Communication Support Worker - Maternity Cover

Derby College Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days holiday pro rata

LGPS pension 20.5% employer

Nursery discounts

Cycle to Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Derby College Group is seeking a Communication Support Worker to join our Deaf Access Team. This role supports Deaf students and the local community with sign language interpretation and notetaking to ensure inclusive participation across college life.

You will work both independently and with colleagues, applying strong communication and organisational skills while upholding equality and diversity standards.

Qualifications

• Must have Level 2 BSL and Level 2 English and Maths qualifications.
• Level 3 qualification in Communication Support for Deaf Learners or Supporting Teaching & Learning preferred.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and inclusive practices essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide communication support to Deaf students within the College and local community.
• Identify and meet individual learner needs to promote inclusion and retention.
• Work independently and within the Deaf Access Team using sign support and notetaking as required.
• Support engagement in college activities and events promoting Deaf awareness.

Skills

Strong communicator

Organised

Customer-focused

Diversity awareness

BSL Level 2

Education

Level 2 BSL

Level 2 English

Level 2 Maths

Level 3 Communication Support / Supporting Teaching & Learning

Job description

Optimistic – Equity – Kindness – Innovation – Collaboration

Maternity cover - 1 year

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.

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.

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 20.5% 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, 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.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

We are committed to embedding sustainability throughout Derby College Group, from the way we operate to the way we educate and support our learners. We welcome applicants who are motivated to support our sustainability ambitions, help reduce our environmental impact, and contribute to a creating a more sustainable world for our future generation

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.