Job summary
Are you interested in working as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant, helping children to develop their basic communication skills? Would you like to work within an upbeat, enthusiastic and supportive team of Speech and Language Therapists and Assistants to learn from and share ideas with? If so then working for Children and Family Health Surrey (CFHS) may be for you.
We firmly believe that the best services for the children we serve come out of effectively training and supporting our Therapy Assistants and Therapists. As such you will be supported by the following:
- Guidance and support on how to administer speech and language therapy techniques.
- Regular supervision with your line manager
- A thorough induction period including training and shadowing of other Therapists and Therapy Assistants
- A rolling programme of in-house training (including developing speech sounds, Using Picture Exchange Communication systems and Attention Autism, to name but a few).
- Working as part of a team
- Work hours: 22.5hrs
per week (FTE=0.6)
This position is to join our team in the North East area of Surrey, being primarily based in the Borough of Elmbridge, supporting children and families in the areas around Molesey, Thames Ditton, Esher and Cobham. You would occasionally need to travel to our other boroughs of Spelthorne and Epsom & Ewell for training and team meetings.
If you think this exciting role is for you then please make an application.
Note: we do not offer UKVI sponsorship.
Main duties of the job
You will work as a member of our Early Years Team. This is a challenging and varied role. Day to day you will be running therapy sessions (groups or individual) for a varied population of 0-5 year olds including children with Language disorders and delays, Social Communication Disorders, Speech difficulties, stammering, Down Syndrome, general delay and much more.
You role will be to:
- Mainly to deliver speech and language therapy to children aged 0-5 years, as advised by a Speech and Language Therapist
- Organise appointments
- Support Speech and Language Therapists with admin tasks such as making resources or scanning/photocopying documents
Your role will be based within the community, seeing children and their families in clinics, their homes, local family centres and in education settings.
About us
CSH Surrey are part of the NHS and are Surreys largest and longest
established NHS community services provider, so our 1500+ employees get
NHS pay and pensions, and also receive the Fringe High-Cost Allowance of
5%.
Our staff enjoy excellent training and development opportunities, including the
care certificate, apprenticeships, numeracy and literacy courses, access to
the Nursing Associate programme, and a wide variety of management and
leadership courses and programmes.
We CARE about our staff though through our values of Compassion,
Accountability, Respect and Excellence. Our active employee council called
The Voice, elect employee representatives to ensure colleagues' voices are
heard at Board level.
CSH is a diverse organisation, if you are a passionate, person-focused
individual then apply to join CSH Surrey today!
We welcome candidates from
all backgrounds who meet the essential criteria of the job you are applying for
and if you require any reasonable adjustments, please contact the named
individual for this advert, or our recruitment team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this role you will carry out programmes of individual and group speech and language therapy under the direction of a qualified speech and language therapist.
Formal training and experience to a NVQ level 3 is required to work with a range of clients in a range of settings. The post holder will also be required to deal with a range of varying clinical and non-clinical situations relating to the childs speech, language and communication needs that will be mostly routine in nature. In some cases the post holder will be responsible for assessing the situation and deciding the best solution.
The post holder will manage their own workload, planning timetables and prioritising time and activities to meet the actively changing needs of the client group. S/he will work independently within clearly defined activities.
The post holder will provide basic advice and demonstration of SLT activities to less experienced staff/team members including staff in non-health settings.
Where appropriate, the post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to address the speech, language and communication needs of children on their caseload
Principal duties to include:
- Clinical responsibilities
- Gather information prior to seeing children and provide feedback to the speech and language therapist (SLT)
- Contribute to the assessment process and provide feedback to the SLT.
- Implement therapy programmes/approaches, both on an individual and group basis and provide feedback to the SLT
- Prioritise workload following managerial supervision
- Support clients/carers and other professionals in dealing with and understanding the aims of therapy and the impact of their communication impairment on their daily life and education
- Work as part of the multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team to provide a comprehensive and co-ordinated range of therapy which improves or maintains the health, independence and quality of life of children, young people and their families
- Apply knowledge and skills which are underpinned by theoretical and practical knowledge and experience.
- Keep the safeguarding of children at the forefront of the agenda at all times
- Provide formal/informal training/problem solving discussions and support to groups of health and education professionals and support workers to promote and enhance patient/client care.
- Participate in writing reports
- Organise administrative tasks efficiently
- Understand national guidelines/legislation relating to health and social care in the provision of childrens services.
- Have a broad overview of the pathway and contribute to the delivery of the Children and Families strategy
- Demonstrate an understanding of clinical governance and clinical risk
- Propose and contribute to the development of policies & procedures for the Children and Families Business unit.
- Work in partnership with GP practices, Education setting and other agencies within area of responsibility in order to meet local and national objectives.
- Ensure that the professional frameworks for therapies are incorporated into everyday practice.
- To participate in the delivery of speech and language therapy training as required in-service, on site or in the wider team/directorate.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Act in accordance with Children and Family Heath Surrey values, culture and behaviours and appropriate Professional Codes of Conduct.
- Work closely with key professionals throughout CFHS as required.
- Participate in the development of service for children and young people across CFHS.
