Communication Support Worker

Bedford College Group; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Central Bedfordshire is looking for a Communication Support Worker. You will provide essential support to Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners, ensuring access to the curriculum. Applicants must have a Level 3 BSL qualification and relevant experience. This hourly paid role involves collaboration with colleagues and supporting various college activities. To be successful, you should possess strong communication and organisational skills along with a commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Essential qualifications include a Level 3 BSL qualification.
• Relevant experience includes supporting Deaf or Hard of Hearing learners.
• Core skills required are strong communication and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners in class and across the college.
• Work under tutor direction and provide Deaf awareness guidance.
• Maintain accurate support documentation and ensure resources are up-to-date.

Skills

Strong communication

Organisational skills

Time-management skills

Accurate record-keeping

Competent IT skills

Education

Minimum Level 3 BSL qualification

Job description

Communication Support Worker

Location: Central Bedfordshire College and Shuttleworth College Campuses

Salary: £27.00 per hour (DOE and Qualifications)

Hours/Weeks: 10 hours per week – may change depending on student needs

Contract Type: Sessional – Hourly Paid

This is a UK‑based contract. Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK; we cannot offer sponsorship.

About the role

We are currently seeking a Communication Support Worker to join our Foundation Learning and Additional Learning Support department within The Bedford College Group. This role is essential in supporting students’ success by:

• Providing Communication Support – Assist Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners in class and across the college, ensuring access to the curriculum and promoting independence.
• Collaborating with Staff & Learners – Work under tutor direction, agree classroom responsibilities, and offer Deaf awareness guidance to staff and peers.
• Maintaining Records & Resources – Keep accurate support documentation, update learning resources, and ensure hearing loop systems are operational.
• Contributing to Team & College Activities – Attend meetings, mentor new CSWs, and support events such as open days and inductions.
• Upholding Professional Standards – Ensure safeguarding, EDI, and health & safety compliance while engaging in ongoing training and development.

About you

• Essential Qualifications – Minimum Level 3 BSL qualification and working knowledge of post‑16 learner support.
• Relevant Experience – Supporting Deaf or Hard of Hearing learners in education or care settings, mentoring team members, and working with a wide age range.
• Core Skills – Strong communication, organisational and time‑management skills, accurate record‑keeping, and competent IT skills.
• Professional Attributes – Supportive, approachable, calm under pressure, committed to equality, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility & Safeguarding – Willingness to work across sites, undertake staff development, and uphold safeguarding and professional boundaries at all times.

For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the attached Job Description.

Interviews to be held: 16 January 2026

Alignment to our VISION values

• Valuing Teamwork – We are one team, working together to achieve great outcomes for students.
• Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by sharing knowledge and learning from others.
• Student Centred – We put students at the heart of all decisions, creating positive outcomes and memorable experiences.
• Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, learning from one another.
• Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of staff, students, community and society, fostering trust and support.
• Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote excellence by delivering programmes that challenge students to achieve their ambitions.

About The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. The Group includes Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College, Tresham College, Shuttleworth College, the Bedford Sixth Form, Corby Sixth Form and the National College for Motorsport, along with community‑based learning centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering.

Safeguarding our Students

The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will undergo a thorough vetting process, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Candidates barred from working with children are reminded that applying for this post is a criminal offence.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.