Job overview
We are looking to recruit a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs across community settings. Working under the supervision of qualified Speech and Language Therapists, you will help deliver therapy programmes, support assessments, prepare resources, and work directly with children, families, nurseries and schools to encourage progress and engagement.
This is a varied and rewarding role that includes working with children individually and in groups, visiting schools and early years settings, and supporting families to understand and use speech and language strategies at home and in everyday activities. You will also contribute to record‑keeping and administrative tasks that support safe and effective care. The post is community‑based and involves lone working, with appropriate training and support provided.
Main duties of the job
In this role, you’ll play a vital part in helping children and young people develop their speech, language and communication skills. Working alongside qualified Speech and Language Therapists, you’ll support therapy sessions, deliver planned activities with individual children and groups, and help bring therapy programmes to life in homes, nurseries and schools. You’ll build positive relationships with children and families, demonstrate practical strategies they can use every day, and help ensure therapy continues beyond the clinic. You’ll also prepare resources, keep clear and accurate records, and work confidently in community settings, knowing you’re supported through training, supervision and a strong team around you.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Support qualified Speech and Language Therapists in the delivery of paediatric speech and language therapy services under supervision.
- Assist with assessment activities through observation and informal assessment tasks as directed.
- Deliver delegated individual and group therapy interventions following training and agreed treatment plans.
- Prepare therapy resources and support the implementation of therapy programmes with children, families, nurseries and schools.
- Undertake community‑based work, including school and nursery visits, working as a lone practitioner in line with Trust policies.
- Communicate effectively with children, parents/carers and professionals, adapting communication to meet individual needs.
- Provide timely feedback to supervising therapists and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Maintain accurate clinical records, input data onto clinical systems, and complete associated administrative tasks.
- Work in accordance with Trust policies, clinical governance, safeguarding and confidentiality requirements.
- Participate in supervision, appraisal, mandatory training and continuing professional development.
Person specification
Other
Essential
- Car Owner/ driver
Skills and Ability
Essential
- Effective verbal and non verbal communication skills, including adapting communication to children and families
- Ability to follow treatment plans and instructions from qualified clinicians
- Ability to build rapport with children, families, and professionals
- Basic IT skills including email and data entry
- Ability to manage own workload and prioritise tasks
Desirable
- Experience using alternative or augmentative communication methods
- Knowledge of child speech, language and communication development
- Experience working with multi disciplinary teams
- Experience using NHS systems (e.g. community information systems)
- Experience contributing to audits or service improvement
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of working with children and/or young people
- Experience in a health, community, or education setting
- Ability to work independently following guidance
- Experience of basic administrative or record keeping tasks
Desirable
- Experience working with children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
- Experience within NHS Children’s Services or community services
- Previous experience supporting Speech and Language Therapy interventions
- Previous experience of lone working in community settings
- Experience using clinical IT systems or patient record systems
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or willingness to work towards a relevant qualification
- Good standard of written and verbal English
- Willingness to undertake and maintain Trust mandatory training
Desirable
- Qualification related to health, education, childcare, or therapy support
- Evidence of further study or training
- Completion of Care Certificate or Assistant Practitioner development programme
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Speech Therapy Assistant with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Blackpool, North West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 Dependant on experience. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 29 Jul 2026.
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