Communicator/Communication Support for Deaf Children and Young People - Portsmouth in Sussex

We are looking for someone to join our team as a dedicated and skilled Communicator / Communication Support Worker to join our highly regarded Vision and Hearing Team, part of the Inclusion Service within the Education Department.

About the Role

This role is vital in helping deaf children and young people (aged 4–16) access learning, communication, and social opportunities within school environments across the city.

As a Communicator, you will:

• Support Access to Learning
  • Work under Specialist Teacher Advisers (Teachers of the Deaf) to help pupils fully access the National Curriculum.
  • Prepare, adapt and clarify learning materials, vocabulary and key concepts.
  • Use ICT and other tools to support learning and independence.
  • Contribute to EHCP targets and review processes.
• Provide Communication Support
  • Facilitate communication using the child’s preferred method, including BSL, Sign Supported English (SSE), or clear spoken English.
  • Model good language use and support language development.
  • Promote deaf awareness across the school environment.
  • Support positive relationships with peers and staff.
• Promote Independence & Wellbeing
  • Encourage confidence, resilience, and independent learning.
  • Check and troubleshoot hearing aids, cochlear implants and radio aids.
  • Assist students in navigating school life and routines.
• Build Effective Partnerships
  • Maintain strong communication with families, staff, and external professionals.
  • Keep accurate records, diaries, and communication logs.
  • Support safeguarding and uphold Portsmouth City Council’s policies.

The ideal candidate must have:

• Signature BSL Level 2 (ESSENTIAL)
• Knowledge of Signed English (desirable)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Good organisation, time management, and self‑reflection skills
• Understanding of professional boundaries and safeguarding
• Willingness to support use of specialist software and equipment

Please ensure that you download and read the full job profile attachment for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention to the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.

Informal Enquiries

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Marie Lloyd, Vision and Hearing Team Leader.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, as we will be shortlisting and interviewing during the advertising period. We therefore encourage early applications.

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.

Application process

We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.

We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria.

More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage.

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact or call the recruitment team.

Safeguarding Roles

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.