BSL trained Communication partner/support worker

Job reference:006336

Salary:£14.85 per hour

Department:Education

Hours Per Week:32.5

Closing date:29/05/2026

Job Description

Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Staff

About Shaftesbury Statement

Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing and supported living.

Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and 2 further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3-19, and the colleges are for students aged 16-25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.

About the Role

We are looking for a British Sign Language (BSL) trained communication partner who is calm, approachable, professional and able to work independently, but also as a part of the team.

Someone who is an excellent communicator and has experience of working in a specialist school and or with young people who experience communication challenges and who have a hearing impairment.

You will be responsible for supporting a student with their communication primarily through BSL, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and school day experience for students. Your role will focus on meeting communication and other individual needs with dignity and respect, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Together alongside your class colleagues as a team, you will foster a culture of safety, compliance, and excellence. This collaborative approach is essential to delivering high quality care for a student who has communication needs and who is hearing impaired helping them thrive both socially and academically.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team, where your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of young people. You will play a key part in promoting wellbeing and independence, while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values professional growth.

The successful candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to encouraging independence wherever possible. You will bring enthusiasm, self-motivation, and empathy, along with a genuine passion for supporting students. A calm, adaptable approach and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• To support a student who has a hearing impairment and whose primary communication method is BSL.

• To work in collaboration with the wider team supporting their independence, functional and academic needs in school.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• BSL trained

• Experience of working as part of a team.

• Experience of relating positively to children and young people.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Good communication skills.

• Understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to student safety.

Why Join Us?

What you will enjoy:

• Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of students, and their ability to access education and the wider community.

• Work alongside a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Safeguarding

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.

Equality and Diversity

Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.

Application Process

Job Description and Application Form on request – please contact: Helen Malt VECHR@victoria.poole.sch.uk

Closing date: 29th May 2026

Interview Dates: w/c 1st June 2026

Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.

For more information about the post please contact Gemma Milne, Head of Therapies on 01202 763697 or gmilne@victoria.poole.sch.uk