Communication Support Worker

Responsible to: Registered manager/ Deputy Manager/ Team Leader

• To provide direct communication support to a Deaf child
• To assist a Deaf child in daily activities such as personal care, cooking, communicating with other staff
• To translate communication to child and staff
• To assist the child to become independent
• To deliver the support needs of the child as identified in the child’s Care Plan.

A Communication Support Worker will provide direct communication support to a Deaf child both in the residential home and to access the community. Activities in the home includes providing appropriate communication support to meet the needs of the child, and supporting staff to work effectively to meet those needs. The support aims to support the child to achieve autonomy and as far as possible operate with independence within their environment to achieve success in their lives.

Their purpose is:

Main Duties:

1. To provide communication support to a child in a residential home including supporting with personal care.

2. To provide communication support under the direction of other staff members/manager and to translate communication to/from child to staff team.

3. To agree with the manager, the role and responsibilities of the Communication Support Worker in the home and whilst out in the community.

4. To provide Deaf awareness, advice and guidance for staff and/or peer groups.

5. To keep appropriate records as required by the home.

6. To develop the independence of the young person in line with their care plan.

7. To be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons you are responsible for and the other children in the home.

8. To undertake any other duties of a similar nature and responsibility as directed by the line manager.

Statutory duties:

· Safeguarding

To be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and for raising any concerns in line with the home’s procedures.

· Equality and Diversity

To be responsible for promoting equality and diversity in line with the home’s procedures.

· Health and Safety

To be responsible for following health and safety requirements in line with the home’s policy and procedures.

· Training and development

To participate proactively in training and development including qualification development required in the job role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications/ Training
· Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in British Sign Language

· English and mathematics or similar at GCSE grade A-C or equivalent or willingness to achieve English and mathematics Level 2 within one year

Desirable Qualification & Training:
· Safeguarding training

· Equality and diversity training

· Level 3 in Residential Child Care.

Essential Knowledge/ Experience
· Working knowledge of

· Experience of providing support to individuals in a care setting

· Experience of working with Deaf or children with hard of hearing

· Evidence of high performance in previous roles/jobs

· Experience of working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

· Evidence of understanding how to promote equality and diversity within the job role

Desirable Knowledge/ Experience
· Experience of working effectively in a customer focused environment

· knowledge and understanding of working within the guidelines from the Children’s Act 1989, Children’s Act 2004, National Minimum Standards, Children’s Home Regulations 2015, Healthy child programme and any other relevant legislation.

Essential Skills/Abilities
· Ability to work in line with our Values at Agility house

High Performance

Respect, Openness, Honesty and explain how this relates to the job role

· Ability to make a positive contribution to the team, valuing and respecting others’ expertise and contribution

· Ability to promote our reputation and carry out our business appropriately and professionally at all times

· Ability to communicate effectively and confidently face to face, on the telephone and in writing

Special Requirements
· Responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and for raising any concerns

· Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children, young people.

· Willingness continuously to update skills and knowledge

· Flexible approach to work and working times

· Willingness to travel to and work at all locations where we provide a service

· Awareness of health and safety requirements relevant to the job