Speech and Language Therapy Apprentice

Job overview

• As an employee of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust the post holder will be working towards a BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy degree in partnership with the University of Essex with ‘on’ and ‘off’ the job learning. The apprentice will be based within the Community Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team and the expectation is to be able to visit patients in the community setting. The right candidate will also have a continued thirst for learning as well as a passionate desire to become a fully qualified speech & language therapist. The apprentice will work as part of the community therapy provision implementing speech and language therapy interventions under the direction of qualified staff. The nature of the interventions will change as the post holder acquires and applies theory to practise reflecting knowledge gained through continuous study.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an individual that is highly motivated and positive about assisting patients in speech and language programs working alongside our busy therapy team.

You will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills and in return you must have excellent communication abilities, be enthusiastic, flexible, willing to learn and have a passion for working with varying medical and mental health conditions within tailored programmes.

Relevant experience of working in a healthcare setting is required. You will need to demonstrate a flexible approach to your work, good time management and organisational skills and have the ability to work on your own initiative in a busy environment. It is essential that you possess a current driving licence and have access to a car for work and university purposes.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To support the community adult speech and language therapy service in the implementation of treatment programmes. To carry out one to one interventions as directed by qualified speech and language therapists. To plan and facilitate group activities as directed by speech therapists and speech and language therapy assistant practitioners. To develop rapport with clients to encourage their interest in skills. To be aware of individual clients/patients’ needs through communication with other staff. To observe general behaviour, ability and response of clients/patients to activities. To have an awareness of the situations that may make clients/patients vulnerable or at risk. To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff. To respect clients’/patients’ choices and confidentiality at all times. To record interventions in an agreed format. Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience.