Communication Support Worker - Trainee

Are you looking for a career supporting deaf young people in education and employment settings? Do you hold BSL Level 2 or L3, with a desire to develop your professional skills and progress through a recognised Communication Support Worker career pathway. As a Trainee Communication Support Worker, you will receive mentoring and support to gain the qualifications, knowledge and practical experience needed to become a qualified CSW, while making a meaningful difference to the lives of deaf learners every day.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting deaf learners on Level 1 and Level 2 programmes.
• Facilitating communication in educational, social and workplace environments.
• Providing support through sign language, communication clarification, note-taking and learning reinforcement.
• Accompanying learners on work placements, supported internships, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Encouraging confidence, independence and self-advocacy.
• Working alongside experienced Communication Support Workers, Teachers of the Deaf and Job Coaches.
• Contributing to learner progress reviews and educational planning.
• Developing your professional skills through mentoring, reflective practice and structured training.
• Accredited BSL Level 2 qualification or equivalent.
• Actively working towards BSL Level 3.
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Experience communicating with Deaf people through work, volunteering, education or lived experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

Development Pathway

As a Trainee Communication Support Worker, you will be supported to progress towards becoming a qualified Communication Support Worker through:

• Achieving BSL Level 3
• Undertaking the Signature Level 3 Award in Professional Communication Support for Deaf Learners (or equivalent recognised Communication Support qualification)
• Developing specialist skills in communication support, Deaf awareness, educational inclusion and supported internships
• Receiving mentoring, supervision and ongoing professional development from experienced CSW+ colleagues

This role is ideal for someone seeking a rewarding and progressive career supporting Deaf learners to achieve independence, confidence and successful futures.

The Deaf Academy Alicia Arburyhr.ukThe Deaf Academy
1 Douglas Avenue
Exmouth
Devon
EX8 2AU

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults; as such an enhanced DBS check is required.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

The Academy is aDisability Committed Employerin promoting diversity and inclusion for all its students and staff. The Academy is also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in supporting ex-service personnel in recognising their skills and experience.

Job type Full Time

Contract type Permanent

Closing 21/08/2026 09:00

Interview TBC

Contract term TTO - Term time only

Pay grade Communication Support Workers | CSW1 - CSW2