Communication Support Worker (CSW) in Sunderland
Communication Support Worker (CSW)

Communication Support Worker (CSW) in Sunderland

Sunderland Full-Time 26403 - 28142 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Togetherforchildren

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support D/deaf children in communication and learning at Sandhill View Academy.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in children's lives.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Empower D/deaf learners and promote inclusion in education.
  • Qualifications: BSL Level 3 or higher, GCSE Maths and English, experience with D/deaf children.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on wellbeing.

The predicted salary is between 26403 - 28142 £ per year.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, highly skilled and motivated practitioner to join our Children’s Sensory Inclusion, supporting our D/deaf children to access communication and learning at Sandhill View Academy. We are seeking to recruit an appropriately qualified practitioner, with experience of supporting D/deaf children in school. The successful candidate may also have experience in working with children and young people with Multi‑Sensory Impairment (MSI) or complex SEND.

The successful candidate will be expected to provide communication support via BSL and SSE to secondary aged children at Sandhill View Academy. Candidates should ideally already hold BSL Level 3 and be willing to undertake further training and qualifications as required.

As a CSW, you will work under the direction of the Qualified Teacher of Deaf Children (ToD) to support access to learning for D/deaf learners – primarily those children on roll at Sandhill View Academy, though you may also be required to support those in other schools on occasion. You will assist the ToD in managing the learning outcomes for D/deaf, by providing support both within the mainstream classroom and in 1-1 interventions. You will support in the delivery of a strong Personal Understanding of Deafness Curriculum and contribute to whole‑school inclusion, by promoting best practice to the broader school community.

Delivery will take place during the school day and may require flexible working and evenings, such as school Twilight sessions. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We will also carry out an online internet search for information that is publicly available online that might suggest that you are not fit to work with children or young people.

We want you to apply if you:

  • Have a signature accredited BSL Level 3 qualification or higher (or working towards).
  • Have Maths and English at GCSE Grade 4 / C (or equivalent).
  • Have relevant and recent experience of working with D/deaf children and a good understanding of the impact that this can have on learning and access to education.

Contact Anna.Ramsey@togetherforchildren.org.uk for an informal discussion.

Why work with us?

  • Make a difference – our work matters; the work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.
  • Inclusion – thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces, and Menopause.
  • Work‑Life Balance – we offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part‑time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
  • Professional Development – advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.
  • Be part of a happier, healthier workforce – benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
  • Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards – for additional information please read our benefits and rewards documents.

We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neuro‑diverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead EDI@togetherforchildren.org.uk or peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Communication Support Worker (CSW) in Sunderland employer: Togetherforchildren

At Together for Children, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of D/deaf children and their families. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and collaboration, offering flexible working arrangements and extensive professional development opportunities to support your career growth. Join us at Sandhill View Academy, where you can contribute to a rewarding mission while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
Togetherforchildren

Contact Detail:

Togetherforchildren Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Communication Support Worker (CSW) in Sunderland

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school and its values! Research Sandhill View Academy and understand their approach to supporting D/deaf children. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local community groups. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school culture, which can give you an edge in your application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your BSL skills! Since you'll be providing communication support, brush up on your British Sign Language. You might even want to prepare a short introduction in BSL to showcase your skills during the interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact on the lives of D/deaf children.

We think you need these skills to ace Communication Support Worker (CSW) in Sunderland

British Sign Language (BSL) Level 3 or higher
Communication Support for D/deaf children
Understanding of Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI)
Experience with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Ability to support access to learning
1-1 intervention skills
Knowledge of Personal Understanding of Deafness Curriculum
Collaboration with Qualified Teacher of Deaf Children (ToD)
Flexibility in working hours
GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or equivalent
Commitment to professional development
Inclusivity and diversity awareness
Adaptability to different educational settings

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting D/deaf children! Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for the Communication Support Worker role. This will help us understand why you're a great fit.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, especially your BSL Level 3 or higher. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for at Sandhill View Academy.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the role. This helps us quickly grasp your suitability for the position.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at Togetherforchildren

✨Know Your BSL Inside Out

Since this role requires communication support via BSL, make sure you brush up on your skills. Practise common phrases and scenarios you might encounter in the classroom. Being confident in your BSL will show your commitment to supporting D/deaf children effectively.

✨Understand the Impact of Deafness

Familiarise yourself with how deafness can affect learning and communication. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support D/deaf children. This will demonstrate your understanding and experience in the field.

✨Showcase Your Flexibility

The job may require flexible working hours, including evenings. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to the needs of the school. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully managed a flexible schedule.

✨Engage with Inclusion Practices

This role is all about promoting inclusion. Think of examples from your past work where you contributed to an inclusive environment. Be prepared to share how you would implement best practices in the classroom to support all learners.

Communication Support Worker (CSW) in Sunderland
Togetherforchildren
Location: Sunderland

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>