1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Communication support worker

Communication support worker

Alternative titles for this job include CSW, sign language support worker

Communication support workers (CSWs) help deaf students in school.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£24,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 term time

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become 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

More Information

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.

More Information

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.

More Information

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in sign language from Signature.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Communication support worker right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

British Sign Language (Unit 2): Signature BSL L2 Certificate

  • Provider: YORK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 17 September 2025
  • Location: York

Get Started with British Sign Language Unit 101

  • Provider: HILLINGDON LONDON BOROUGH COUNCIL
  • Start date: 14 January 2025
  • Location: Uxbridge

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.