Deaf Services Lanarkshire are currently going through a period of transition and are amid, a Community Asset Transfer application. To support current service delivery and increase in demand for our support/service growth we are seeking an Administration Support Worker/Trainee Interpreter.

Deaf Services Lanarkshire is a small but extremely busy centre.

For many members of the Deaf Community, our centre is a home from home environment with no barriers. We have an ethos of encouragement and empowerment of the Deaf Community as well as our Staff.

We provide an environment of mutual respect, dignity and professionalism and Paternalism is not a model which is encouraged.

We currently provide 3 main services:

1. Interpreting and Translation Services
2. Face to Face Support to the Deaf Community (Drop-in Centre)
3. Training Provision (SQA Accredited and SRLPDC/NRCPD approved) from Introduction to Interpreting Level.

We provide many other services, such as Befriending, Education/Training and Employment opportunities to the Deaf Community, as well as providing a Social Space to the Deaf Community, supporting local groups and Coatbridge Deaf Club.

Terms and Conditions of the Role:

• Due to the nature of our business and our status as a Charity we provide the Fair Living wage to all employees.
• Working Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week, (7 hours per day Monday – Friday), plus a 30 mins lunchbreak (unpaid)
• Annual leave: 21 days, plus 9 public holidays per annum. (1st April – 31st March)
• TOIL: Can also be accrued throughout the year.

(Due to the nature of our business, leave can be flexible to meet the needs of the service and staff).

NB. The post will be probationary for 6 months. The post will become a permanent post on successful completion of the probationary period.

Essential Requirements:

• Due to the complex nature of the Drop-in Centre a high level of signing skills is required.
  • BSL Skills to SCQF 8/NRCPD 6 or Equivalent, or a vast experience in BSL within the Deaf Community.
• Previous experience of working/supporting the Deaf Community.
• Interpersonal skills and in-depth knowledge of the Deaf Community & Culture.
• Knowledge/Experience of Deaf organisations, working with Interpreters and legislation surrounding the Deaf Community and Government initiatives.
• Previous experience of working with Professional Bodies/Stakeholders, Organisation and Senior Management.
• The successful Applicant will require various prerequisite skills such as a high level of English/organisational, administrative and clerical skills, as well as excellent communication,
• Confidentiality, GDP, Record Keeping Skills
• Candidates must be a supportive, proactive and work well within a team.

Desirable Requirements

• Previous knowledge/experience of Social Work/Benefits would be advantageous.
• Willingness to develop your own BSL skills/Qualifications – to Interpreter Level (Supported by Deaf Services Lanarkshire).
• Knowledge and Experience of Financial/Online Accounting Systems
• Knowledge and Experience of Local Government initiatives and the BSL Act 2015.
• Local knowledge of the Deaf Community as well as knowledge of Local/National Deaf Organisations and beyond.
• Proficiency in computer programs, particularly Microsoft Word/or Google Docs
• Data entry skills and knowledge of databases and spreadsheets, including Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
• Ability to use basic accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero to generate Customers invoices and receipts.

Office Administrator/Trainee Interpreter Duties and Responsibilities

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

1. Acting as a point of contact for customers, clients, stakeholders or suppliers via email, over the phone in a welcoming and professional manner.
2. Supporting the daily running of the office, supporting the Deaf Community within our Drop-in Service, Social Space or planned events.
3. Supporting the Deaf Community to access services, education and learning and possible Employment support, when necessary.
4. Engaging and working with the wider community and other 3rd sector organisations to meet the needs of the Deaf Community, improving accessibility and inclusion for all.
5. Responsible for Interpreters bookings/confirmation of jobs.
6. Organising filing systems and updating office databases.
7. Processing invoices, tracking receipts, inputting expenses and other basic bookkeeping tasks.
8. Ordering new office equipment, such as stationery, printer refills.
9. Responding/Redirecting questions and requests for information to appropriate staff member.
10. Supporting the Office Manager/SQA Co-ordinator with administration tasks, when necessary.
11. Undertake, Professional Development, including BSL Courses where necessary to obtain qualified interpreter Status.
12. Provide Interpretation Support where necessary and appropriate.
13. Attend and contribute or Staff Meetings/discussions on Deaf Services Lanarkshire and Project development.
14. Work with colleagues and partners to continually contribute to improving the lives of the Deaf Community and support the continued work and growth of Deaf Services Lanarkshire.
15. Partake in Supervision and Training Opportunities linked to your own CPD.

You are overall responsible to the Centre Manager.

We are currently recruiting people to join our Board and are actively seeking people to guide the organisation as it transitions and expands.

The objects of the organisation are:

• the provision of recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational activities, with the object of relieving isolation and improving the conditions of life for the Deaf Community in Lanarkshire
• the relief of those Members of the Lanarkshire Deaf Community in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

If you are interested and have one or more of the skills, knowledge or experience listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us:

• Working in the Charity Sector
• Finance and/or Accounting
• Human Resources
• Policy Making and Compliance, including Risk Management
• Organisational capacity building and growth
• The barriers the Deaf community faces in one or more of the many different settings including health, education, social services, leisure, employment and other situations.