At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide communication support to Deaf students in colleges across the Midlands.
- Company: Join Sign Solutions, a leader in Deaf community services since 1998.
- Benefits: Real Living Wage, pension scheme, training opportunities, and flexible contracts.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with a focus on diversity, equality, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering Deaf students and breaking down communication barriers.
- Qualifications: BSL Level 3 required; experience in the educational sector is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join Our Growing Team at Sign Solutions! Sign Solutions, founded in 1998, provides interpreting and translation services to the Deaf community across the UK. Our mission is 'To provide access and combat inequality by enabling people of different languages, cultures and communities to talk to each other' through our range of non‑spoken services, contributing to breaking down communication barriers for Deaf people. Our services include face‑to‑face and pre‑booked video interpreting, Deaf Awareness Training, Access to Work support for Deaf employees, BSL translations, and our on‑demand video interpreting platform, InterpretersLive!, providing instant communication between Deaf and hearing people through qualified British Sign Language interpreters. All of our services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As an organisation with over 27 years of experience, we aim to incorporate our values into our everyday work:
- Empower Deaf People
- Provide Innovative Solutions
- Deliver the highest quality services
- Be responsive to our customers
- Value customer satisfaction
We are a growing organisation that is full of passionate people wanting to make a difference. If you believe you can bring enthusiasm, tenacity, and a professional approach to work, we encourage you to apply for a role with us today!
Applicants must be UK residents by the start of employment and have permission to work in the UK. In addition, you are required to hold or undertake a DBS check for roles within Sign Solutions.
Seeking freelance self-employed and employed in-house CSWs. You will be working in colleges across the Midlands/Birmingham/Warwickshire area providing communication support to enable Deaf students to access their college courses:
- To undertake interpreting assignments on behalf of Sign Solutions
- To deliver high quality interpreting services to all clients and student support
Qualifications:
- BSL Level 3 required for CSW (Communication Support Worker)
- NRCPD registered TSLI for (Trainee Interpreter)
- Educational sector experience
Salary & Benefits for employed staff:
- Salary dependent on experience, we are a Real Living Wage Employer
- Benefits include, but are not limited to for in-house positions:
- Pension scheme
- Term Time only working pattern
- Training and CPD
- Attendance bonus scheme
- Health and Wellbeing schemes
- Wellbeing Accreditations
- Policies to include Mental Health, Menopause and more
- Employee Assistance Programme / Cash Plan
- Access to discounts from hundreds of leading retailers
- Access to mental health specialist support
- Birthday celebrations/gifts
- Team events
- Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) and (SSP)
- Flexible contracts available
- Work for an established company with 25 years in the industry
- Supportive and flexible employer
- Disability Confident Leader
- Good Business Charter Accredited
- And more!
What our employed CSWs have to say about working for Sign Solutions:
- “I really enjoy working for SS as the whole team is very dedicated and supportive. The company also offers professional development opportunities for their employers and holds training to keep us up to date. The most important thing for me is that the company promotes the values of diversity and equality, I’m glad to be part of this team.”
- “I started as a freelancer CSW, last year I decided to apply for an in-house position. I decided this because working for Sign Solutions has been amazing. I have a large family and they are very supportive, understanding, and professional. They have lots of training available, team building days out, regular meetings and lots more benefits.”
- “Consistent salary, paid throughout summertime so no periods of non-payment.”
Freelance or Contracted British Sign Language Level 3/ Communication Support Workers or Trainee Interpreters TSLI (Midlands) in Redditch employer: Sign Solutions
At Sign Solutions, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and flexible employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Deaf community. With over 27 years of experience, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including health and wellbeing schemes, and opportunities for professional growth through training and CPD. Our remote work culture fosters inclusivity and collaboration, making it an excellent place for passionate individuals to thrive while contributing to breaking down communication barriers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance or Contracted British Sign Language Level 3/ Communication Support Workers or Trainee Interpreters TSLI (Midlands) in Redditch
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
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Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
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We think you need these skills to ace Freelance or Contracted British Sign Language Level 3/ Communication Support Workers or Trainee Interpreters TSLI (Midlands) in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at Sign Solutions, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like Sign Solutions, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help Sign Solutions understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sign Solutions
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with Sign Solutions from the get-go!
