At a Glance
- Tasks: Support deaf children in various settings using British Sign Language.
- Company: Midlothian Council, dedicated to improving services for children and young people.
- Benefits: Permanent position with a competitive salary and school hours.
- Other info: Join a transformative council committed to supporting its employees.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of deaf children and young people.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Stage 3 Certificate in BSL and have relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35892 £ 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 - Tuesday 30th June 2026
INTERVIEW DATE - Week beginning 6th July 2026
Vacancy Information
- Position Title: Communication 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.
Requirements
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.
Additional Information
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) - MID07580 in Penicuik employer: Midlothian Council
Midlothian Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, particularly for those in the role of Communication Support Worker. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on meaningful community impact, staff enjoy opportunities for professional growth while working in a vibrant educational setting at Cuiken Primary School. The council's transformative approach to service delivery ensures that employees are part of a progressive team that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Support Worker (British Sign Language) - MID07580 in Penicuik
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Midlothian Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace Communication Support Worker (British Sign Language) - MID07580 in Penicuik
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Midlothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Midlothian Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
