Positive Signs - British Sign Language Support Worker - Upminster, Essex, London

[Positive Signs Training]

British Sign Language Support Worker

Full-time/PAYE Monday to Friday – 35 hours

 

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Job Description

British Sign Language Support Worker

 

Location

Role is based at Positive Signs Office in Upminster, Essex. Work assignments may also take place at various locations within a reasonable travelling distance from the main office.

 

About Positive Signs

At Positive Signs, British Sign Language is our business. We are a Deaf-led company providing a customised range of services within a customer-driven environment.
Since 2004, we have been an established provider of communication services, supplying language service professionals such as BSL/English Interpreters and Communication Support Workers. We manage and provide ongoing delivery of support, utilising Disabled Students Allowance and Access to Work. We provide accredited British Sign Language courses, approved by the awarding body Signature, plus our own robust package of Deaf Awareness Training on-site / online and remotely.

 

Description

Purpose

• Provide a wide range of BSL / English support in person and remotely to all Positive Signs staff, based in Support Team.
• To undertake bookings as required, relevant to experience and skillset and reasonable
  travelling distances.
• Accurately communicate information between languages, using cultural mediation when
  appropriate.

 

Main duties and responsibilities
The post holder is expected to:

 

1. Work with any Positive Signs staff members who require communication BSL support.
2. Support all Teams on an ad-hoc basis., in addition to regular bookings.
3. Assist with written documents for accuracy and clarity and translate from English to BSL, and vice versa.
4. Use British Sign Language and English professionally, accurately, correctly and whilst monitoring understanding language needs and modulation, where required.
5. Utilise preparation skills to become familiar with a given setting or topic, prior to each assignment.
6. Provide clear briefings  to all individuals and their colleagues on the scope, ethics and responsibilities of your role, as needed.
7. Intervene appropriately to assist communication or to correct errors misunderstanding and culturally mediate to resolve communication difficulties across all staff and colleagues .
8. Work flexibly and responsively as required to meet Positive Signs business needs.

Main duties and responsibilities continued…

1. Comply fully with all booking needs, such as arriving at least 15 minutes in advance of the appointment, to provide professional services as required by the booking.
2. Professional approach to all visitors and staff requiring services or assist with any enquiries.
3. Report maintenance issues promptly and assist with deliveries/stationery and office supplies if required.
4. Ensure compliance with Health & Safety protocols.
5. Assist with co-ordination of internal and external events and celebrations for all teams.
6. Work with other staff to create content for social media platforms.
7. Collaborate with managers on all other opportunities including ambassador type work, fundraising and CIC related events.

 

Quality

1. Maintain the quality of own work and ascertain competence for the needs of the assignment by engaging with all participants.
2. Inform participants immediately when unsure to provide BSL support, for any reason, and notify Positive Signs office accordingly. 
3. Represent Positive Signs in a professional manner at all times, including dress in appropriate attire and being able to provide identification with a Positive Sign ID badge whenever carrying out working duties.
4. Maintain records of assignments in working diary provided, and complete a timesheet for certain tasks.
5. Attend relevant training events and Positive Signs related meetings as required and to maintain CPD.
6.  Flexibility to support evening training sessions or other events, adhering to TOIL policies.

 

Person Specification

 

Essential Skills and Knowledge

This role will be suitable for a BSL Support Worker, looking to explore more opportunities company wide.

• Experience of providing BSL/English support in a customer/service- focused environment.

• Experience of supporting Deaf adults in the workplace and have a good understanding of Access to Work processes.

• Understand and knowledge of Deaf culture and local communities.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles and importance of maintaining confidentiality.

• Maintain awareness of the challenges affecting Deaf individuals access to employment sector, including prevalent issues of discrimination.

• Comply with Equality / Diversity and GDPR legislation and practice.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of all policies and procedures at Positive Signs.

 

Communication Skills

1. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with a good level of written and spoken English.
2. Minimum Level 3 BSL qualification to Level 6 BSL qualification.
3. Able to recognise individuals beliefs, preferences and choices regardless of ethnic origin, disability, age, gender, sexual choices, faith, social or cultural background.
4. Able to use professional methods and reporting procedures to deal with conflict arising from difficult situations (e.g. racism, stereotyping, and complaints).

Communication Skills continued…

1. Have strong organisational, communication and customer service skills, with a proactive and friendly attitude in a busy office environment for all staff, clients and visitors.
2. Strong organisational diary management and prioritisation skills.

 

Personal Qualities

1. Reliable, punctual and flexible.
2. Sensitivity and understanding.
3. Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
4. Team Player.
5. Able to manage, prioritise and organise own workload as required.
6. Friendly, smart and professional demeanour.
7. Experience in office procedures and policies.

 

Information and Knowledge – Information Processing

1. Able to work to tight deadlines
2. Computer literate, familiar with Microsoft Office applications HubSpot and other IT software.
3. Familiar with web-based access software including Teams, Zoom and FaceTime.

 

Salary

Payment will be from £ 26,000 – £28,000 per annum, depending on BSL qualification level.

This post attracts benefits and 25 days annual leave.

 

Positive Signs Ethos

Positive Signs are proud of the fact that our core business is about enabling others to improve their equal opportunities practices. We adopt the same ethos in-house and are proud to be an equal opportunity / Disability Confident employer.

 

Declaration of Interests

If any person working for Positive Signs Ltd has a controlling and/or significant financial interest in a business including another Interpreting provider / supplier / colleague and must declare it, or notify the Director.

Any conflict of interest must be declared to the Director, either on starting employment or on acquisition of the interest.

[Lead Academy]

Positive Signs, a Deaf-led communication support agency based in Upminster, Essex, is currently hiring a British Sign Language (BSL) Support Worker. This full-time position (Monday to Friday, 35–37.5 hours per week) involves providing both in-person and remote BSL/English support to staff and clients across various locations within reasonable traveling distance from the main office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate clear communication between BSL and English, ensuring cultural sensitivity and accuracy.

• Assist with translating written documents and providing language support across teams.

• Prepare for assignments by familiarizing oneself with relevant topics and settings.

• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and adhere to ethical standards during all interactions. 

Ideal Candidate:

• Proficient in BSL and English, with experience in providing communication support.

• Understanding of Deaf culture and the challenges faced by Deaf individuals in various environments.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.