Communication Support Worker

Job Introduction

About Us

Teaching Assistants and Communication Support Workers (CSW) are an essential part of the educational team working with children and young people who are deaf in Oxfordshire educational settings. TA/CSWs work in the Deaf and Hearing Support Resource Bases at New Marston Primary School and The Cherwell School (secondary), and with post-16 students who have a sensory impairment (deafness or vision impairment) in the Colleges of Further Education in Oxfordshire with a base at City of Oxford College. 

*the terms deaf/deafness refer to all levels and types of hearing loss

About the Role

We are seeking Teaching Assistants or Communication Support Workers with a calm, encouraging and positive manner to work with deaf children and young people in the Deaf and Hearing Support Resource Bases at New Marston Primary School, Cherwell School in Oxford or City of Oxford College. No previous knowledge of working with deaf pupils is required. 

The deaf pupils supported by the base have a range of communication modes and learning styles. Some speak and listen as their primary mode of communication, some use sign language together with speaking and listening, and some are British Sign Language users.  

There are good public transport links and parking is also available.

The role is permanent and is term time only (39 weeks per year).

About you

You will have the ability to communicate sensitively and appropriately with children, young people, families, and colleagues. You work positively as part of a team but also feel confident to work independently and take initiative when needed. 

You have a good level of basic education (e.g. Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English or equivalent) or equivalent professional experience. 

Working closely with specialist Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (ToDs), mainstream staff and other professionals to improve outcomes, your aim will be to enable access to the curriculum and to facilitate full inclusion for the pupils you work with. 

Ideally, you will have experience of working with children and young people with SEN or disability, but training will be given. We are particularly interested if you have a qualification in communicating with deaf people (preferably Level 2 CACDP or above, or a level of fluency in BSL at a comparable stage). If you have an interest in learning sign language, this role offers opportunities to develop these skills.  

You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be resilient, creative, and adaptable. 

No previous knowledge of working with deaf pupils is required but would be an advantage. A passion for working with children and young people to make a difference and improve their access to learning is essential. 

 Rewards and benefits

• The role is term time only (39 weeks per year) with 5.64 holiday weeks paid (i.e. 44.64 paid weeks per year)
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development

Does this sound like you? Would you like to know more?

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Becky Roberts, Area Team Manager, 07770 588817 or rebecca.roberts@oxfordshire.gov.uk

You are also most welcome visit any of the bases, meet our friendly and caring team, and the children we support, before you apply.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk