Communication Support Worker - Citywide

The City of Edinburgh Council; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Edinburgh Council is recruiting a Communication Support Worker to join the citywide Deaf Support Team. The role involves providing bespoke communication support to deaf children and young people across Early Years, schools and special schools, in collaboration with Teachers of the Deaf and the wider team.

Applicants should have Level 3/SCQF level 6 in British Sign Language or equivalent experience.

Qualifications

• Must have Level 3/SCQF 6 in British Sign Language or demonstrate equivalent skills/experience.
• Experience supporting deaf children and young people in education settings is desirable.
• Commitment to inclusive bilingual service delivery and safeguarding requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide bespoke communication support to deaf children/young people across Early Years, primary, secondary and special schools.
• Work with Teachers of the Deaf and the wider team to plan and adapt materials and use ICT/tools to support communication.
• Assist in facilitating communication with peers and the wider school community and promote inclusion and deaf awareness.
• Contribute to PVG pre-employment checks and safeguarding processes as required.

Skills

BSL proficiency

Communication skills

Education

BSL Level 3/SCQF 6 or equivalent

Job description

Communication Support Worker
Citywide

Salary: £30,188 - £34,452 per year (pro rata for part time & sessional)
Hours: 36 per week, 39 weeks sessional

Part time hours will be considered

This is an exciting opportunity to join our citywide Deaf Support Team as a Communication Support Worker. The Deaf Support Team is an inclusive bilingual service that supports babies, children and young people 0-18 years with hearing difference at home and in education. The team is made up of Teachers of the Deaf, BSL Tutors, Nursery Nurses and Communication Support Workers who work together with Parents/carers, healthcare professionals and educational staff to improve outcomes deaf children.

The Communication Support Worker will provide bespoke communication support to deaf children/young people, including those complex additional support needs, working across Early Years settings, schools and special schools as part of the larger team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and caring individual who will work with Teachers of the Deaf, and the wider team around the child, to identify, plan and provide effective communication support. This may include interpreting/translating information in British Sign Language (BSL) and/or other agreed communication methods e.g. English, Sign-Supported English, lip speaking and scribing/note taking as necessary, using visuals, communication devices, systems, strategies, and tools that replace or support spoken language as part of an inclusive communication approach.

Post holders will advise and assist educational staff to ensure that deaf pupils can access the curriculum fully and achieve the best possible learning outcomes. They will adapt learning materials using a range of equipment and ICT where appropriate. They will take a lead role in facilitating communication with peers and the wider school community, promoting inclusion and deaf awareness.

These posts require the post holder to work in a range of settings across the city including: Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Special schools and as such applicants must be willing to work anywhere in the city as required.

Applicants should hold Level 3/ SCQF level 6 in British Sign Language or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills/experience.

A BSL skills test will form part of the interview process.

This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. Anunconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be anassessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.

Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range.

Happy to talk flexible working.