Communication Support Worker

Providing a wide variety of support to deaf students in a post-16 setting., The role of the Communication Support Worker is to enable deaf students to access, as fully as possible, the curriculum and life in the mainstream college. A CSW is expected to be part of a support team working with individual and/or small groups of students. Although the primary responsibilities of a CSW relate to interpreting, (s)he may also be required to offer other forms of communication support, eg notetaking or lipspeaking. The CSW will not be the sole person responsible for the support of deaf students but works under the direction of Deaf START/ Lead /college course leader., Although most lessons involve interpreting, CSWs are used to support in lessons where, on balance, priority is given to the re-presentation of information from the mainstream tutor's spoken English into sign and vice versa for the student's response. In general, for a CSW to be most effective, adaptation and modification of content, structure and language during the lesson should be required according to the needs of the student in terms of:-

• Sign Language skills
• Ability to take in new information
The CSW should pass on, in a form appropriate to the deaf and hearing-impaired students, the information provided by the tutor/lecturer. The CSW is not responsible for altering the content without their agreement. However, the CSW may decide to drop extraneous information where (s)he judges that the student cannot take on any new information. Technical vocabulary and relevant subject information should not be omitted. Main Duties: The post holder is specifically responsible for ensuring: Communication Support
• support individuals and small groups of deaf students in mainstream classes
according to the needs of the student
• provide interpreting and other forms of communication support, eg notetaking, lipspeaking, to individual and small groups of students, conveying the content of any lesson or discussion according to the needs of the student
• identify specific language and conceptual problems which occur within the classroom and link up with other support staff from Deaf S T A R T who might be able to offer additional help and tutorial support
• facilitate communication between the deaf students and hearing students or adults
• provide appropriate communication for assessments including examinations (college and external) according to the relevant examining body guidelines
Preparation
• discuss with other support colleagues, both Deaf and hearing staff, the most appropriate means of conveying curriculum and other information; discuss with other support staff difficulties which may arise during the lesson, eg new vocabulary, concepts, etc.
• discuss with the tutor in advance of the lesson, where possible, the content of the lesson and expectations of the student highlighting any problems which may arise through the choice of language, presentation, etc.
• discuss with mainstream staff, the role of the CSW and her/his interpreting function.
Planning, Recording and Reporting
• record student's progress and pass on this information to other members of the team
• contribute to annual reviews and other reports as required
Liaison
• meet regularly with colleagues within the support team and college
• liaise closely with other CSWs in all phases in order to share skills and problems
• liaise with colleagues in other phases to ensure a smooth transition between secondary and post-16 education.
Professional Development
• participate in in-service training within the support service
• undertake specific training for a CSW, participating in training sessions and meetings arranged for a CSW on a local, regional and national basis (as a representative of the team)
• Interpret staff and team meetings
• participate in the delivery of in-service training to mainstream colleagues, eg Deaf Awareness, if required, Communicating
• Planning and prioritising
• Controlling emotions
• Managing change
• Customer focus
  
  As a Communication Support Worker, you will bring to the role:
• Positive attitude to deaf people and sign language
• Relate well to a variety of students, colleagues, and professionals
• Ability to work as part of a team and autonomously
• Fluency in English and good general education
• Have experience of working as a communication support worker or interpreter with deaf people., A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children's barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy., Acting positively
• Behaving ethically
• Teamworking
• Striving for excellence
• Managing personal learning and development
• Customer focus, Signature / CACDP Certificate in BSL Stage 2 / Level 2
Signature / CACDP Certificate in BSL Stage 3 /NVQ Level 3 (Or performing at that level) 'O' Level English/GCSE Grade C, or equivalent Skills: The post holder should be able to demonstrate the following
• Positive attitude to deaf people and sign language
• Relate well to a variety of students, colleagues and professionals
• Communication using British Sign Language and more English-like varieties of signing
• Have experience of working with deaf colleagues
• Have experience of working in post-16 education
• Ability to work as part of a team and autonomously
• Fluency in English and good general education
• Have a commitment to Equal Opportunities
• Interpreting and translation skills
• Have experience of working as a communication support worker or interpreter with deaf people
• Be flexible and co-operative
• Ability to travel between sites
Knowledge and Understanding The post holder will be expected to have the following knowledge and understanding:
• Have a knowledge of Deaf culture and the Deaf community
• Knowledge of interpreting
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. Qualifications: Signature / CACDP BSL NVQ4 or equivalent BTEC/Edexcel Communication Support Worker Certificate Interpreting qualification or training A' level English DesireableSkills:
• Observation and recording skills
• Practical skills, eg preparing materials, basic IT
• Note-taking ability
• Have experience of working with students (deaf and hearing) in an educational setting
• Have a knowledge of issues relating to deaf education and bilingualismBe able to work flexible hours, including some evenings, by negotiation
  
  Facilitate curriculum access to post 16 deaf learners using BSL (British Sign Language) Sign Supported English and English.
• Provide communication for staff, students and parents in a variety of situations.
• To adapt materials and the delivery of curriculum content to enable deaf students access
• Deliver programmes of support and learning as required by the post-16 setting.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.


• a competitive salary and statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further