Do you have a Level 3 qualification in British Sign Language (or equivalent experience)?
We have a fantastic opportunity to join our dedicated and friendly Disability Services team as a Communications Support Worker. You will provide communication and note-taking support to our Deaf and hard of hearing learners studying on Further Education and Higher Education courses at Bradford College. You will be based within the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Team, part of the Department of Disability Services. You will report directly to the BSL Interpreter / Team Leader.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to make a positive difference to the lives of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, in a friendly team and environment.
Please note that all applicants must be confident users of British Sign Language to at least Level 3
This is a Term Time position, you will work 37 hours per week, 38 weeks of the year, however we welcome applications from candidates who may only be able to commit to part-time hours each week as a job share.
Responsibilities include:
- To provide communication support, interpreting, lip speaking, note taking and other services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students according to qualifications, skills and experience.
- To follow professional guidance provided through Education Health and Care (EHC) Plans and Learning Support Agreements.
- To provide verbal and written feedback on learner progress and deaf awareness issues to teaching and Disability Services staff.
- To assist with the modification of written English.
- To encourage the development of the individual Deaf learner within the educational, social, linguistic and cultural contexts.
- To provide empowering support through a range of appropriate strategies.
- To consider the needs of the Deaf learner within the context of their peer group, helping to facilitate successful integration.
- To enable and empower learners to discuss their learning requirements with teaching staff.
- To keep up-to-date records in line with departmental requirements.
- To support learners within examinations and assessments in line with approved Exam Access Arrangements.
- To liaise with other members of staff, within established working practices.
- To be compliant with College quality assurance processes.
For the full job description and person specification, please click here
The Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will be learner and quality-focused with a commitment to our vision of working together to transform lives. You should be able to contribute to our journey to Outstanding, creating a positive working and study environment, and, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion should be embedded within your core values.
Education & Training
- Signature BSL Level 3 (Essential) or equivalent experience
- GCSE 4 – 9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in Maths or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability and then if appointed achieve within an agreed timescale
- GCSE 4 - 9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in English or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability and then if appointed achieve within an agreed timescale
Experience
- Experience in providing support for Deaf people as an interpreter/communicator.
- Ability to communicate effectively in BSL and/or SSE and to voiceover from BSL to English.
- Ability to follow guidance and direction provided by professionals.
- Ability to provide either written or verbal feedback to others.
- Experience in using IT.
- Knowledge and understanding of deaf-related issues, e.g. deaf culture.
For an informal discussion about the role, please email recruit@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest and number of applications so early application is advised.
Bradford College
At Bradford College, our ambition is to transform the lives of our learners, help them to aim higher and support them to achieve their goals.
Located in the heart of Bradford, we offer a wide range of courses at varying levels, with something to suit everyone. Undergraduate to postgraduate and professional qualifications to distance learning and short community courses.
We aim to attract and retain knowledgeable, passionate and focused individuals who can inspire, motivate and support both learners and colleagues. With a can-do attitude and desire for continuous self-improvement, you could make a difference in the lives of everyone at Bradford College.
Benefits of working at Bradford College:
- Generous annual leave entitlement – equivalent to 30 days of holidays, plus bank holidays
- Additional college closure days, including 2-week Christmas closure
- Local government pension scheme, with a generous 18% employer contribution
- Annual salary reviews
- Career progression opportunities – 54% of all vacancies are filled internally
- Free sports and gym facilities
- Free wellbeing initiatives and access to our exclusive staff indoor and outdoor wellbeing space
- Confidential employee assistance service and on-site mental health first aiders
- Access to Bradford College benefits hub, offering retail, travel, leisure and dining discounts and cashback
- Discounts on greener travel – cycle to work scheme & local MetroCard and Northern Rail discounts
- Access to hair and beauty treatments in our student-led Signature Spa
- On-site dining facilities, including our award-winning Grove restaurant
- A host of training development opportunities
- Fantastic campus facilities, a short walk to public transport links in the heart of the City of Culture 2025
- The opportunity to work for an organisation that is truly committed to creating a better future for all through education and training.
For full details please click here
*If you have the drive to further develop your skills and abilities, you will be given the support and opportunities you need to enhance your career. This includes access to in-house training and CPD, professional and academic qualifications and mentoring.
Bradford College is committed to supporting and promoting diversity and inclusion amongst our staff and student body. We promote applications across all sections of the community, recognising the benefits a diverse workforce can bring and therefore particularly encourage applications from groups which are underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In line with our statutory safeguarding requirements detailed in Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation, this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, employment references, health screening and social media search.
Please be aware it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children and vulnerable adults.