Staff Officer, Sign Language Policy Officer

NICS; Belfast; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Belfast seeks a Staff Officer for the Sign Language Policy Team. The role involves contributing to the NI Sign Language Bill and engaging with stakeholders in the Deaf community. Ideal candidates will have fluency in BSL and/or ISL, alongside significant experience in leadership and Sign Language Policy. This is a permanent position with a salary ranging from £37,694 to £38,990 per annum.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience of effective leadership and communication.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience managing service delivery and improvements.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in Sign Language Policy.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the NI Sign Language Bill through legislative processes.
• Consult with stakeholders in the Sign Language Sector.
• Monitor and support implementation of NI Sign Language legislation.

Skills

Natural fluency in British Sign Language (BSL)

Natural fluency in Irish Sign Language (ISL)

Knowledge of d/Deaf culture

Leadership

Communication

Education

Signature Level 6 qualification in BSL or ISL

Job description

Staff Officer, Sign Language Policy Officer

This SO post sits within Sign Language Policy and Legislation Team in DFC. Please see employer website for full job details & person specification.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to progressing the NI Sign Language Bill through the legislative processes.
• Working and consulting with key stakeholders in the Sign Language Sector/Community, public bodies and, Executive departments to advise on the progress of the NI Sign Language Bill.
• Work closely with a wide range of Deaf community stakeholders, as well as Executive Departments, local authorities and others to develop best practice for public bodies to improve access to public services for the Deaf community.
• Monitoring and supporting the implementation of the NI Sign Language legislation and providing real time engagement with the d/Deaf community through BSL and/or ISL.
• Provide secretariat support to the cross-departmental/Deaf sector forum, the Sign Language Partnership Group, and contribute to the management and development of wider stakeholder/partnership relationships.

Skills and Qualifications

• Applicants must, by the closing date for applications have: Natural fluency in British Sign Language (BSL) and/or Irish Sign Language (ISL), preferably both, and an in-depth knowledge and experience of d/Deaf culture in Northern Ireland.
• AND A Signature Level 6 qualification (or equivalent) in BSL or ISL.
• AND A minimum of 2 years’ demonstrable experience of effective leadership and communication, setting and prioritising goals to meet organisational business objectives.
• AND A minimum of 2 years’ experience of managing the delivery of a quality service including identifying and implementing improvements to meet the requirements of a diverse range of customers.
• AND A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in Sign Language Policy within public and private/charitable organisations.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday, 19th of September 2025 at 12 noon. Applications from Protestants, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit

Vacancy ID 1731709 Job ref. IRC317339 Job Sector Public Sector Area Belfast Location Belfast Salary £37,694 - £38,990 per annum No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Permanent Weekly hours 37 Published date 01/09/2025 Closing date 19/09/2025 Worktime Monday to Friday, most offices work flexi-time