Job Introduction
We are looking to appoint a Communication Support Worker (CSW) to support Deaf / Hearing Impaired Student’s as part of the Deaf /Hearing Inclusion Team with effect from 1 January 2024. This post will initially involve supporting students within two different settings in the Tamworth District.
This post would be suitable for an experienced Teaching Assistant who has additional qualifications and experience in sign language. A commitment and willingness to train to level 2 BSL is required. Experience of working with pupils who have a hearing loss within educational settings is desirable but not essential as full training and support will be given.
Our large centrally based Team consists of Specialist Teachers, Communication Support Workers, Deaf Role Models, and an ICT Support Technician. We support children and young people 0-25 with a sensory loss in a variety of settings including homes, nurseries, mainstream schools, colleges, and specialist provision. We maintain a strong commitment to multi-agency working, inclusive education, high standards of attainment, and quality of life experiences for all our pupils.
Due to the contractual requirements of the role, this post is designated as a casual car user. Applicants must be able to drive, have a driving licence and have daily access to a car. However, for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required. A job share may be considered for suitably experienced and qualified candidates.
Employees have a responsibility for, and must be committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people ensuring they are protected from harm. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Online checks may form part of the recruitment process for shortlisted candidates (as recommended in Keeping children safe in education document - 2023).
Prior to the Interview we will request your references. Failure to obtain references will result in your interview being withdrawn.
Main Responsibility
As a Communication Support Worker (CSW) you will:
- Assist the Service and class teachers in the implementation of the pupil’s curriculum.
- Carry out, under the direct supervision of the teacher(s), individual programmes of learning specifically to support the pupil(s) concerned.
- Assist with the development of basic skills such as language (including sign language where required) and numeracy, where necessary preparing and modifying materials in advance.
- Assist in the implementation of any programmes of support designed by other professionals, including the Specialist Teacher of the Deaf and, when appropriate, Speech and Language Therapist etc.
- Contribute towards the effective inclusion of the pupil(s).
- Assist in the maintenance and use of specialist equipment including daily checks.
- To contribute to any discussions or reviews about pupil(s), as and when requested by the Service for the Deaf / Hearing Inclusion Team and/or Head Teacher.
- To participate in other meetings, parents’ evenings, parent groups or in-service training activities as required.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be:
- an experienced classroom practitioner, who has experience of working with Deaf / Hearing impaired children and young people in education settings and has additional qualifications in BSL.
- confident in supporting young people and being an advocate for them.
- willing to undertake additional training in relation to supporting Deaf /Hearing Impaired youngsters and familiarising yourself with their access needs.
- able to access technology and in particular the use of radio aids is an essential part of supporting young people with a Hearing loss.
- knowledgeable of ICT and in particular symbol support packages would be advantageous.
For more details or an informal chat please contact:
Moira Cooper – Team Lead, Deaf/Hearing Inclusion Team
Tel: 01785 356830
Email: moira.cooper@staffordshire.gov.uk
Interview Date: 8 November 2024
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council:
Our Values:
The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.
Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:
We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.
We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.
Our benefits:
We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to a range of benefits.
Our recruitment process:
As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities
As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Silver Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
As you’ll know safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people/vulnerable adults is important to us and that’s why this position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. If applicable you should disclose details of unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application form.
