Job Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
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Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreting for Deaf staff and students as determined by academic schedules, and departments in accordance with the professional and personal needs of Deaf staff and students.
• Provide language support (e.g., assisting with written communication and interpreting of documents) in accordance with the needs of Deaf staff and students.
• Interpreting in conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Adapt interpreting style and mode (SASL-to-English or English-to-SASL interpreting) based on the specific needs of the deaf/hard of hearing individual and the context
• Support students' full participation in clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, or residence programming by interpreting related activities and meetings.
• Work with lecturers, staff and peers to ensure seamless communication support during academic and extracurricular activities.
• Provide SASL interpretation at university events such as graduations, open days, career days, academic openings, and other institutional activities were Deaf students, staff, or guests could be involved.
• Participate in community service activities by interpreting to the broader Deaf community as capacity allows
• Assist with the collection and recording new/existing signs for educational and subject-specific terminology.
• Assist with the mentoring and training of SASL interpreters and SASL interpreting interns working within the Academy for Multilingualism when required.
• Report to the SASL Coordinator.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree or a B-Tech degree or Advanced Diploma on NQF Level 7 in the field of South African Sign Language, with a minimum of two (2) years of South African Sign Language Interpreting in higher education teaching and learning

or

• Another relevant South African Sign Language qualification than the qualifications stipulated above, with a minimum of six (6) years of South African Sign Language Interpreting in higher education teaching and learning.

Recommendations:

• Three (3) years' relevant experience in higher education teaching and learning contexts
• Honours degree on NQF Level eight 8 in the field of South African Sign Language.
• Knowledge of participating in South African Sign Language terminology development for various disciplines.

Competencies
Key Competencies Required:

• Results-Oriented:

- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic Thinking:

- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

• Business Acumen:

- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading:

- The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building Coalitions:

- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.
Required Documents
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Assumption of duties:
01 February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Closing date:
29 January 2026
Salary:
The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R388 426.59 - R487 479.38 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.
Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 9848 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Skills Required