The Role:
The Lip Speaker provides specialist communication support to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing students who receive support through Disabled Students’ Allowance. The role enables students to access spoken information in lectures, seminars, tutorials, meetings, practical sessions and online learning by repeating the speaker’s message using clear lip patterns, appropriate facial expression and gesture, and, where agreed, additional sign support.
Key Responsibilities
- Accurately and discreetly lip speak spoken content for students in teaching, learning and academic support settings.
- Adapt communication style to the student’s individual access needs, preferences and residual hearing where appropriate.
- Support access to lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, group discussions, presentations, placements and one-to-one meetings.
- Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and impartiality at all times.
- Prepare for assignments by reviewing timetables, subject terminology, materials and access arrangements where available.
- Liaise professionally with students, disability advisers, lecturers, support coordinators and other non-medical help providers.
- Record attendance, complete timesheets and follow provider or DSA administrative processes accurately and promptly.
- Identify and report any access, safeguarding, wellbeing or conduct concerns through the appropriate channels.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Excellent lipspeaking skills, including clear lip patterns, pace, facial expression and appropriate gesture.
- Understanding of deafness, hearing loss and the impact of communication barriers in higher education.
- Ability to work flexibly across in-person and remote learning environments.
- Strong interpersonal skills and confidence working with students, academic staff and support teams.
- High levels of accuracy, concentration, professionalism and discretion.
- Good preparation, time management and record-keeping skills.
- Awareness of equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality requirements.
Qualifications and Registration
Candidates should hold a recognised lipspeaking qualification or registration appropriate for working with deaf and deafblind people, such as Signature Level 3 Certificate in Lipspeaking, CACDP Level 3 Certificate for Language Service Providers working with Deaf and Deafblind People (Lipspeaking), or NRCPD registration as a Lipspeaker. Evidence of continuing professional development and current professional standards should be maintained.
Working Arrangements
- Location: Higher education settings, remote learning environments and other agreed academic locations.
- Contract type: Freelance
- Hours: Variable, based on student timetables, support plans and availability.
- Assignments over extended periods may require more than one communication professional to maintain quality and accuracy.
Person Specification
- Student-centred, respectful and committed to inclusive learning.
- Reliable, punctual and able to work independently.
- Calm and professional in busy teaching environments.
- Responsive to individual communication needs without taking over the student’s learning or decision-making.
- Committed to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding responsibilities.
Safeguarding and Compliance
The post holder must comply with relevant safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection, equality and professional conduct requirements. Appointment may be subject to satisfactory references, right-to-work checks, evidence of qualifications or registration, and any required background checks in line with organisational policy.
What Amano offer you:
A rewarding and flexible role
Be part of a professional and friendly team
Comprehensive CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Competitive rates of pay
Innovative, easy-to-use Amano App
Flexibility to work around you during sociable hours
Adds experience and depth to your CV
If you are interested, please contact us at [email protected] with your CV for a discussion about the role.
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: £15.00-£20.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Are you able to provide face-to-face support to students in Portsmouth?
- Do you hold any of the specified qualifications detailed within the job description? Signature Level 3 Certificate in Lipspeaking, CACDP Level 3 Certificate for Language Service Providers working with Deaf and Deafblind People or NRCPD registration as Lipspeaker.
Education:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Portsmouth PO6 (required)
Work Location: In person
