Adult Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner

Job overview

Due to internal movement, we have an exciting opportunity within the acute Speech and Language Therapy service in Lincoln County Hospital for an Assistant Practitioner. The post holder will work under the direction of Speech and Language Therapists to assist in the delivery of the Speech and Language Therapy acute service. We are a friendly and supportive team who look forward to supporting a new team member. The acute service comprises of wards specialising in ENT, respiratory, medical, care of the elderly and frailty. The post holder will be working with patients who have acquired communication and swallowing difficulties caused by a variety of aetiologies.

The post holder will be responsible for implementing speech and language therapy programmes and providing feedback to the Speech and Language Therapist following these sessions. Additional training will be provided to develop competencies in dysphagia to an appropriate level. The post holder will also be required to complete administrative duties and processes for the caseload.

We are looking for candidates who hold the required Level 5 qualification as are unable to offer B3 development posts at this time. Please see job description/person specification for details.

Those who have completed a nursing associates qualification who are looking to develop skills within speech and language therapy will be considered.

Previously unsuccessful candidates will not be considered, please do not apply.

Main duties of the job

• To assist the Speech and Language Therapy team with daily administrative tasks which will include the use of Systm one and Microsoft Excel.
• To gather patient case histories from medical notes and discussion with the multi-disciplinary team and patient, as requested by the Speech and Language Therapist
• To assist the Speech and Language Therapist on the acute wards when they are conducting swallowing assessments.
• To independently carry out communication screens on inpatients, as directed by a speech and language therapist.
• To independently carry out speech and language therapy sessions with inpatients with communication difficulties, delivering therapy programmes written by a Speech and Language Therapist. This will include demonstration of communication aids.
• To independently carry out a protocol guided swallowing assessment on inpatients, in line with the services dysphagia policy and the individual’s level of competency.
• To maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with service and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) guidelines
• To feedback findings to the Speech and Language Therapy team.
• To create therapy resources, communication aids and information resources for patients/carers as required
• To maintain stock levels.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the above and Job description/personal specification for more details on this opportunity.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.