At a Glance
- Tasks: Support deaf children in various educational settings using British Sign Language.
- Company: Midlothian Council, committed to transforming service delivery.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and school hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of deaf young people.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Stage 3 Certificate in BSL and relevant experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 22003 - 22003 £ per year.
Please be advised that the successful applicant may be required to support deaf children and young pupils in a wide range of settings. This could include homes, nurseries, mainstream primary and secondary schools, as well as special schools.
KNOWLEDGE
Jobholders must hold a Signature/SQA Stage 3 Certificate in British Sign Language and be working towards Level 6, as well as 3 Standard Grades, including English, or equivalent qualification, or suitable relevant experience of working with deaf people. Jobholders must also have experience of working with deaf young people and their teachers in an educational setting and working with people requiring interpretation from spoken English to BSL.
CLOSING DATE - Monday 20th April
INTERVIEW DATE - Wednesday 29th April
Requirements
- Position Title: Communications Support Worker (British Sign Language)
- Directorate: Children, Young People and Partnerships
- Location: Cuiken Primary School
- Contract Status: Permanent
- Hours: 30 hours per week
- Working Pattern: School hours (plus handover times)
- Weeks per year: 39
Please note that it is Midlothian Council's policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. Based on 30 hours over 39 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £22,003.74 per annum (as of 01 April 2026).
Responsibilities
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.
For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk. Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
The Individual
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Communication Support Worker (British Sign Language) - MID07398 employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Support Worker (British Sign Language) - MID07398
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the field of communication support and British Sign Language. Attend local events or join online groups to meet people who can give you insider tips or even refer you to job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your BSL skills regularly. The more fluent you are, the more confident you'll feel during interviews. Consider setting up mock interviews with friends or mentors who can provide feedback on your signing and communication style.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the schools and organisations you're applying to. Knowing their values and how they support deaf children will help you tailor your responses in interviews. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and interests. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities in the field of communication support.
We think you need these skills to ace Communication Support Worker (British Sign Language) - MID07398
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your BSL Skills: Make sure to highlight your Signature/SQA Stage 3 Certificate in British Sign Language and any progress towards Level 6. We want to see how your skills can support deaf children and young people!
Tailor Your Experience: When you’re writing your application, focus on your experience working with deaf young people and their teachers. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in educational settings – this will really catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your BSL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your British Sign Language skills before the interview. Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency, as this role heavily relies on effective communication with deaf children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with deaf individuals, especially in educational settings. Share specific examples of how you've supported students or collaborated with teachers to enhance learning.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the job description and responsibilities. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to supporting deaf children across various settings, from nurseries to special schools.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can best fit into their team and support their mission.