- To participate in CFHSs appraisal scheme and contribute to formulating a personal development plan.
- To attend and participate in internal and external courses to meet the annual personal development plan.
- Actively keep up to date with what is occurring within the organisation, accepting responsibility, authority and accountability for their actions.
- Represent CFHS both locally and nationally as required ensuring the cascading of any relevant information.
Communication:
- To communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team to promote child safety and the management of risk.
- To communicate appropriately and sensitively with parents/carers and other professionals in an excellent and professional manner.
- Maintain accurate and contemporaneous electronic/paper records in line with CFHS policy and support co-owners to do likewise.
- Work in partnership with the Safeguarding Team to promote the wellbeing of children and young people, engaging with families and partner agencies to achieve this.
Policy/Service Development:
- To participate in audits / surveys for own work or work of the children and families team.
- To be aware of local and national developments particularly in relation to Children and Young People, working with partner agencies in identifying opportunities for service improvements.
- To be involved in service projects and developments.
- Work within CFHSs service specifications, guidelines and procedures.
- Ensure that there is a clear public and user involvement in service.
Professional Development of Self and Others:
- Encourage an environment that is conducive to learning.
- Participate in the provision and delivery of training as appropriate, actively pursuing opportunities for multi-disciplinary learning.
Clinical Governance/Quality:
- Work with the team managers to establish, implement and monitor systems that measure clinical outcomes and evidence the need for change and improvements in the service delivery in the given specialism
- Ensure relevant requirements of CFHSs policies in relation to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention are met.
- Attend mandatory and statutory training
- Ensure all aspects of risk management are reported
- Resource Management
- Be responsible for the management of day-to-day resources in your own area e.g. co-owner time, supplies and equipment ensuring effective and economical use.
- Where appropriate manage the purchase, provision and maintenance of appropriate therapeutic equipment.
Mental Effort Required:
- Manage own time and work effectively to meet objectives and deadlines.
- Challenge own and other behaviours in conjunction with CFHSs values in order to facilitate change and improve services.
- Adapt to the unpredictability of the workload, managing the frequent interruptions that may require re-prioritisation of duties, tasks etc.
- Analyse and interpret information and/or situations that may require appropriate and timely responses including investigations, assessment and safeguarding children.
Emotional Effort Required:
- Lone working when in clinical practice.
- Potentially dealing with service users who have highly distressing histories of abuse, family circumstances, additional degenerative health needs, mental health and challenging behaviour
- Able to manage the emotional consequences of working in distressing conditions in self and others.
Physical Effort/Skills:
- Work in a variety of settings including office accommodation, Education settings, clinics, GP practices and clients homes.
- Regular requirement to drive own car for purposes of work
- IT skills including spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint and electronic records.
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
Clinical Governance is a Framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which clinical care will flourish. Employees must be aware that Clinical Governance places a duty on all health professionals, clinicians and managers alike to ensure that the level of clinical service they deliver to patients is satisfactory, consistent and responsive.
This job description is not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake such other duties from time to time as are consistent with the responsibility of the grade.
This job description is subject to review and development from time to time in liaison with the post holder. As an employee of Children and Family Health Surrey you will be required to adhere to all the organisations policies and procedures.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this role you will carry out programmes of individual and group speech and language therapy under the direction of a qualified speech and language therapist.
Formal training and experience to a NVQ level 3 is required to work with a range of clients in a range of settings. The post holder will also be required to deal with a range of varying clinical and non-clinical situations relating to the childs speech, language and communication needs that will be mostly routine in nature. In some cases the post holder will be responsible for assessing the situation and deciding the best solution.
The post holder will manage their own workload, planning timetables and prioritising time and activities to meet the actively changing needs of the client group. S/he will work independently within clearly defined activities.
The post holder will provide basic advice and demonstration of SLT activities to less experienced staff/team members including staff in non-health settings.
Where appropriate, the post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to address the speech, language and communication needs of children on their caseload
Principal duties to include:
- Clinical responsibilities
- Gather information prior to seeing children and provide feedback to the speech and language therapist (SLT)
- Contribute to the assessment process and provide feedback to the SLT.
- Implement therapy programmes/approaches, both on an individual and group basis and provide feedback to the SLT
- Prioritise workload following managerial supervision
- Support clients/carers and other professionals in dealing with and understanding the aims of therapy and the impact of their communication impairment on their daily life and education
- Work as part of the multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team to provide a comprehensive and co-ordinated range of therapy which improves or maintains the health, independence and quality of life of children, young people and their families
- Apply knowledge and skills which are underpinned by theoretical and practical knowledge and experience.
- Keep the safeguarding of children at the forefront of the agenda at all times
- Provide formal/informal training/problem solving discussions and support to groups of health and education professionals and support workers to promote and enhance patient/client care.
- Participate in writing reports
- Organise administrative tasks efficiently
- Understand national guidelines/legislation relating to health and social care in the provision of childrens services.
- Have a broad overview of the pathway and contribute to the delivery of the Children and Families strategy
- Demonstrate an understanding of clinical governance and clinical risk
- Propose and contribute to the development of policies & procedures for the Children and Families Business unit.
