Communication Support Worker

The Manchester College is based at many sites across the city, each with its own specialist cutting edge facilities within a friendly and supportive environment. We are the largest FE College in the UK providing education and training to a wide range of learners.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Supported Learning Department as a Communication Support Worker (CSW)on a permanent, part time (between 21 - 28 hours per week) term time only basis.

The purpose of this role is to provide quality innovative and holistic support for students with a Special Educational Need and/or Disability (SEN/D) which promotes independence, achievement and progression. You will be required to work with Deaf High Needs and adult students, as directed by the ALS Manager/Sensory Support Team Leader to provide effective Communication Support.

The role of the Communication Support Worker is to progress learning and the holistic wellbeing of individual or small groups of Deaf learners via in-class and out-of-class support as appropriate, carrying out support interviews, formulating student learning strategies and assessing progress against learning and support targets, EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood targets to ensure Deaf learners are achieving and progressing in line with their peers.

Specifically, the CSW provides Communication Support and interpreting for Deaf students whose primary form of communication is British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting accurately between English and BSL in classes, tutorials, trips and meetings. They enable equality of access to information and education, using a variety of support strategies and communication modes to match individuals' needs and preferences. They translate complex written passages to BSL and BSL to written or spoken English for presentations or assignments. They empower learners with a range of appropriate strategies of support, encouraging their development within educational, social, linguistic, and cultural contexts. They facilitate access to wider college service such as Careers and Welfare, Mentors, safeguarding team, library resources etc. The CSW will actively contribute to Deaf student reviews on the effectiveness of Communication Support in the learning environment. Support could be provided for all the College's divisions including 16-19, Adults, H.E., and Apprenticeships.

In order to do this role, you will need:

• Signature Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language.
• iBSL Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language Studies.
• Minimum of a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths.
• Experience and knowledge, empathy and understanding of the specific issues relating to the education of Deaf young people and adults who have sensory, physical impairments or other specific learning difficulties.
• Experience of communicating for Deaf students in Further, Higher or secondary education
• Experience and competency in the use of IT systems such as Microsoft Office.
• Good knowledge of specific assistive technology or specialist software in supporting Deaf students and those with SEND.
• Ability to interpret relevant information provided through formal support documentation leading to successful bids for high needs support funding, early intervention of Quality First Teaching strategies and detailed and differentiated student learning strategies.
• Plan and produce quality learning resources to support Deaf students to overcome barriers to learning.
• Level 3 or above fluency in British Sign Language.
• Ability to interpret effectively between English and BSL and adjust register according to learner need.
• Ability to deliver informal Deaf Awareness and CSW Awareness to peer groups and curriculum teams.
• Have excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written; and the ability to communicate effectively with Deaf students, teachers, parents and other educational professionals.
• Ability to self-evaluate and make necessary adaptations to own practice and make suggestions to others.
• Successfully contribute to support a culture of teamwork within a multi-disciplinary environment.

In return you will benefit from an excellent package including:

• 35 days paid annual leave plus 5 bank holidays (pro-rated for weeks worked per year).
• Significant pension contribution.
• Retail discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Simply Health scheme care vouchers.

The Manchester College is an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. If you wish to apply for this exciting opportunity, please visit our website to apply! (url removed)/vacancies.

Applicants must demonstrate in their application their ability to meet the key responsibilities, key result areas and Qualifications/Skills and Experience detailed within the role profile.

Salaries are based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

The closing date for this job advert is 12/07/2024. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!

The LTE group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau. Due to the educational aspect of our group some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process.