Communication Support Worker

Providing a wide variety of support to deaf students in a post-16 setting., Job purpose: To enable deaf students to access, as fully as possible, the curriculum and life in mainstream colleges/universities and training centres., 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, e.g., notetaking or lip speaking. 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., 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, e.g., notetaking, lip speaking, 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 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 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, e.g., new vocabulary, concepts, etc.
• Discuss with mainstream staff, the role of the CSW and her/his interpreting function.
• Planning, Recording and Reporting
• Contribute to EHCPs meetings.
• Reporting information to the team as required
Liaison
• Meet regularly with colleagues within the support team and college.
• Liaise closely with other CSWs in all phases 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, e.g., Deaf Awareness, if required
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.,
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
  
  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., 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
• 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
Role specific
• Communicating
• Planning and prioritising
• Controlling emotions
• Managing change
• Customer focus, Signature / CACDP BSL NVQ4 or equivalent
• BTEC/Edexcel Communication Support Worker Certificate
• Interpreting qualification or training
• A' level English
Desirable Skills:
• Observation and recording skills.
• Practical skills, e.g., 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 bilingualism be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings, by negotiation.
  
  As a Communication Support Worker, you'll 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