- Work in partnership with GP practices, Education setting and other agencies within area of responsibility in order to meet local and national objectives.
- Ensure that the professional frameworks for therapies are incorporated into everyday practice.
- To participate in the delivery of speech and language therapy training as required in-service, on site or in the wider team/directorate.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Act in accordance with Children and Family Heath Surrey values, culture and behaviours and appropriate Professional Codes of Conduct.
- Work closely with key professionals throughout CFHS as required.
- Participate in the development of service for children and young people across CFHS.
- To participate in CFHSs appraisal scheme and contribute to formulating a personal development plan.
- To attend and participate in internal and external courses to meet the annual personal development plan.
- Actively keep up to date with what is occurring within the organisation, accepting responsibility, authority and accountability for their actions.
- Represent CFHS both locally and nationally as required ensuring the cascading of any relevant information.
Communication:
- To communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team to promote child safety and the management of risk.
- To communicate appropriately and sensitively with parents/carers and other professionals in an excellent and professional manner.
- Maintain accurate and contemporaneous electronic/paper records in line with CFHS policy and support co-owners to do likewise.
- Work in partnership with the Safeguarding Team to promote the wellbeing of children and young people, engaging with families and partner agencies to achieve this.
Policy/Service Development:
- To participate in audits / surveys for own work or work of the children and families team.
- To be aware of local and national developments particularly in relation to Children and Young People, working with partner agencies in identifying opportunities for service improvements.
- To be involved in service projects and developments.
- Work within CFHSs service specifications, guidelines and procedures.
- Ensure that there is a clear public and user involvement in service.
Professional Development of Self and Others:
- Encourage an environment that is conducive to learning.
- Participate in the provision and delivery of training as appropriate, actively pursuing opportunities for multi-disciplinary learning.
Clinical Governance/Quality:
- Work with the team managers to establish, implement and monitor systems that measure clinical outcomes and evidence the need for change and improvements in the service delivery in the given specialism
- Ensure relevant requirements of CFHSs policies in relation to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention are met.
- Attend mandatory and statutory training
- Ensure all aspects of risk management are reported
- Resource Management
- Be responsible for the management of day-to-day resources in your own area e.g. co-owner time, supplies and equipment ensuring effective and economical use.
- Where appropriate manage the purchase, provision and maintenance of appropriate therapeutic equipment.
Mental Effort Required:
- Manage own time and work effectively to meet objectives and deadlines.
- Challenge own and other behaviours in conjunction with CFHSs values in order to facilitate change and improve services.
- Adapt to the unpredictability of the workload, managing the frequent interruptions that may require re-prioritisation of duties, tasks etc.
- Analyse and interpret information and/or situations that may require appropriate and timely responses including investigations, assessment and safeguarding children.
Emotional Effort Required:
- Lone working when in clinical practice.
- Potentially dealing with service users who have highly distressing histories of abuse, family circumstances, additional degenerative health needs, mental health and challenging behaviour
- Able to manage the emotional consequences of working in distressing conditions in self and others.
Physical Effort/Skills:
- Work in a variety of settings including office accommodation, Education settings, clinics, GP practices and clients homes.
- Regular requirement to drive own car for purposes of work
- IT skills including spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint and electronic records.
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
Clinical Governance is a Framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which clinical care will flourish. Employees must be aware that Clinical Governance places a duty on all health professionals, clinicians and managers alike to ensure that the level of clinical service they deliver to patients is satisfactory, consistent and responsive.
This job description is not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake such other duties from time to time as are consistent with the responsibility of the grade.
This job description is subject to review and development from time to time in liaison with the post holder. As an employee of Children and Family Health Surrey you will be required to adhere to all the organisations policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Awareness of the role of SLT in a variety of relevant settings
- Knowledge about the impact of communication difficulties on children
- Knowledge of Word, Excel, Databases, PowerPoint
- Good communication and negotiation skills
- Good IT skills
- Willingness to learn new skills
- Works as an excellent team member
- Drives and has access to a car
Desirable
- Knowledge related to working with Speech and Language Therapy
- Knowledge of symbol software
- Training and presentation skills
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE or GCE or equivalent in English
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Communication or SLT training
Experience
Essential
- Experience working within an education setting
- Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team that included other health, education and/or social care professionals
- Experience working with people with a communication difficulty
Desirable
- Experience with signing or alternative forms of communication
- Experience working with Speech and Language Therapy
- Experience working with children and families
Person Specification
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Awareness of the role of SLT in a variety of relevant settings
- Knowledge about the impact of communication difficulties on children
- Knowledge of Word, Excel, Databases, PowerPoint
- Good communication and negotiation skills
- Good IT skills
- Willingness to learn new skills
- Works as an excellent team member
- Drives and has access to a car
Desirable
- Knowledge related to working with Speech and Language Therapy
- Knowledge of symbol software
- Training and presentation skills
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE or GCE or equivalent in English
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Communication or SLT training
Experience
Essential
- Experience working within an education setting
- Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team that included other health, education and/or social care professionals
- Experience working with people with a communication difficulty
Desirable
- Experience with signing or alternative forms of communication
- Experience working with Speech and Language Therapy
- Experience working with children and families
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.
