Communication Support Worker (Qualified) - The Deaf Academy

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD programme

Sponsorship for BSL up to Level 3

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Life Assurance

Free onsite parking

Cycle to work scheme

Long-term career development

Subsidised lunches with LED membership

Job summary

The Deaf Academy in Devon, UK is seeking a committed Communication Support Worker (Qualified) to enable Deaf learners to access education and achieve qualifications. You will support communication across classrooms, internships and life skills, while mentoring others and contributing to EHCP processes.

You will work within a specialist team to create accessible, multimodal learning environments and promote independent living skills for students with complex needs.

Qualifications

• BSL Level 3 qualification or equivalent is required.
• Signature Level 3 Professional Communication Support qualification or equivalent is required.
• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above or equivalent qualifications.
• Experience supporting Deaf learners in educational or workplace settings.
• Strong understanding of Deaf culture, Deaf identity and Deaf community.
• Knowledge of SEND, EHCPs and inclusive educational practice.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills including accurate note-taking.
• Collaborative approach with students, colleagues and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality BSL communication support across classroom, community and workplace settings.
• Support learning across Level 1–3 programmes to help access teaching and achieve qualifications.
• Assist with transitions into employment through supported internships and adulthood programmes.
• Mentor less experienced Communication Support Workers and share expertise.
• Contribute to annual reviews, EHCP processes and learner-centred planning.
• Contribute to quality assurance and development of communication support within the CSW team.
• Work with teaching staff to develop accessible, multimodal learning environments.
• Support students to develop independence, self-advocacy and resilience for life after the Academy.

Skills

Deaf education

Communication support

Note-taking

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative approach

Education

BSL Level 3 qualification or equivalent

Signature Level 3 Professional Communication Support qualification

GCSE Maths and English (4/C or above)

Job description

No two days at the Deaf Academy are the same — and every day brings an opportunity to make a real difference.

One moment, you could be supporting a student to achieve a qualification in the classroom; the next, facilitating communication on a work placement, helping a learner succeed on a supported internship, or supporting a young person to develop the independence skills they need for adult life. From educational visits and enrichment activities to everyday learning and personal development, your work will open doors, build confidence and create opportunities.

As a Communication Support Worker at the Deaf Academy, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring Deaf students with complex and / or additional needs, can access learning, achieve meaningful qualifications, gain valuable workplace experience and develop the communication, confidence and self‑advocacy skills they need to thrive.

Working as part of a specialist multidisciplinary team, you’ll help create accessible, inclusive learning environments where Deaf young people are empowered to pursue their ambitions, overcome barriers and realise their full potential.

This is an opportunity to use your professional expertise in a role that truly matters — supporting young people not just to succeed in education, but to build the skills, independence and confidence for fulfilling futures.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll provide high‑quality BSL communication support while contributing to an inclusive, ambitious and supportive learning environment. Your responsibilities will include:

• Enabling learning and achievement by supporting students across Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 programmes, helping them access teaching, participate fully and achieve their qualifications.
• Making communication accessible across educational, community and workplace settings, ensuring students can engage, contribute and express themselves confidently.
• Supporting successful transitions into employment by working with students undertaking supported internships and preparation for adulthood programmes.
• Developing the next generation of professionals by mentoring less experienced Communication Support Workers and sharing your knowledge and expertise.
• Championing student progress by contributing to annual reviews, Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes and learner‑centred planning.
• Promoting quality and best practice by contributing to quality assurance and the ongoing development of communication support across the CSW team.
• Collaborating to improve learning by working closely with teaching staff to develop accessible, multimodal learning environments that respond to students’ individual communication needs.
• Supporting independence and confidence by helping students develop the skills, self‑advocacy and resilience they need for life beyond the Academy.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a skilled and committed Communication Support Worker who is passionate about Deaf education, understands the importance of accessible communication and is dedicated to helping young people achieve their ambitions.

• BSL Level 3 qualification or equivalent, with a commitment to continued professional development and progression towards higher‑level qualifications.
• Signature Level 3 Professional Communication Support qualification or equivalent.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications.
• Experience supporting Deaf learners in educational or workplace settings.
• A strong understanding of Deaf culture, Deaf identity and the Deaf community.
• Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), EHCPs and inclusive educational practice.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including accurate and effective note‑taking.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, colleagues and wider professionals.

Desirable experience and qualifications

We’re particularly interested in candidates who can bring additional skills and experience to strengthen our team, including:

• Edexcel Professional Development Award for Communication Support Workers.
• Experience of job coaching or supporting learners in employment settings.
• Experience mentoring colleagues, sharing professional expertise or supporting the development of others.

Bring your expertise. Champion every learner. Make a lasting difference.

Why join the Deaf Academy?

At the Deaf Academy, communication is at the heart of opportunity. Your expertise will help students access education, develop independence, explore employment and build the confidence to shape their own futures.

You’ll be part of a specialist team working towards a shared purpose: ensuring Deaf young people with complex and / or additional needs, have the support, opportunities and skills they need to achieve their ambitions.

What we offer:

• A CPD program geared to your specific training needs
• Sponsorship to achieve qualifications in British Sign Language up to Level 3
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Life Assurance
• Free onsite parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• Long‑term career development within a forward thinking and innovative organisation
• Subsidised lunches for discount on membership with LED

Safeguarding Information

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults; as such an enhanced DBS check is required.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

The Academy is a Disability Committed Employer in promoting diversity and inclusion for all its students and staff. The Academy is also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in supporting ex‑service personnel in recognising their skills and experience.

Communication Support Worker (Qualified) - The Deaf Academy Devon, UK