Communication Support Worker- Qualified

No two days at the Deaf Academy are the same — and every day brings an opportunity to make a real difference.

One moment, you could be supporting a student to achieve a qualification in the classroom; the next, facilitating communication on a work placement, helping a learner succeed on a supported internship, or supporting a young person to develop the independence skills they need for adult life. From educational visits and enrichment activities to everyday learning and personal development, your work will open doors, build confidence and create opportunities.

As a Communication Support Worker at the Deaf Academy , you’ll play a vital role in ensuring Deaf students with complex and / or additional needs, can access learning, achieve meaningful qualifications, gain valuable workplace experience and develop the communication, confidence and self-advocacy skills they need to thrive.

Working as part of a specialist multidisciplinary team, you’ll help create accessible, inclusive learning environments where Deaf young people are empowered to pursue their ambitions, overcome barriers and realise their full potential.

This is an opportunity to use your professional expertise in a role that truly matters — supporting young people not just to succeed in education, but to build the skills, independence and confidence for fulfilling futures.

You’ll provide high-quality BSL communication support while contributing to an inclusive, ambitious and supportive learning environment. Your responsibilities will include:

• Enabling learning and achievement by supporting students across Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 programmes, helping them access teaching, participate fully and achieve their qualifications.
• Making communication accessible across educational, community and workplace settings, ensuring students can engage, contribute and express themselves confidently.
• Supporting successful transitions into employment by working with students undertaking supported internships and preparation for adulthood programmes.
• Developing the next generation of professionals by mentoring less experienced Communication Support Workers and sharing your knowledge and expertise.
• Championing student progress by contributing to annual reviews, Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes and learner-centred planning.
• Promoting quality and best practice by contributing to quality assurance and the ongoing development of communication support across the CSW team.
• Collaborating to improve learning by working closely with teaching staff to develop accessible, multimodal learning environments that respond to students' individual communication needs.
• Supporting independence and confidence by helping students develop the skills, self-advocacy and resilience they need for life beyond the Academy.

We're looking for a skilled and committed Communication Support Worker who is passionate about Deaf education, understands the importance of accessible communication and is dedicated to helping young people achieve their ambitions.

• BSL Level 3 qualification or equivalent, with a commitment to continued professional development and progression towards higher-level qualifications.
• Signature Level 3 Professional Communication Support qualification or equivalent.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications.
• Experience supporting Deaf learners in educational or workplace settings.
• A strong understanding of Deaf culture, Deaf identity and the Deaf community.
• Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), EHCPs and inclusive educational practice.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including accurate and effective note-taking.
• A collaborative…