Communication Support Worker

Teaching Vacancies; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days holiday

LGPS pension 19.9%

Staff discounts

Free eye tests

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Teaching Vacancies is recruiting a Communication Support Worker to join our Deaf Access Team at the Derby area college. You will support deaf learners to participate fully in college life, using sign language and notetaking to meet diverse needs.

This role requires at least Level 2 BSL and Level 2 English/Maths, with a Level 3 qualification in Communication Support for Deaf Learners or related teaching support possible. Collaborative teamwork and a student-centered approach are essential.

Qualifications

• BSL Level 2 minimum and commitment to ongoing development.
• Knowledge of Equality Act 2010 and supporting deaf learners.
• Experience in education and working with diverse learners is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide communication support to Deaf students using sign language and notetaking.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with learners and staff.
• Contribute to promoting Deaf Awareness Week and inclusive practice.

Skills

BSL Level 2

Excellent communicator

Organisational skills

Education

Level 2 English and Maths

Level 3 Qualification in Communication Support for Deaf Learners or Supporting Teaching & Learning

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Applicants must have British Sign Language (BSL) Level 2 minimum.

We are recruiting for a communication Support Worker to join our Deaf Access Team .The team is well-established and comprises of highly skilled and experienced Communication Support Workers and Sign Language Interpreters who provide communication support to Deaf students within the College and local community. We also operate a communication support agency providing communication support to Deaf people in Derby and the surrounding areas.

The Opportunity

This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of deaf students and apprentices by ensuring they are fully included in every aspect of college life. By working proactively to identify and meet each learner’s individual needs, the post-holder will play a key part in helping students achieve their full potential—academically, socially, and personally. In doing so, the role directly contributes to improving student retention and achievement, while fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where every learner can thrive. There are also ad-hoc events to get involved with throughout the year, such as open evenings and work placements and promoting Deaf Awareness Week to DCG colleagues.

We have various hours available.

For a full explanation of the roles and responsibilities, please see the Job Description here.

About you

This role is for someone who is an excellent communicator, highly organised, and able to build strong, supportive relationships with a diverse range of deaf learners. You will be confident working independently as well as collaboratively within a team, demonstrating a strong customer‑focused approach and a genuine commitment to valuing and embracing diversity. With solid knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and experience supporting deaf learners in an educational setting, you bring an understanding of current approaches, research, and practical support methods—including sign support and notetaking to meet a wide range of individual needs. Ideally, you will also have experience within an FE environment, an awareness of curriculum areas such as ESOL, and knowledge of SEND reforms, the Social Model of Disability, and ALS funding. You will hold at least Level 2 BSL and Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, alongside (or working towards) a Level 3 qualification in Communication Support for Deaf Learners or Supporting Teaching & Learning. Additional IT skills, advanced BSL, and notetaking qualifications would further enhance your suitability.

What the college offers its staff

The Benefits

• 34 days holiday (inclusive of 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days where these occur) pro rata
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
• Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
• Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
• Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
• Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
• Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1-hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
• Continuous development and progression opportunities
• Free eye tests with Specsavers
• Our new and enhanced Employee Assistance Programme provides 24/7 confidential support for wellbeing, mental health, and life matters

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.