Communicator/Communication Support

Portsmouth City Council; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Portsmouth City Council is seeking a dedicated Communicator / Communication Support Worker to join the Vision and Hearing Team in the Inclusion Service within the Education Department. You will adapt language, prepare learning materials, and help pupils access the National Curriculum while supporting their communication needs.

Role involves facilitating communication with pupils, staff, and families, contributing to reports, and ensuring devices like hearing aids are checked.

Qualifications

• Hold a Signature Sign Language Level 2 qualification.
• Knowledge of Signed English desirable but not essential.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Help pupils access the National Curriculum and work towards EHCP objectives.
• Adapt and clarify language, reinforce concepts and vocabulary, and prepare learning materials.
• Check pupils' understanding and support progress.
• Facilitate communication and interaction; support group discussions and pupil participation.
• Maintain appropriate communication with families and other professionals; contribute to reports and meetings.

Skills

Sign Language Level 2

Clear spoken language

Communication skills

Job description

Working under the direction of Specialist Teacher Advisers (Teachers of the Deaf) and alongside class teachers, you will help pupils access the National Curriculum and work towards the objectives identified within their Education, Health and Care Plans. You will adapt and clarify language, reinforce key concepts and vocabulary, prepare appropriate learning materials and check pupils' understanding to support their progress.

A key part of your role will be facilitating communication and interaction. Depending on the individual needs of the child or young person, you may use clear spoken language, Sign Supported English (SSE) or British Sign Language (BSL), as advised by the Teacher of the Deaf. You will support language development, facilitate participation in group discussions and help pupils communicate effectively with staff and their peers.

You will also encourage pupils to develop their confidence, resilience and independence, helping them to participate fully in school life. This will include supporting positive relationships with peers and promoting deaf awareness within schools. You may also check hearing aids, radio aids and cochlear implants to ensure they are working effectively and take appropriate action where required.

Alongside your direct work with pupils, you will maintain appropriate communication with families and other professionals, contribute to reports and review meetings when requested, and maintain relevant records.

We are looking for someone to join our team as a dedicated and skilled Communicator / Communication Support Worker to join our highly regarded Vision and Hearing Team, part of the Inclusion Service within the Education Department., You must hold a Signature Sign Language Level 2 qualification. Knowledge of Signed English is desirable but is not essential.

You will have strong written and verbal communication skills and an understanding of the professional boundaries required when working with pupils, parents and staff. You will be comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively within a team and will have excellent organisation, prioritisation and time-management skills.

You should be reflective in your approach to your work, willing to learn and develop professionally, and able to use and provide guidance on specialist software and equipment under the direction of a Specialist Teacher Adviser.