Speech and Language Therapy assistant

Job overview

Would you like to make a difference to the lives of people with Learning Disabilities who live in the Sandwell borough?

We have an exciting opportunity for a role with our adult Speech and Language Therapy team in our busy community Learning Disability service.

If you are passionate about supporting the communication and swallowing needs of vulnerable patients, please read this advert carefully and get in touch with any queries.

Please note that this role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or the apprenticeship levy due to being part-time. We reserve the right to close this vacancy if a high number of applications are received. Please do not apply unless you meet the personal specification listed. The role involves independent travel to see patients in their own settings. Where applications appear to be written by AI and other details in the application do not match the experience, qualifications and skills listed, such applications will not be short-listed.

Main duties of the job

As a Speech and Language Therapy assistant you will be expected to underpin our busy therapy service by answering queries from carers, supporting the development of communication resources, giving advice about swallowing difficulties and therapeutic techniques, delivering therapy programmes and training, visiting patients in their homes and day services and collaborating with other professionals. You will receive support and supervision from our friendly team of therapists and wider multi-disciplinary team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• The post-holder assists in the management of the communication/swallowing needs of clients including those with challenging behaviours and complex needs, identified and monitored by a suitably experienced speech and language therapist, to maximise appropriate health, education and social benefits.  It will include assisting in the management of clients for whom English is not the first spoken language along with an appropriate interpreter.
• The post-holder provides both direct and indirect intervention, advice and support as identified and diagnosed by a qualified therapist. The post-holder works alone with clients/families/other agencies as required following appropriate guidance and preparation from a qualified speech and language therapist.
• The post-holder liaises orally with significant others involved in the management of the client, within and outside the NHS, to ensure the client’s needs are met effectively and efficiently.
• Under the guidance of qualified staff the post-holder is responsible for organising his/her own clinical administration, including making appointments, in order to meet access criteria and ensure a cost-effective quality service.
• The post-holder has responsibility for maintaining accurate and contemporaneous client records (within 24 hours), counter-signed by a qualified member of staff, this is in order to ensure compliance with departmental, professional and legal requirements.