At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Deaf children in education using British Sign Language and enhance their communication skills.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council's dedicated Sensory Service team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and generous leave entitlements.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Deaf children and young people.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Communication Support and BSL skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 33699 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council
Address: Various locations across Suffolk
Salary: £28,598 - £33,699 pro rata
Hours: 30 hours per week - Term time only
Contract: Permanent and Fixed Term
- Post 1: Permanent - The role is community based, meaning you could be required to work in education settings across Suffolk. It is likely that the post will be based in the East and West of the County according to need. Your official base will be the Suffolk County Council office nearest to your home, but most of your time will be in the community, in Education settings.
- Post 2: Fixed term for 3 years until July 2028 - King Edward VI School, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3BH - On-site working
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Suffolk County Council (SCC) Sensory Service as a BSL Communication Support Worker within Services for Deaf Children and Young People (CYP).
Your role and responsibilities:
The Sensory Service is seeking to recruit a BSL Communication Support worker to provide support to access education and communication in social contexts. You will work alongside teachers of the Deaf, communication support workers and other school staff to make the curriculum and all communication in school accessible. You will translate between BSL and English within the classroom and in social situations.
You will need:
- Level 3 qualification in Communication Support with Deaf Learners or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British Sign Language or equivalent skill and experience (desirable).
- Experience of supporting d/Deaf young people and making learning accessible.
- To be deaf aware and understanding of the needs of a deaf learner.
The team:
Services for Deaf Children and Young People are part of the Sensory service within the Specialist Education Service (SES). We work closely with the other teams within the Sensory service as well as the wider teams within SES. We have a large team of specialists who are highly committed to d/Deaf children and young people in Suffolk and their families. We embrace our work with our many schools and education settings, from Early Years to Post 16, empowering them to work within their varied communities. We are a friendly, energetic and committed team. We are supportive of each other and thrive on the difference we can make to children and young people and their families in our county.
We will offer you:
- Access to continuing professional development offered within Specialist Education Services.
- On-going mentoring and support from colleagues within services for Deaf CYP and the resource base Teachers of the Deaf.
Empowering Everyone:
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information:
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Andrea Carron on 07850 217238 or email andrea.carron@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply:
- Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
- Click Apply Now to start your online application.
- Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- What does being deaf aware mean to you, and how do you demonstrate this in your work?
- Can you describe your experience using British Sign Language (BSL) in an educational setting?
- What strategies do you use to make the curriculum accessible for d/Deaf learners?
- Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
Closing date: 11:30pm, 25 January 2026
Interview date: 3 February 2026 at Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3BH
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Communication Support Worker in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Communication Support Workers dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of Deaf children and young people. With access to ongoing professional development, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to grow their careers while contributing to meaningful community engagement across Suffolk. Join a passionate team that values collaboration and innovation in education settings, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Support Worker in Bury St Edmunds
✨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 Suffolk County Council.
✨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 Suffolk County Council!
✨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 Suffolk County Council, 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 Suffolk County Council 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 in Bury St Edmunds
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 Suffolk County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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.
