Communication Support Worker (Trainee) - The Deaf Academy

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD program geared to training needs

Sponsorship to achieve BSL Level 3

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Life Assurance

Free onsite parking

Cycle to work scheme

Long-term career development

Subsidised lunches

Job summary

The Deaf Academy Devon in the United Kingdom is seeking a Trainee Communication Support Worker to assist Deaf learners in education, employment and daily life, developing signing skills and professional growth across a structured development pathway.

You'll gain mentoring, practical experience and qualifications toward becoming a qualified CSW, including accompanying learners on placements and enrichment activities to build confidence and independence.

Qualifications

• Accredited BSL Level 2 or equivalent.
• Working towards BSL Level 3 with commitment to further signing skills.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above.
• Experience communicating with Deaf people via work, volunteering, education, or lived experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build supportive relationships.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• Willingness to learn, reflect and pursue professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support learners on Level 1 and Level 2 programmes.
• Facilitate effective communication across education, social and workplace settings.
• Make learning accessible through sign language and note-taking.
• Accompany learners on work placements, internships, and visits.
• Support learner confidence and self-advocacy.
• Collaborate with CSW+ team for inclusive, learner-centred support.
• Participate in progress reviews and educational planning.

Skills

BSL Level 2

Sign language communication

Interpersonal skills

Commitment to professional development

Education

GCSE Maths & English (= Grade 4/C or equivalent)

Job description

Help Deaf young people thrive. Build your skills. Shape brighter futures.

Are you passionate about supporting Deaf young people with additional and complex needs to achieve their potential in education, employment and everyday life? Do you hold an accredited BSL Level 2 qualification, have a desire to develop your signing skills, and want to build a rewarding career in communication support?

We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Trainee Communication Support Worker to join our team and help Deaf learners build the confidence, independence and skills they need to succeed.

This is an exciting opportunity to turn your passion for communication and inclusion into a meaningful career. With dedicated mentoring, structured training and hands‑on experience, you’ll develop the knowledge, qualifications and practical skills needed to progress towards becoming a qualified Communication Support Worker.

Working alongside experienced Communication Support Workers, Teachers of the Deaf and Job Coaches, you’ll play a vital role in helping Deaf learners overcome barriers, access opportunities and achieve their goals.

If you’re ready to learn, grow and make a lasting difference, we’d love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

Every day will bring opportunities to support learners, develop your skills and celebrate their progress.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting learning and achievement by working with Deaf learners on Level 1 and Level 2 programmes.
• Facilitating effective communication across educational, social and workplace settings, helping learners participate fully and confidently.
• Making learning accessible through sign language, communication clarification, note-taking and reinforcement of learning.
• Opening doors to new experiences by accompanying learners on work placements, supported internships, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Building confidence and independence by encouraging learners to develop self-advocacy skills and take ownership of their futures.
• Working collaboratively with experienced Communication Support Workers, Teachers of the Deaf and Job Coaches to provide inclusive, learner‑centred support.
• Contributing to learner success by participating in progress reviews and supporting educational planning.
• Investing in your own development through mentoring, reflective practice, structured training and ongoing professional guidance.

What we’re looking for

You don't need to be a fully qualified Communication Support Worker to apply. We're looking for someone with the right foundations, a genuine commitment to Deaf learners and the enthusiasm to develop professionally.

• An accredited BSL Level 2 qualification or equivalent.
• Actively working towards BSL Level 3, with a commitment to further developing your signing skills.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications.
• Experience of communicating with Deaf people through employment, volunteering, education or lived experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive, supportive relationships.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• A willingness to learn, reflect on your practice and embrace opportunities for professional development.

A career with a future — and the support to get there.

We’re committed to helping you build the skills and confidence to progress towards becoming a qualified Communication Support Worker. You’ll benefit from a structured development pathway that combines practical experience with recognised qualifications and professional support.

Your development will include:

Achieving BSL Level 3 to strengthen your signing skills and communication abilities.

Working towards a recognised professional qualification, such as the Signature Level 3 Award in Professional Communication Support for Deaf Learners, or an equivalent recognised Communication Support qualification.

Developing specialist knowledge and skills in communication support, Deaf awareness, educational inclusion and supported internships.

Learning from experienced colleagues through dedicated mentoring, supervision and guidance from our CSW+ team.

Building professional confidence through practical experience, reflective practice and continuing professional development.

You'll be supported to take each step of your journey, developing your expertise while making a positive difference to the learners you work with.

This is more than a training opportunity. It's your chance to build a career where your skills, encouragement and commitment can genuinely change lives.

You'll help Deaf young people with additional and complex neds access education, explore employment opportunities, develop independence and work towards brighter futures, while building a rewarding profession of your own.

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.

If you're passionate about communication, inclusion and helping young people reach their potential, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

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