Trainee Communication Support Worker

Coombe House School; Exmouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Deaf Academy in Exmouth is seeking a Trainee Communication Support Worker to develop into a qualified CSW through mentoring and structured training. You will gain essential qualifications, on-the-job experience and support to help deaf learners achieve independence and success.

We welcome applicants with BSL Level 2, GCSE English and maths and a commitment to safeguarding. This full-time role offers a clear development pathway and hands-on experience in education and employment settings.

Qualifications

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• Accredited BSL Level 2 qualification or equivalent; actively working towards Level 3.
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Experience communicating with Deaf people through work, volunteering, education or lived experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support deaf learners on Level 1 and Level 2 programmes.
• Facilitate communication in educational, social and workplace environments.
• Provide support through sign language, note-taking and learning reinforcement.
• Accompany learners on work placements, internships, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Encourage confidence, independence and self-advocacy.
• Work with experienced CSWs, Teachers of the Deaf and Job Coaches.
• Contribute to learner progress reviews and educational planning.
• Develop professional skills through mentoring and structured training.

Skills

Sign language communication

Interpersonal skills

Deaf awareness

Communication with deaf learners

Education

GCSE Maths & English (Grade 4/C or above)

BSL Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Are you looking for a career supporting deaf young people in education and employment settings? Do you hold BSL Level 2 or L3, with a desire to develop your professional skills and progress through a recognised Communication Support Worker career pathway. As a Trainee Communication Support Worker, you will receive mentoring and support to gain the qualifications, knowledge and practical experience needed to become a qualified CSW, while making a meaningful difference to the lives of deaf learners every day.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting deaf learners on Level 1 and Level 2 programmes.
• Facilitating communication in educational, social and workplace environments.
• Providing support through sign language, communication clarification, note-taking and learning reinforcement.
• Accompanying learners on work placements, supported internships, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Encouraging confidence, independence and self-advocacy.
• Working alongside experienced Communication Support Workers, Teachers of the Deaf and Job Coaches.
• Contributing to learner progress reviews and educational planning.
• Developing your professional skills through mentoring, reflective practice and structured training.
• Accredited BSL Level 2 qualification or equivalent.
• Actively working towards BSL Level 3.
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Experience communicating with Deaf people through work, volunteering, education or lived experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

Development Pathway

As a Trainee Communication Support Worker, you will be supported to progress towards becoming a qualified Communication Support Worker through:

• Achieving BSL Level 3
• Undertaking the Signature Level 3 Award in Professional Communication Support for Deaf Learners (or equivalent recognised Communication Support qualification)
• Developing specialist skills in communication support, Deaf awareness, educational inclusion and supported internships
• Receiving mentoring, supervision and ongoing professional development from experienced CSW+ colleagues

This role is ideal for someone seeking a rewarding and progressive career supporting Deaf learners to achieve independence, confidence and successful futures.

The Deaf Academy

1 Douglas Avenue

Exmouth

Devon

EX8 2AU

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 (i.e. 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 aDisability Committed Employer

in promoting diversity and inclusion for all its students and staff. The Academy is also signed up to theArmed Forces Covenantin supporting ex-service personnel in recognising their skills and experience.

Key Role Information

Job type Full Time

Contract type Permanent

Closing 21/08/2026 09:00

Interview TBC

Contract term TTO - Term time only

Pay grade Communication Support Workers | CSW1 - CSW2