At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adult learners with additional needs using British Sign Language in various settings.
- Company: Join Derby City Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering learners and promoting independence.
- Qualifications: Level 2 BSL qualification and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23583 - 25989 £ per year.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to join our Adult Learning team as a qualified Communication Support Worker (British Sign Language) and General Support Worker. In this rewarding role you will provide high quality support to adult learners with a range of additional needs, including hearing impairment, helping them to access learning opportunities, develop skills, independence and achieve their personal and educational goals.
As a Communication Support Worker/Support Worker, you will work alongside tutors and support staff to create an inclusive, empowering and engaging learning environment. You will be expected to work flexibly in various venues across the city. If you have a level 3 or higher BSL qualification and excellent people skills, we have a place for you on our hard working and successful support team.
Here at Derby City Council, we’re dedicated to delivering nearly 250 first-class services to citizens and businesses in the heart of the Midlands. People are at the centre of all that we do, and we have an outstanding track record of recruiting and developing talented individuals by providing them with varied and fulfilling career opportunities.
In the role of Communication Support Worker/Support Worker, here’s an example of what you’ll be doing to make an impact:
- Provide one to one or small group support for adult learners in classroom and community settings.
- Facilitate communication between deaf learners, tutors, and peers using British Sign Language (BSL).
- Assist learners with understanding and completing learning tasks and materials.
- Identify and implement support strategies to remove barriers to learning.
- Support learners with additional needs to access learning and participate fully in activities.
- Promote independence, confidence and active participation among all learners.
- Maintain accurate records of support provided and learner progress.
- Ensure that working practices have regard to equal opportunities and the needs and welfare of the learners and staff.
To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally have…
Essential Qualifications- Minimum Level 2 British Sign Language with experience.
- English Level 2.
- Maths Level 2.
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
- The ability to write effectively for a number of purposes.
- An understanding of barriers to learning.
- A flexible and empathetic approach to working with learners from diverse backgrounds.
- The ability to work in groups in a team.
- Reliable, trustworthy, accountable and confidential.
- Level 3 or above British Sign Language preferred.
- Experience in supporting the needs of adults with additional needs in order for them to gain access to learning opportunities.
- Experience of working with adults with a hearing impairment in an educational or community setting.
- IT skills - to assist in the preparation of learning materials and resources.
Communication Support Worker employer: Derby City Council
Derby City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and professional growth. As a Tractor Driver/Gardener, you will benefit from a generous annual leave package, a local government pension scheme, and access to exclusive discounts through Team Derby Rewards, making it a rewarding place to build your career in grounds maintenance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Support Worker
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Derby City Council just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Derby City Council. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Communication Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Communication Support Worker role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Derby City Council, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Derby City Council, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Derby City Council, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
