Speech and Language Therapist Apprentice

Job Title: Speech and Language Therapist Apprentice

Location: Drapers’ Maylands Primary School, Drapers’ Pyrgo Priory School, Drapers’ Brookside Infant & Junior Schools, Drapers’ Academy Secondary School 1-2 days/ week at Essex University (Colchester Campus)

Salary: Trust HLTA Grade 6 Salary (FTE): £31,524 to £32,931 (Points 12 to 15)

Actual Salary: £24,299.00 to £25,806.00 (depending on qualifying service)

Working Hours: Hours per week: 30 Weeks per year: 42 (term time plus placements)

JOB PURPOSE

We are looking for an enthusiastic speech and language therapy apprentice to work day-to-day across the Trust schools as an SLT apprentice. You will be provided leave to attend university for your course and placements. You will be eager in pursuing a career as a speech and language therapist and will follow the 4-year apprenticeship programme supported by the University of Essex to study to degree level and qualify as a Speech and Language Therapist. You will be interviewed by the Trust for us to nominate you and then at the University for acceptance on the course.

The chosen candidate will attend Essex University once a week for the first two years of the apprenticeship to achieve a Foundation Degree (awarded alongside the Level 5 Assistant Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship). For the final two years, the candidate will attend two days a week to achieve the full BSc Speech and Language Therapy Degree (awarded alongside the Level 6 Speech and Language Therapist Degree Apprenticeship).

In addition to work and study during term time, candidates will be expected to undertake university days and clinical placements during some school holidays. Annual leave will be allocated outside of these dates during school holidays.

The role will initially be based at Drapers’ Maylands Primary School for an induction period and to work closely with the Trust SEND lead. The role will develop over time and time spent in the other Trust schools will increase. Ultimately to provide support to a defined caseload of pupils and contribute to the Trust's commitment to improving outcomes for all pupils and support CPD for staff. The post holder will assess, provide support to pupils, monitor progress and provide reports to the Trust SEND Lead/ CEO. The Post holder will attend Speech and Language Therapy Caseload meetings with the CAD 5-19 team and meet with other professionals as appropriate.

Following the successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be employed as a Speech and Language Therapist for the Trust for a minimum of 2 years.

The Speech & Language Therapist Apprentice will work across our three primary schools and secondary school to support staff, parents and pupils.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional / Clinical

• Assist the Trust SEND Lead and school SENDCo’s to observe, assess, plan and review appropriate interventions and support across the Trust schools for speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
• Lead therapy sessions independently 1:1 and group-based sessions.
• Provide feedback, guidance, advice and training to parents/carers and members of staff in all aspects of speech, language and communication acquisition.
• Provide written reports and undertake appropriate liaison with external agencies, parent/carers, members of staff, SENDCo’s and Trust SEND lead.
• Foster close working relationships with colleagues and other relevant professionals in maximising outcomes for the pupils.
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings and caseload meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain professional standards in relation to safeguarding, confidentiality, ethics and legislation.
• Travel between school sites within the Trust as required.

Education and Training

• Commit to completing the 4-year speech and language apprenticeship programme and continue to work for the Trust for a minimum of 2 years, once qualified.
• Take responsibility for own learning and development by undertaking and recording work-based tasks/ learning. Maintain and record appropriately a portfolio as a record of learning.
• Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes as directed by the Trust i.e. Safeguarding.
• Engage in supervision and regular progress review meetings with a registered occupational therapist.

Health & Safety

• Comply with the policies, procedures and safe professional practice of the Trust by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
• Document appropriately and report any safeguarding concerns, near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of relevant / designated individual(s) in line with best practice.
• Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.
• Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action.
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect.

Administrative

• Ensure the maintenance of accurate records in line with best clinical practice, the MAT’s requirements and the Freedom of Information Act.
• Provide reports and other information / statistics as required.
• Keep up to date with change and developments within the Trust.
• Prepare resources for parents and schools.

This job description details responsibilities, but is not prescriptive and does not direct any particular priorities or amount of time to be spent carrying out the duties. It is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the grade and scope of the post. This job description may be subject to amendment, to meet the changing needs of the Trust, following appropriate consultation.

Full details of the role, person specification and how to apply can be found in the Application Pack on the Trust website.