Coordinator: Interpreting Services- Academy for Multilingualism x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Coordinator: Interpreting Services (Post Level 10)
- Job ID: 6600
- HRSmart Advert: 2280
- Department: Academy for Multilingualism
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Semi-Skilled
- Closing Date: 28 September 2026
- Salary: R464,881.91 – R585,370.51 per annum, including benefits, depending on relevant experience, qualifications and available budget
- Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
Company Overview
The University of the Free State (UFS) is a leading South African higher education institution committed to academic excellence, diversity, inclusion and equitable access to education.
The Academy for Multilingualism supports multilingualism and accessibility across the university, including interpreting services for students with hearing impairments.
Job Description
The Coordinator: Interpreting Services will coordinate interpreting services across UFS campuses and oversee the delivery of high-quality South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreting services. The position will support Deaf students and ensure equitable access to teaching, learning and broader university activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate interpreting services across UFS campuses.
- Oversee interpreting services for Deaf students during lectures, tutorials, assessments, meetings and other institutional activities.
- Coordinate interpreter schedules and class timetables.
- Plan and organise interpreter training and capacity-building workshops.
- Develop SASL terminology in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders.
- Coordinate mentorship programmes for junior and intern interpreters.
- Monitor and evaluate interpreters.
- Ensure compliance with institutional accessibility and inclusion commitments.
- Act as a liaison between Deaf students, interpreters, academic departments and support services.
- Provide technical assistance for online classes, resources and meetings.
- Convert online classes and resources into accessible formats, including SASL videos, subtitling, captioning and transcription.
- Report to the line manager.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following qualification and experience routes:
Option 1:
- Bachelor’s degree, B-Tech degree or Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7 in South African Sign Language.
- At least 2 years’ experience in South African Sign Language interpreting within higher education teaching and learning.
OR
Option 2:
- Another relevant South African Sign Language qualification.
- At least 6 years’ experience in South African Sign Language interpreting within higher education teaching and learning.
Additional requirement:
- Minimum 1 year of experience coordinating interpreting services.
Recommended Requirements
- Knowledge of interpreting across three or more South African spoken languages, such as:
- Sesotho
- Afrikaans
- isiZulu
- Setswana
- isiXhosa
- English
- Sepedi
- Relevant postgraduate qualification.
Key Competencies
Results Orientated
- Ability to adapt to changing environments and evolving situations.
- Reliable, responsible and dependable.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to plan and follow work plans.
- Creative and open-minded approach to workplace challenges.
Business Acumen
- Ability to follow rules, regulations and procedures.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
Leading
- Ability to take charge and provide direction.
- Ability to cooperate with others and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Ability to interact effectively and build relationships.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to specific conditions, the position includes:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits