Job description
Location: Derby Adult Learning Service centres
Hours: over 38 weeks
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
Contract Type: Permanent
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to join our Adult Learning team as a qualified Communication Support Worker (British Sign Language) and General Support Worker.
In this rewarding role you will provide high quality support to adult learners with a range of additional needs, including hearing impairment, helping them to access learning opportunities, develop skills, independence and achieve their personal and educational goals.
As a Communication Support Worker/ Support Worker, you will work alongside tutors and support staff to create an inclusicve, empowering and engaging learning environment. You will be expected to work flexibly in various venues across the city.
If you have a level 3 or higher BSL qualification and excellent people skills, we have a place for you on our hard working and successful support team.
Who We Are
Here at Derby City Council, we’re dedicated to delivering nearly 250 first-class services to citizens and businesses in the heart of the Midlands. People are at the centre of all that we do, and we have an outstanding track record of recruiting and developing talented individuals by providing them with varied and fulfilling career opportunities.
What We Offer
You too could be part of something brilliant by becoming a colleague at Derby City Council; in addition to making a difference to the lives of people across the city, you’ll also receive:
• Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
• 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service), plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
• Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
• Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Calendar and Support
• Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network
• Support for colleagues who are carers
The Opportunity
In the role of Communication Support Worker, here’s an example of what you’ll be doing to make an impact:
Provide one to one or small group support for adult learners in classroom and community settiings.
Facilitate communication between deaf learners, tutors, and peers using British Sign Language (BSL)
Assist learners with understanding and completing learning tasks and materials.
Identify and implement support strategies to remove barriers to learning.
Support learners with additional needs to access learning and participate fully in activities.
Promote independence, confidence and active participation among all learners.
Maintain accurate records of support provided and learner progress.
Ensure that working practices have regard to equal opportunities and the needs and welfare of the learners and staff.
About You
To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally have…
Essential:
Minimum Level 2 British Sign Language with experience
English Level 2
Maths Level 2
Excellent spoken and written communication skills
The ability to write effectively for a number of purposes
An understanding of barriers to learning
A flexible and empathetic approach to working with learners from diverse backgrounds.
The ability to work in groups in a team
Reliable, trustworthy, accountable and confidential
Desirable:
Level 3 or above British Sign language preferred
Experience in supporting the needs of adults with additional needs in order for them to gain access to learning opportunities
Experience of working with adults with a hearing impairment in an educational or community setting
IT skills - to assist in the preparation of learning materials and resource
Next Steps
If you would like to apply for this vacancy via an