NO-LD/PAR-SL/18/10/2024 National Office – Paralegal – Client Call Centre (Sign Language) needed at Legal Aid South Africa

KEY OUTPUTS

• Provide interpretation and translation services between spoken language and South African Sign Language (SASL) and interpret sign to spoken language for clients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Facilitate effective communication between parties during consultations.
• Where applicable, interpret legal documents, including court orders, contracts and other written materials, into SASL and vice versa.
• Ensure accuracy, impartiality and confidentiality in all interpretations and translations.
• Collaborate with legal professionals and other staff members to ensure comprehensive support for clients with hearing impairments.
• Stay informed about relevant legal terminology and developments to enhance interpretation accuracy and effectiveness.
• Provide advocacy and support services to clients with hearing impairments to ensure their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
• Maintain records of interpretation assignments, client interactions and other relevant documentation as required.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population; maintain positive and effective cooperative working relationships with colleagues and various stakeholders within the deaf community.
• Maintain awareness of best practices, emerging trends and new legislation relating to the SASL/Interpreting functional area.

COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES) REQUIRED

• National Senior/Matric certificate plus a Diploma in Paralegal Studies and/or Legal Assistant one (1) year qualification.
• Computer literacy.
• Proficiency in SASL and fluency in English or other relevant spoken languages.
• Certification or accreditation as a SASL interpreter or practitioner preferred.
• Three (3)+ years of relevant experience working as a SASL interpreter, preferably in legal or related settings is highly recommended.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex information accurately and clearly in both SASL and spoken language.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, procedures and concepts is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards, confidentiality and professional conduct in all aspects of the role.
• Candidates will be required to undergo an assessment of their SASL and spoken language proficiency by a panel comprising Deaf clients and/or employees and professional SASL interpreters.
• Highly proficient in both English and the other language.
• Able to accurately and idiomatically turn the message from the source language into the target language without any additions, omissions or other misleading factors that alter the intended meaning of the message from the speaker.
• Know every sign perfectly.
• Exceptional observation skills.
• Quick thinking.