Communication Support Worker

Saint Albans, East of England, United Kingdom Oaklands College Ready to make a real difference to learners every day?

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Oaklands College for a dedicated and skilled Communication Support Worker (Staff Bank) to support deaf and hearing-impaired students across our curriculum. This is a rewarding opportunity to empower learners, remove barriers to education, and help students achieve their full potential within an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Based within our Additional Learning Support team, you will play a vital role in promoting accessibility, independence, wellbeing, and academic success for our students.

Your Day to Day Impact

As a Communication Support Worker, you will provide specialist communication support for deaf and hearing-impaired students using their preferred communication methods across a range of curriculum areas. Your support will ensure learners can fully participate in lessons, practical activities, tutorials, and wider college life.

Working closely with teaching staff, you will discuss lesson content and learning objectives to ensure information and concepts are communicated accurately and effectively. You will help bridge communication barriers, enabling students to engage confidently with their studies and achieve positive educational outcomes.

You will actively promote the social integration, wellbeing, and independence of students, encouraging them to participate fully in both academic and wider college activities. Acting as an advocate where appropriate, you will support students in developing confidence and communication skills that enhance their learning experience and future opportunities.

The role will also involve maintaining accurate records, undertaking administration relating to learners with additional support needs, and providing note-taking support where required. Your attention to detail and organisational skills will help ensure high standards of support and compliance are maintained.

As part of the wider Additional Learning Support team, you will contribute to staff awareness and development activities, helping to promote a culture of inclusion and understanding across the College. You will work within all College policies and procedures, including safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, wellbeing, and risk management requirements.

Is This You?

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience and knowledge of deaf people and deaf culture.
• Experience supporting deaf students within a college or educational environment is desirable.
• Understanding of learner-centred approaches and inclusive educational practice.

Qualifications

• CACDP British Sign Language (BSL) Stage 3 or above (essential).
• GCSE English Language Grade A-C (or equivalent) with a high standard of written English (essential).

Communication Skills

• Ability to present concepts and information clearly and appropriately to meet the individual needs of learners.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students and staff.
• Lip-speaking skills would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to a student-centred approach.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative while contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
• Passion for supporting learners to achieve their educational and personal goals.

Additional Skills

• Ability to assist with the preparation of learning materials to facilitate learner understanding (desirable).
• Strong organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.

Your Future Starts at Oaklands

At Oaklands, we care about your wellbeing and development. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, happiness, and success, all within a welcoming, inclusive, and values-driven environment where your contribution truly matters.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Free access to our on-site gym at the St Albans campus (time restrictions may apply)
• Financial wellbeing support, including savings on beauty treatments, Lambing Weekend, our on-site zoo, travel via the UNO Bus Scheme, and more
• Cycle to Work Scheme, promoting active travel and healthy living
• Generous holiday allowance, giving you the time to rest and recharge
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) with free Adult Community Learning courses and staff training opportunities
• Staff Development Days & Awards, celebrating your achievements and recognising your impact
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Support, including confidential resources and guidance
• Employee Assistance Programme, offering advice and support 24/7
• Mental Health Peer Supporters, for when you just need someone to talk to
• Eye Care Vouchers, supporting your health while working with screens

Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Oaklands College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all students and all staff, irrespective of position or role, together with governors, volunteers, agency workers, subcontractors and partners, to share this commitment.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of interest. Don't wait, apply today and become part of something meaningful.

Want to know more about Oaklands? Click here!

Department ALS Locations St Albans Campus Yearly salary £34,640 - £37,860 Number of Vacancies 2 Employment Type Casual Fixed Term End Date 25 June, 2027 Employment Basis Bank Hours per Week 13.75 Job Advertisement Expiry Date 07 October, 2026