Communication Support Worker – SEND Hearing Impairment (CSW)

Job Title: Communication Support Worker – SEND Hearing Impairment (CSW)

Location: Across all college sites

About the Opportunity

At Dovetail and Slate, we are partnering with a successful local college to find a talented Communication Support Worker (SEND HI). In this role, you will work within an educational environment dedicated to creating opportunities and changing lives. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring deaf and hard of hearing learners have equal access to education and are empowered to achieve their full potential.

The Role

Your primary purpose will be to provide a high-quality British Sign Language (BSL) signing and general support service for deaf and hard of hearing learners within the college environment. When appropriate, you will also offer support to other learners with SEND in the same classroom setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver BSL-English and English-BSL communication support for students across a variety of educational programmes, including differentiating work for 1:1 and small group sessions.

• Encourage the full integration and acceptance of deaf and hard of hearing students within mainstream classes.

• Promote learner independence and help prepare students for adulthood.

• Contribute to smooth transition planning into, through, and out of the college, which includes actively participating in EHCP meetings.

• Utilize specialized aids and techniques, making referrals to specialist services and agencies when necessary.

• Maintain accurate records of delivered support in accordance with audit regulations, covering all SEND, adult (19+), and apprentice learners.

• Deliver relevant CPD training to staff members across the partner college to raise awareness.

• Uphold absolute standards of safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, and British values.

About You

To be successful in this rewarding role, you must be a dedicated professional who aligns with the college’s core values of Kindness, Unity, and Excellence.

Requirements:

• BSL Qualification (Essential): A minimum of a Level 3 British Sign Language qualification, or actively working towards one.

• Literacy & Numeracy (Essential): A minimum of a Level 2 qualification (e.g., GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent).

• Signing Experience (Essential): Proven experience providing signing and general support services for deaf/hard of hearing students in an educational setting.

• Vocational Fluency (Essential): Experience using BSL at Level 3 and above to communicate across a range of technical and vocational subject areas.

• Sector Knowledge (Essential): A clear understanding of how deafness affects learning, a toolkit of strategies to support learners, and an awareness of EHCP processes.

• Post-16 Experience (Desirable): Previous experience working within a post-16 educational setting.

• Digital Skills (Desirable): Proficiency in digital literacy, including the Microsoft Office suite.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.