Communication Support Worker

Oldham College; Shaw; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

49 days holiday

Pension contributions 16.8%

Free counselling and wellbeing support

Free breakfast Fridays

Free parking

Job summary

Oldham College is seeking a committed Communication Support Worker to support the effective delivery of College services and priorities.

You will provide BSL support to Deaf learners, facilitate inclusive classroom participation, and liaise with families and professionals to enable access to the curriculum.

This role supports safeguarding and equality commitments, with flexible working options where possible.

Qualifications

• BSL Level 3 or equivalent required.
• Experience supporting d/Deaf learners in education.
• Ability to liaise with families and external professionals.
• Commitment to equality, safeguarding and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Provide BSL support so d/Deaf learners can access the curriculum.
• Foster inclusion and independence, supporting cochlear implants and radio aids.
• Prepare learning materials, use ICT to support learning, monitor progress.
• Deliver one-to-one sessions and support at events and enrichment activities.
• Manage a caseload, produce monthly progress reports, and keep records.
• Collaborate with Sensory Lead, families and external professionals; deliver Deaf Awareness training.
• Uphold confidentiality, safeguarding and health & safety; work flexibly.
• Carry out duties in line with college policies including safeguarding.

Skills

BSL Level 3

Experience with d/Deaf learners

Communication with hearing-impaired

Supporting adults in education

Deaf Awareness delivery

Deaf Culture knowledge

Job description

ABOUT OLDHAM COLLEGE

Oldham College is one of the largest further education providers in Greater Manchester, supporting thousands of students each year to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for their future.

We work closely with local employers, universities, and community partners to deliver education and training that meets the needs of our region. Our staff play a vital role in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students and colleagues can thrive.

Every role at the College contributes to helping people achieve their potential.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a committed Communication Support Worker to support the effective delivery of College services and priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role you will:

• Classroom communication support: Provide BSL support so d/Deaf learners can access the curriculum, including clarifying language, re-explaining concepts and note taking, in line with their EHCPs.
• Inclusion and independence: Facilitate interactions with non-BSL users, build students' confidence and independence, and support the use of cochlear implants and radio aids.
• Learning preparation and monitoring: Prepare tailored learning materials, use ICT to support learning, and monitor and give feedback on student progress.
• One-to-one and enrichment support: Deliver one-to-one sessions and provide communication support at college events, trips and enrichment activities.
• Caseload and reporting: Manage a caseload of d/Deaf students, produce monthly progress reports, contribute to review meetings, and keep accurate support records.
• Liaison and training: Work with the Sensory Lead, families and external professionals, and deliver Deaf Awareness training to staff and students.
• Professional standards: Uphold confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and health and safety requirements, and work flexibly
• Carry out duties in line with College policies and procedures, including safeguarding and equality commitments

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• BSL Level 3 or equivalent
• Recent experience working with d/Deaf or hearing-impaired adults or students using BSL
• Experience communicating on behalf of, or representing, people with hearing impairments
• Experience supporting adults in educational environments
• Experience of delivering staff development in Deaf/HI issues
• Regular knowledge and skills updates, including delivering Deaf Awareness sessions
• Good understanding of issues in Deaf Culture

WHY JOIN US

We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities to develop and progress. Benefits include:

• 49 days' holiday, supporting work-life balance, including 30 bookable days plus bank holidays, efficiency days, and Christmas closure
• Pension contributions of 16.8%
• Free counselling and wellbeing support
• Retail discounts through our benefits platform
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Paid special leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Free breakfast Fridays
• On-site facilities including canteens and a day nursery
• Free parking and electric car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

INCLUSION AND FLEXIBILITY

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

We support the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving personnel, veterans, and military families.

Flexible working options may be available depending on the role.

SAFEGUARDING

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

This role is subject to pre-employment checks, which may include an enhanced DBS check, DfE barred list check, online searches, and references.

It is a criminal offence under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 to apply for regulated activity roles if barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

USE OF AI IN APPLICATIONS

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. If you do use AI, please ensure the information you submit accurately reflects your own skills, experience, and achievements. You may be asked to discuss your application during the recruitment process.