and advocating for social change. As a volunteer BSL Interpreter, you will play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of young advocates while enjoying the camaraderie of a passionate community committed to breaking down barriers. With opportunities to engage with VIP guests and participate in unique events, this role offers meaningful experiences that contribute to personal growth and the advancement of inclusive education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land British Sign Language Interpreter: 1 hour a month - Volunteer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your first session, dive into Flamingo Chicks' mission and values. Understanding their goals will help you connect better with the AOCs and make your interpretation more impactful.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Spend some time rehearsing your BSL skills in front of a mirror or with friends. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll be when interpreting for the group.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the AOCs! During sessions, don’t just interpret—interact! Encourage participation and build rapport with the young people. This will create a more inclusive atmosphere and enhance their experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay flexible and open-minded! Each session may bring different challenges, so be ready to adapt your approach. Your ability to navigate these moments will show your commitment to the cause and the children you're supporting.
We think you need these skills to ace British Sign Language Interpreter: 1 hour a month - Volunteer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for BSL:When you're writing your application, let us know why you're passionate about British Sign Language. Share any experiences you've had that highlight your commitment to inclusivity and how you can make a difference in our Agents of Change sessions.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to showcase your interpreting skills and any relevant experience you have. We want to see how you can process language quickly and accurately, so give us examples of when you've done this before!
Be Yourself:We love authenticity! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Tell us about your interests and what excites you about volunteering with Flamingo Chicks.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Flamingo Chicks
✨Know Your BSL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your British Sign Language skills before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common phrases and expressions that might come up during the session. Being confident in your abilities will show that you're ready to step into this vital role.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Take some time to research Flamingo Chicks and their mission. Understanding their goals and the impact they have on disabled children will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their vision. This knowledge will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Inclusivity
During the interview, express your passion for inclusive education and dance. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to breaking down barriers for disabled children. Your enthusiasm will resonate with the team and show that you align with their values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face while interpreting for the Agents of Change. Be ready to discuss how you would handle different situations, especially those involving cultural nuances or sensitive topics. This preparation will showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
