At a Glance
- Tasks: Support deaf learners in education and employment, facilitating communication and encouraging independence.
- Company: The Deaf Academy, a supportive environment dedicated to empowering deaf young people.
- Benefits: Gain qualifications, receive mentoring, and develop professional skills while making a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth in a diverse setting.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding career path that helps deaf learners achieve confidence and success.
- Qualifications: BSL Level 2 or 3, GCSE Maths and English, and experience with Deaf individuals.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Your Role
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.
Requirements:
- 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.
Safeguarding Information
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 as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).
The Academy is a Disability Committed Employer in promoting diversity and inclusion for all its students and staff. The Academy is also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in supporting ex-service personnel in recognising their skills and experience.
Trainee Communication Support Worker for Deaf Learners employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their teaching career in North Devon. With a strong commitment to employee development, the role of Cover Supervisor offers valuable training opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives in a supportive and engaging work culture. Enjoy the benefits of working in a community-focused environment that values education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Communication Support Worker for Deaf Learners
✨Tap Into Local Support Groups
Get involved with local community support groups or charities related to social work. These places are often hubs for networking and can lead to trainee opportunities at organisations like Devon County Council. Plus, volunteering can give you hands-on experience that makes your application pop!
✨Connect with University Career Services
If you’re still studying, use your university's career services to find trainee roles in social work. They often have partnerships with organisations and can help set up interviews at places like Devon County Council. Don’t underestimate those dedicated programmes; they’re made for people like us!
✨Attend Social Work Events
Keep an eye out for workshops, conferences, or networking events in the social work field. These can be fantastic for meeting professionals from organisations like Devon County Council and getting insights on what they look for in trainees.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Build a portfolio or a blog where you share your thoughts on social work issues. This not only showcases your passion but also makes you more visible to companies like Devon County Council looking for trainees who genuinely care about the field. We can all make a difference, so let your enthusiasm shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Communication Support Worker for Deaf Learners
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. Talk about experiences that sparked your interest in social work, whether that’s volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. We're looking for trainees who genuinely care – that passion is what makes a difference!
Highlight Relevant Experiences:Even if you haven’t worked in social work before, think about transferable skills from other roles or volunteering. Mention things like teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving. Include specific examples that demonstrate your abilities and how they relate to the social work field.
Tailor Your CV for Social Work:When it comes to your CV, make sure to include any relevant qualifications or certifications, like first aid or mental health first responder training. Also, focus on any academic achievements related to social work, such as modules you've taken or projects you’ve completed that showcase your skills in the field.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Learning Goals:As a trainee, it’s important to emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow. Be prepared to mention what you hope to gain from the experience at Devon County Council. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a chance to develop your skills and make a real impact in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on key social work theories and frameworks, especially those relevant to the specific role at Devon County Council. Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of models like the ecological systems theory or strengths-based approaches, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Emphasise Your Empathy
As a trainee in social work, you'll need to showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare to share examples where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in challenging situations, whether in prior experiences or your studies.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect the interviewers to put you through situational questions that test your problem-solving and crisis management skills. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios you might face as a social worker, focusing on how you would assess and intervene in those situations.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, it’s vital to express your eagerness to learn and grow in your role at Devon County Council. Be prepared to discuss what specific skills you hope to develop during the traineeship and how your passion for social work drives your career aspirations.
