Speech & Language Therapy Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dynamic therapy team. We are looking for a part-time position (3 days a week) for a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant within our Adult Community SLT Service. There will be opportunities to work within patients' own homes, in clinics, and working remotely from home, and may be opportunities to work within an inpatient neuro rehabilitation setting.

The post-holder will need to be organised, enthusiastic, a good communicator, and will have previous experience in a rehabilitation or care delivery setting. You will be assisting in the rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of neurological needs (including physical, communication, and cognitive) which may include both individual sessions and group work. You will be working closely with the Speech and Language Therapists and a wider MDT including the medical team, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and Nurses. You will need to be able to keep accurate clinical records and have good clerical/administrative skills.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will be responsible for supporting Speech and Language Therapists with the assessment and management of adults with acquired communication, speech, language, or eating and drinking disorders.

You will carry out therapy plans with patients with a range of diagnoses including Parkinson's, dementia, stroke, Motor Neuron disease, and other progressive neurological conditions. You will need to build excellent rapport with patients and provide them with a high level of care.

You will support the team with resource building, such as low tech augmentative and alternative communication aids (AAC).

You will help to run communication groups alongside other SLTAs.

About us

A big thank you for considering joining us at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. You'll find it a great place to work with many benefits offered to you as a member of our staff. We put our patients, their families, and carers at the centre of our vision - Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities.

We welcome diversity in our workforce and are interested in applicants from all backgrounds.

Job responsibilities

The SLT service offers the following:

• Regular whole service and local team meetings
• Structured in-service training and support for external courses
• Multidisciplinary team working
• Regular clinical supervision and annual appraisal
• Encouragement to participate in service development projects
• Clinical leads for advice, support, and supervision
• Excellent AAC provision and links to regional Hubs
• Use of SystmOne as electronic patient record and mobile working

We value our staff and see clinical supervision as a priority both through senior supervision and peer support models. Annual appraisal and personal objective setting is a Trust priority.

The post-holders will work closely with Speech and Language Therapists and the wider Multi-Disciplinary Team to support assessment and management of adults with acquired communication and swallowing needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Previous experience and training gained when working within a team, supporting health or social service professionals in service delivery
• Evidence of study towards, or attainment of relevant NVQ level 3

Other

• Willingness to uphold the Trust's values
• Eligible to live and work in the UK
• To hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)

Skills

• Ability to present information, written and orally, in English, in a clear concise manner
• Able to keep legible and accurate patient information and records in English
• Able to communicate effectively with colleagues and members of the public with sensitivity and empathy
• To be able to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary setting
• To be able to instruct patients and carers on a range of therapeutic activities

Experience

• Able to demonstrate an understanding of communication facilitation skills
• Understanding of the roles of the members of the multidisciplinary team
• Understanding of basic therapeutic interventions for patients with neurological impairments
• Understanding of the post and its duties
• Understanding of the need to adhere to policies and procedures
• Basic understanding of professional standards
• Previous work experience with adults with neurological disorders
• Previous experience of direct or indirect supervision/training of other non-qualified staff
• Basic knowledge and understanding of Stroke
• Previous experience running communication groups

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working