Communication support worker
Communication support workers (CSWs) help deaf students in school.
Also known as: CSW, sign language support worker
- Starter salary£19,000 a year
- Experienced£29,000 a year
- Typical hours30 to 37 a week
What you'll do
In this role you could:
- work out what will help students learn
- help students communicate
- support learners by lipspeaking and taking notes
- interpret between spoken English and sign language
- support learners to become more independent
- provide training for other staff and students
Working environment
You could work at a school, at a special needs school, at a college or at a university.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to enjoy working with other people
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- knowledge of psychology
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a communication support worker
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- training with a professional body
University
You can do a British Sign Language and deaf studies degree but it's not essential.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You can do a college qualification like:
- Level 3 Award In Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language
- Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language Studies
- Level 3 Certificate in Communication Support for Deaf Learners
You'll be expected to have a level 2 sign language qualification to get onto one of these courses.
You can do further qualifications at higher levels once you start work.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Work
You may be able to find a job as an assistant communication support worker and complete a qualification while working.
Volunteering
You might find it easier to get a job if you get experience working or volunteering with children who are deaf or have hearing problems.
Other routes
You can do sign language training with Signature or complete a certificate in Learning Support for Communication Support Workers.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- manage a sensory impairment or disability service
- become a sign language interpreter
- become a disability adviser
- train to be a sign language teacher
You'll also find some opportunities to use sign language in theatre, television, multimedia production and courts of law. Signers are sometimes needed to interpret in interviews as well.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
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- Job roleSpecial educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant
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- Job roleBritish Sign Language teacher
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