Education Sign Language Specialist

Barking & Dagenham College; Romford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Barking & Dagenham College is hiring an Education Sign Language Specialist to join the Deaf Support Service on a full-time permanent basis. The role is 36 hours per week, term-time only, with a salary of £39,319 - £41,521 pro rata, per annum, inclusive of inner London weighting.

The ESLS will provide high-quality BSL interpretation and communication support for Deaf students, facilitating access to teaching, learning and assessments and collaborating with staff to promote inclusion and

Qualifications

• BSL Level 3 or Level 6 BSL qualification is essential.
• Experience providing communication support in education or training settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and equality legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and effective BSL interpretation between spoken English and British Sign Language.
• Support Deaf students to access curriculum, assessments, tutorials and college activities.
• Adapt communication methods to meet individual student needs while maintaining confidentiality.
• Liaise with lecturers and curriculum teams to ensure learning materials are accessible.
• Support students during examinations where allowed under awarding body regulations.
• Attend team meetings, reviews and professional development activities.
• Maintain records of student support in line with college procedures.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Skills

BSL Level 3

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

BSL Level 3 or 6 BSL qualification

Job description

Join a vibrant college committed to the success of our staff, learners, businesses and communities!

We have some exciting opportunities available at Barking and Dagenham College. We are looking for Education Sign Language Specialist (ESLS), to join our Deaf Support Service.

You will join us on a full-time (36 hours per week) permanent, Term Time Only basis and in return, we will offer a competitive salary of £39,319 - £41,521 pro rata'd, p.a. inclusive of inner London weighting.

The Education Sign Language Specialist role:

You will be able to provide high-quality British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting and communication support for Deaf students, enabling them to fully access teaching, learning, assessments, tutorials, and wider college activities. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with teaching staff and support teams to promote inclusion and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities of our Education Sign Language Specialist (ESLS) role:

• Provide accurate and effective BSL interpretation between spoken English and British Sign Language during lessons, tutorials, workshops, practical sessions, meetings, and college events.
• Support Deaf students to access the curriculum while encouraging independence and self-advocacy.
• Adapt communication methods to meet individual student needs while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Liaise with lecturers and curriculum teams to prepare for lessons and ensure learning materials are accessible.
• Support students during examinations where permitted under awarding body regulations.
• Attend team meetings, reviews, and professional development activities.
• Maintain accurate records of student support in line with college procedures.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding in all aspects of the role.
• Work in accordance with the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf.

Our ideal Education Sign Language Specialist (ESLS) candidate should have the following qualifications, and skills and experience:

• Qualified in British Sign Language (BSL) Level 3 (ongoing with experience) or BTEC Communication Support Worker course - Level 6 BSL.
• Experience providing communication support or interpreting within an education, training, or similar environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of Deaf culture and inclusive communication practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality, and equality legislation.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

Closing date for applications: 1st November 2026

Barking & Dagenham College are committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Safeguarding at BDC

All employment offers are made subject to checks in line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines. These include (some of which are dependent upon the role and the individual): enhanced DBS including children’s barred list check, DfE teaching/management barred list check, on-line searches, overseas criminal record check, evidence of identity and right to work in the UK, satisfactory references, confirmation of medical fitness, evidence of relevant qualifications and a check of previous employment history.

You will be required to become familiar with College’s policies and comply with the requirements to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are asked to complete mandatory training on KCSIE and other key areas, and to read the relevant policies.

• Barking and Dagenham College reserve the right to interview and appoint to this role, while advertised.