Communication Support Worker

Derby College Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)

LGPS pension scheme 19.9% employer

Discounts with local services

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Derby College Group is seeking a Communication Support Worker to join the Deaf Access Team. You will provide sign support and notetaking to Deaf students within the college and local community, helping learners to participate fully in academic and social activities.

The role requires strong communication, organisation, and a commitment to inclusion, with knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and experience supporting Deaf learners in FE. Level 2 BSL and English/Maths qualifications are expected.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting deaf learners in an educational setting.
• Solid knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and related good practice.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Provide sign support and notetaking to Deaf students within the College and local community.
• Identify and meet each learner’s individual communication needs to support inclusion.
• Support Deaf learners to participate in college life and activities such as open evenings and placements.

Skills

BSL Level 2

Excellent communicator

Highly organised

Relationship building

Customer-focused

Equality Act 2010 knowledge

Education

Level 2 BSL

Level 2 English

Level 2 Maths

Level 3 Communication Support for Deaf Learners

Job description

Optimistic – Equity – Kindness – Innovation – Collaboration

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.

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.

You’ll be joining a supportive, friendly team of CSWs who will encourage you to develop your communication & professional skills. You must be qualified to Level 2 or above in BSL and have knowledge of the Equality Act 2010.

For a full explanation of the person specification, please see the Job Description here.

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
• TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
• 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
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro‑divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at [e-mail].

Safeguarding statement

DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

If you require visa sponsorship

Please note that as salary is agreed upon appointment and is based on your skills, experience and qualifications, this role may be ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Please consult the Home Office website for further information, and to establish if you would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.