Coordinator: Interpreting Services — UFS
- Employer: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Academy for Multilingualism
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Job ID: 6557
- Contract: Permanent
- Post Level: 10
- Salary: R464,881.91 – R585,370.51 per annum
- Closing Date: 24 August 2026
- Assumption of Duty: As soon as possible
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking a Coordinator: Interpreting Services to coordinate and oversee interpreting services across its campuses. The successful candidate will support equitable access to teaching, learning and university life for Deaf students by ensuring high-quality South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreting services.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate interpreting services across UFS campuses.
- Oversee interpreting services for Deaf students during lectures, tutorials, assessments, meetings and other activities.
- Coordinate interpreters’ schedules and class timetables.
- Organise interpreter training and capacity-building workshops.
- Develop SASL terminology with relevant departments and stakeholders.
- Coordinate mentorship for junior and intern interpreters.
- Monitor and evaluate interpreters.
- Ensure compliance with accessibility and inclusion commitments.
- Liaise between Deaf students, interpreters, academic departments and support services.
- Provide technical assistance for online classes, resources and meetings.
- Convert online learning resources into accessible formats, including SASL videos, subtitling, captioning and transcription.
- Report to the line manager.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have either:
- A Bachelor’s degree, B-Tech degree or Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7 in South African Sign Language, plus at least 2 years’ SASL interpreting experience in higher education teaching and learning; or
- Another relevant SASL qualification, plus at least 6 years’ SASL interpreting experience in higher education teaching and learning.
Applicants must also have a minimum of 2 years’ experience coordinating interpreting services in a higher education environment.
Recommended
- Knowledge of interpreting across three or more South African spoken languages, including Sesotho, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Setswana, isiXhosa, English or Sepedi.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification.
Key Competencies
The position requires strong abilities in:
- Results Orientation: Adaptability, reliability and accountability.
- Strategic Thinking: Planning, creativity and problem-solving.
- Business Acumen: Following regulations and proficiency in MS Office.
- Leadership: Taking charge, providing direction and encouraging teamwork.
- Building Coalitions: Building relationships, consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, the position offers benefits including:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through other platforms will not be considered.
Applicants should submit:
- A detailed CV
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- A South African ID or passport for foreign nationals
- Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants
Closing date: 24 August 2026.