Legal Aid South Africa is actively recruiting a qualified and dedicated individual to join its team in the role of Paralegal – Client Call Centre (Sign Language) at its National Office located in Braamfontein within the Legal Development Department. This position is open for both internal and external applicants and represents a vital role within Legal Aid SA, an organisation highly regarded for its commitment to supporting South Africa’s constitutional democracy by offering accessible legal services to the nation’s indigent and vulnerable citizens.
Recognised as a Top Employer in South Africa for 15 years running, Legal Aid SA offers an attractive Employee Value Proposition (EVP), with abundant opportunities for professional growth, development, and a supportive work environment.
Client Call Centre (Sign Language) Position Overview
The Paralegal – Client Call Centre (Sign Language) position is structured to bridge communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing clients and Legal Aid SA’s services through skilled South African Sign Language (SASL) interpretation. The ideal candidate will hold a primary role in ensuring that clients who rely on SASL have equal access to legal support and resources, thereby protecting their rights throughout various legal processes.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will engage in numerous responsibilities aimed at ensuring clear, accurate, and respectful communication for Legal Aid SA’s clients with hearing impairments. The primary responsibilities are as follows:
- Interpretation and Translation
- Facilitate communication between spoken language and SASL, interpreting sign language to spoken language as well as vice versa.
- Offer interpretation services for legal documents such as contracts, court orders, and other critical written materials when applicable.
- Client Support and Advocacy
- Support clients with hearing impairments by advocating on their behalf throughout legal processes, ensuring a clear understanding of their rights and obligations.
- Collaboration with Legal Professionals
- Partner with legal teams and staff to maintain a supportive environment for deaf clients and create an inclusive client experience.
- Record Keeping and Documentation
- Maintain accurate records of all interpretation assignments, client interactions, and relevant documentation as required by Legal Aid SA’s policies.
- Commitment to Ethical Standards
- Uphold principles of impartiality, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all aspects of the role, ensuring the highest level of professionalism.
- Awareness and Adaptability
- Stay informed of new trends, best practices, and any new legislation in the field of SASL interpretation to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of communications.
Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates interested in the Client Call Centre (Sign Language) role should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Educational Requirements
- A National Senior/Matric certificate coupled with a diploma in Paralegal Studies and/or a Legal Assistant qualification.
- Proficiency and Experience
- Skilled in SASL and fluent in English or another relevant spoken language, with certification or accreditation as a SASL interpreter being a plus.
- A minimum of three years of experience in SASL interpretation, ideally within legal or similar settings, which enables the candidate to effectively handle legal terminology and procedures.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Exceptional ability to convey complex information in SASL and spoken language accurately, along with strong interpersonal skills for effective client relations.
- Professional Conduct and Ethics
- Ability to manage tasks independently and collaboratively while maintaining strict confidentiality and high ethical standards.
- Additional Requirements
- Candidates should be prepared to undergo an assessment by a panel consisting of deaf clients, professional SASL interpreters, and other evaluators to measure proficiency in SASL and spoken language skills.
Remuneration
The position is classified as a Level 6 role with an annual base salary of R252,834.00, along with additional benefits in line with Legal Aid SA’s remuneration structure.
Application Process
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a detailed curriculum vitae that illustrates their experience in line with the position requirements. Applications should include the reference number NO-LD/PAR-SL/18/10/2024 in the subject line and must be sent to Recruit [at] legal-aid.co.za or completed via the Legal Aid SA website at www.legal-aid.co.za. The deadline for application submissions is 5 November 2024.
For any inquiries, applicants may contact Morwesi Tsotetsi at Tel: 011 877 2000.
Note: Applicants not contacted within two months of the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful.
Related: Language Practitioners Job Opportunity for South African Languages at UNISA
Legal Aid SA is committed to advancing Employment Equity by prioritising candidates whose appointment or transfer will enhance representivity within the organisation as aligned with its Employment Equity Plan. Legal Aid SA reserves the right to withdraw the post or not make an appointment if doing so is in the best interest of the organisation.
