At a Glance
- Tasks: Support d/Deaf and Hearing-Impaired students in their learning journey through various communication methods.
- Company: Sheffield College, a vibrant institution transforming lives through inclusive education.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 30 days annual leave, health support, and enhanced pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while promoting inclusivity and diversity.
- Qualifications: Experience in communication support and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 33563 - 33563 £ per year.
£28,760 - £33,563 per annum (this will be pro rata'd for hours and weeks worked).
About Us
The Sheffield College is a further and higher education institution dedicated to providing academic, vocational, and professional qualifications to approximately 13,000 young people and adults annually. Our mission is to transform lives through learning, advocating for inclusivity and diversity at every stage.
About The Role
Working to improve the access and participation of d/Deaf and Hearing‑Impaired students, both academically and socially, by providing a range of communication support methods which meet the individual or group of d/Deaf and Hearing‑Impaired students’ needs while raising and improving deaf awareness within the classroom and college wide.
Main Responsibilities
- Conveying the contents of lessons in a variety of settings – classroom, workshops, online (onsite or from home), work placements and other learning environments.
- Using one or more skills appropriate to student needs, e.g., lip‑speaking, sign to voice/voice to sign translation, note‑taking, “live explanations”.
- Providing appropriate support according to the student’s subject area, level of course, student maturity and other additional support needs.
- Being directed by the SEND Advisor for Hearing‑Impaired regarding the type of support to be provided in class.
- Liaising with the SEND Advisor for Hearing‑Impaired, subject tutors, EHCP coordinators and the Lead Transition Progression Coordinator to:
- Keep abreast of the student’s course and materials and changing support needs through liaison, preparing lessons in advance.
- Undertake tasks that increase accessibility of course materials, e.g., explaining the language of handouts and/or adding notes.
- Highlight any new terms and concepts that students may have difficulty understanding.
- Alert staff that course materials may need modifying such as handouts, video transcriptions and/or subtitling.
- Assist in the preparation of transcripts/video subtitling.
- Support students outside scheduled class time to complete work set by subject tutors.
- Inform the SEND Advisor for Hearing‑Impaired when mainstream lecturers or peer groups would benefit from hearing awareness training and contribute to strategy development.
- Respond positively to mainstream lecturers and student peer groups in a clear, supportive and professional manner to facilitate inclusion of Hearing‑Impaired students.
- Seek guidance and advice from lecturers, the SEND Advisor and visiting Teachers of the Deaf on issues relating to the support of Deaf and Hearing‑Impaired students, including any further additional support students may need.
- Enhance opportunities for students to be independent while maintaining professional and personal boundaries at all times.
- Keep regular records and undertake support‑related administrative duties, e.g., entering detailed records on college systems (Pro‑Monitor) and submitting a weekly work time record sheet.
Our Benefits
- Enhanced pension contributions scheme with SYPA – 18.6%
- Annual leave – 30 days (222 hrs) plus 8 bank holidays (59.2 hrs), including a discretionary Christmas closure period.
- Health and wellbeing support offered.
- Employee assistance programme through Bupa.
- Occupational health through PAM.
- Free eye tests for VDU users.
- Free parking available at the majority of our campuses.
Disability Confident
We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during recruitment, upon appointment and as an employee. Please review our Recruitment Guidelines for Disabled Candidates, which provide further information on reasonable adjustments and how the Disability Confident scheme works in practice. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support at any point throughout the process, please contact jobs@sheffcol.ac.uk.
Armed Forces Covenant
As part of our commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant, we’re pledged to support the Armed Forces community, recognising the value of personnel, veterans and military families to our community and country.
Safeguarding
We are an employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. Successful applicants will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to safer recruiting procedures. Further details on safer recruiting procedures, including employment of ex‑offenders, can be found in the safeguarding policy.
Closing date: 16th May 2026. Please be aware – if we have a high number of applications, we may decide to close the vacancy earlier.
Communication Support Worker in Sheffield employer: onlyFE
The Sheffield College is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and diversity, offering a supportive work culture where Communication Support Workers can thrive. With generous benefits such as enhanced pension contributions, 30 days of annual leave, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of d/Deaf and Hearing-Impaired students. Located in a vibrant educational environment, the college fosters professional growth and development, ensuring that staff have the resources and training needed to excel in their roles.
