At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Deaf students in their college journey and promote inclusivity.
- Company: Join a well-established Deaf Access Team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, pension contributions, and discounts on travel and services.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous development and progression in a diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while fostering an inclusive environment for all learners.
- Qualifications: Level 2 BSL and experience supporting Deaf learners in education.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a group of Communication Support Workers to join our Deaf Access Team. The team is well-established and comprises of highly skilled and experienced Communication Support Workers and Sign Language Interpreters who provide communication support to Deaf students within the College and local community. We also operate a communication support agency providing communication support to Deaf people in Derby and the surrounding areas.
This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of deaf students and apprentices by ensuring they are fully included in every aspect of college life. By working proactively to identify and meet each learner's individual needs, the post-holder will play a key part in helping students achieve their full potential academically, socially, and personally. In doing so, the role directly contributes to improving student retention and achievement, while fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where every learner can thrive. There are also ad-hoc events to get involved with throughout the year, such as open evenings and work placements and promoting Deaf Awareness Week to DCG colleagues.
We have part time and full-time roles available for this position.
About you
This role is for someone who is an excellent communicator, highly organised, and able to build strong, supportive relationships with a diverse range of deaf learners. You will be confident working independently as well as collaboratively within a team, demonstrating a strong customer-focused approach and a genuine commitment to valuing and embracing diversity. With solid knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and experience supporting deaf learners in an educational setting, you bring an understanding of current approaches, research, and practical support methods including sign support and notetaking to meet a wide range of individual needs. Ideally, you will also have experience within an FE environment, an awareness of curriculum areas such as ESOL, and knowledge of SEND reforms, the Social Model of Disability, and ALS funding. You will hold at least Level 2 BSL and Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, alongside (or working towards) a Level 3 qualification in Communication Support for Deaf Learners or Supporting Teaching & Learning. Additional IT skills, advanced BSL, and notetaking qualifications would further enhance your suitability.
The Benefits
- 34 days holiday (inclusive of 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days where these occur) pro rata
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
- Discount at our Ofsted rated Outstanding onsite Little Explorers Nursery
- TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
- Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
- Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
- Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
- Flint Bishop Solicitors free will writing, 1-hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
- Continuous development and progression opportunities
- Free eye tests with Specsavers
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.
Safeguarding statement
DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Please note that unfortunately, this role is not eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. If you are on a graduate visa please let us know on your application so we can assess eligibility for employment with us.
Communication Support Worker employer: Professional Training
Joining our Deaf Access Team as a Communication Support Worker offers you the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of deaf students and apprentices. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide a supportive work culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth through continuous development opportunities. Located in Derby, you will enjoy generous benefits including 34 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and various discounts, all while working in an environment dedicated to fostering academic and personal success for every learner.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Support Worker
✨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 Professional Training.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Professional Training!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Professional Training, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Professional Training or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Communication Support Worker
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 Professional Training:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Professional Training! 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 Professional Training
✨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.
