Communication Support Worker
Job Description
As a Communication Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication between individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have other communication barriers, and those around them. You will work primarily in educational or professional settings, ensuring that communication flows smoothly and accurately.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interpreting and Translating: Provide interpretation and translation services between spoken language and sign language (e.g., American Sign Language, British Sign Language) or other communication methods as required.
- Facilitating Communication: Assist individuals with hearing impairments or communication difficulties in understanding spoken language, written text, or other forms of communication. This may involve rephrasing, summarizing, or clarifying information as needed.
- Supporting Learning: Work closely with students, teachers, and other educational staff to support the learning and participation of students with hearing impairments or communication needs. This may involve attending classes, lectures, or meetings alongside students and providing real-time communication support.
- Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals with hearing impairments or communication barriers, ensuring that they have equal access to information, education, and opportunities.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with teachers, support staff, healthcare professionals, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement strategies for supporting individuals with communication needs effectively.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Certification: Possess relevant certification or qualifications in communication support, sign language interpretation, or related fields. This may include qualifications such as a degree in deaf studies, sign language interpreting, or equivalent certifications from recognized institutions.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in sign language (e.g., American Sign Language, British Sign Language) and fluency in spoken language(s) relevant to the local community or setting.
- Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to convey information accurately and effectively in different communication modalities.