Freelance British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter and Translator

About the role

BSL is a language in its own right, with its own grammar and regional variation in signs, and it is recognised in law in England, Wales and Scotland. Deaf clients' needs vary: some use BSL with English mouthing, some prefer a more visual style, and Deafblind clients may need hands-on signing or visual frame signing. Interpreters should be ready to adapt and to work with Deaf relay interpreters when needed.

Requests include hospital and GP appointments, mental health services, workplace meetings and Access to Work support, education, police interviews, courts and tribunals. Video remote interpreting is common, as is BSL translation of written information into recorded video.

What you will do

• Interpret between BSL and spoken English on site and by video, adapting to each Deaf client's language preference.
• Produce BSL translations of written English information for recording, where you have the skills.
• Work with fellow interpreters and Deaf relay interpreters on long or complex assignments.
• Keep everything you hear and read on assignments strictly confidential, and remain impartial throughout.
• Build and maintain your own glossaries for the sectors you work in.
• Work remotely by video, or on site at the client's premises, arriving prepared and on time.

What we are looking for

• Fluency in British Sign Language and English, with experience of regional BSL variation.
• Registration with NRCPD as a Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI), which is needed for most assignments; registered Trainee Sign Language Interpreters (TSLI) are welcome to apply.
• Membership of a professional body such as ASLI or VLP is welcome but not required.
• A current DBS check, or willingness to obtain one, for assignments that require it.
• Right to work in the UK if you will take on-site assignments in the UK.
• A reliable internet connection, a camera, a plain background and a private space for video interpreting.

What we offer

• Remote work by video, plus on-site bookings.
• Fair compensation for your skills and time.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Help from our operations team before and after assignments.
• Varied assignments across healthcare, legal, government, finance and more.
• Flexible working: choose the assignments that suit your availability.

British Sign Language work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a British Sign Language linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in British Sign Language:

• Sign language interpreting in person and by video, with Deaf interpreters, lipspeakers and deafblind interpreting where a client needs them.
• Sign language translation of written texts into recorded sign language video, and of signed video into written English.
• Captions and transcripts of signed or spoken recordings, for hearings, interviews, training and public information.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

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