Education Sign Language Specialist

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

Job summary

Barking & Dagenham College is seeking an Education Sign Language Specialist to provide high-quality BSL interpretation and communication support for Deaf students. You will work with teaching staff to promote inclusion, access to learning, and equitable assessments across a range of college activities.

The role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, safeguarding knowledge, and a commitment to student achievement within a term-time, full-time framework.

Qualifications

• Qualified in British Sign Language (BSL) Level 3 or Level 6 BSL equivalent.
• Experience providing communication support or interpreting within 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

BSL Level 3

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Deaf culture awareness

Time management

Education

BSL Level 3 / Level 6 equivalent

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 SupportService.

You will join us on afull-time (36 hours per week)permanent, Term Time Onlybasisand 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 Specialistrole:

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 ourEducation 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) candidateshould 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.

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.

Closing date for applications: 1st November2026

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