Communicator/Communication Support

Portsmouth City Council; Ringford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Portsmouth City Council is seeking a dedicated Communicator/Communication Support Worker to join the Vision and Hearing Team within the Inclusion Service of the Education Department. This fixed-term role runs until 31 August 2027, at 13 hours across 2 days per week during term time.

You will support pupils’ language development and participation, using SSE or BSL as advised. The ideal candidate holds Signature Sign Language Level 2, with knowledge of Signed English desirable.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Sign Language (BSL) and Signed English desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Help pupils access the National Curriculum and work towards EHCP goals.
• Adapt and clarify language, prepare learning materials and check pupil understanding.
• Facilitate communication using SSE or BSL as advised by the Teacher of the Deaf.
• Maintain communication with families and professionals, contribute to reports and records.

Skills

Sign language proficiency

Written and verbal communication

Teamwork

Education

Signature Sign Language Level 2

Signed English knowledge desirable

Job description

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.

This role is Fixed Term until 31.08.27, working 13 hours - 2 days per week (Term Time Only)

About the Role

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.

The ideal candidate

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.

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Safeguarding Roles

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.

You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.

We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal