Communication Support Worker

Application Deadline: 1 August 2026
Department: Student Welfare
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Gillingham Campus
Reporting To: Steven Blewitt
Compensation: £28,625 - £33,063 / year

Description

To provide specialist communication support for deaf and hearing-impaired students and other students with communication needs, enabling them to access learning, assessments, enrichment activities, and wider college life. The postholder will use British Sign Language (BSL), Sign Supported English (SSE), and other appropriate communication strategies to facilitate effective two-way communication between students, staff, and peers.

In addition to providing specialist communication support, the postholder will undertake Learning Support Assistant duties as required, supporting students with additional learning needs and/or disabilities to access their study programmes, develop independence, achieve their goals, and progress successfully. The postholder must be able to maintain effective communication access for students across all aspects of the college day, including during personal care, medical procedures, enrichment activities, educational visits, and emergency situations.

Main Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide specialist communication support for deaf and hearing-impaired students within classroom, workshop, practical, and community-based learning environments using BSL, SSE, and other agreed communication methods.
• Facilitate effective two-way communication between students, teaching staff, support staff, peers, and external professionals to ensure full participation in learning and college life.
• Support students to understand teaching, learning materials, assessment requirements, instructions, discussions, and wider college communications, adapting language where appropriate to meet individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with curriculum staff to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and inclusive strategies that promote student participation, independence, and achievement.
• Prepare, adapt, and support the development of accessible learning resources and communication materials where required.
• Provide support for students during tutorials, examinations, work experience placements, enrichment activities, educational visits, transition activities, and other college events as required.
• Undertake Learning Support Assistant duties, including providing one-to-one and small group support for students with learning difficulties, disabilities, and additional support needs.
• Maintain accurate and timely records relating to student support, progress, communication needs, and interventions in line with college procedures.
• Liaise with curriculum teams, parents/carers, external agencies, and other professionals, where appropriate, to support student progress and successful outcomes.
• Promote student independence by encouraging self-advocacy, communication, confidence, and the development of effective learning and life skills.
• Attend annual reviews, transition meetings, and other multi-agency meetings as required.
• Support students with personal care requirements where appropriately trained and directed, or facilitate effective communication during personal care undertaken by other staff members to ensure dignity, choice, and student involvement.
• Attend staff development activities and maintain professional knowledge of deaf awareness, communication support practice, assistive technology, and inclusive education.