Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity available for a Children's Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. You will support our team of Speech and Language Therapists to deliver interventions to children who have speech, language and communication difficulties associated with significant and complex health and education needs.
Youwill deliver individual and group therapy plans designed by a Speech and Language Therapist to Pre School and school aged children across a variety of locations including patient homes, nurseries, clinics/health centres, mainstream and Special School settings.
This post also involves preparing therapy materials and carrying out administrative tasks associated with the Team. Experience of using a range of IT systems is essential.
Applications are invited from individuals with a range of experience of working with children with significant additional and complex needs. A specific interest in supporting and developing the communication needs of this caseload, experience of using alternate methods of communication including symbol based systems and Makaton and previous experience of working alongside an SLT are all essential.
Access to your own vehicle for work is essential.
Main duties of the job
To implement programmes of care devised by Speech and Language Therapists for children with significant and complex health and education needs
To modify approaches and activities within programmes of care to meet requirements/contexts
To support the children and their families in using alternative and augmentative systems of communication
To liaise with individuals involved with the patient including families and other professionals
To prepare therapy materials and carry out administrative tasks
About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To implement programmes of care devised by Speech and Language Therapists for children with significant and complex health and education needs
To modify approaches and activities within programmes of care to meet requirements/contexts
To support the children and their families in using alternative and augmentative systems of communication
To liaise with individuals involved with the patient including families and other professionals
To prepare therapy materials and carry out administrative tasks
To work within the Multi-disciplinary Team to provide support and appropriate interventions to patients in Gateshead to improve their health and maximise their level of independence.
To carry an allocated patient caseload under the supervision of qualified staff and supervise/motivate patients in activities relating to agreed treatment protocols.
- To ensure that the highest level of patient care is achieved at all times in the most effective manner.
Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C ( or equivalent) or above (including English)
NVQ level 4, BTEC or equivalent in relevant subjects.
Experience of working with relevant client groups, and/or working in Nurseries/Pre school settings, mainstream and specialist schools e.g. Profound and Multiple Learning Disability (PMLD), Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Autism
Additional training relating to the specific client group and their overall management which is relevant to the post e.g. Makaton, PECS
Experience of working under the instruction of a Speech and Language Therapist to implement language programmes and/or alternate communication systems e.g. Communication boards, Makaton, voice output communication aids.
Knowledge of current Child Protection/Safeguarding children policies and procedures
Experience of working with children with additional needs especially in relation to speech, language and communication
Highly developed oral, written and non verbal communication skills including tact and sensitivity
Highly developed observation and listening skills
Organisational and time management skills
Administrative and clerical skills- MDT support
Ability to identify and appropriately minimise risk
Ability to keep up to date with Trust Policies and procedures and attend statutory training, study days and staff meetings as required.
Identify and be proactive in developing own skills and knowledge via supervision and appraisal systems and demonstrate competent practice
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Working knowledge of Data Protection and Calidcott Principles
Ability to prioritise workload safely
Ability to work on his/her own initiative
Have the ability to travel across multiple sites as required
Daily requirements to sit at desk and use computer/VDU for multiple purposes.
Daily requirement to receive complex clinical information and communicate this accurately and effectively to the correct recipient in a timely fashion
Frequent periods of concentration when facilitating programs of care as prescribed by a senior staff member.
Ability to switch tasks as a result of managing multiple demands on time and the potential for frequent interruptions.
Accurate keyboarding/typing skills
Knowledge of computer packages: Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Powerpoint and Microsoft Projects.
It Literate
Excellent team player
Experience of working independently.
Experience of working to tight deadlines
Experience of working in a Healthcare Environment.
Experience of working in community healthcare systems
- Capable of independent travel across Gateshead/Car Owner/driver
Job description
Job responsibilities
To implement programmes of care devised by Speech and Language Therapists for children with significant and complex health and education needs
To modify approaches and activities within programmes of care to meet requirements/contexts
To support the children and their families in using alternative and augmentative systems of communication
To liaise with individuals involved with the patient including families and other professionals
To prepare therapy materials and carry out administrative tasks
To work within the Multi-disciplinary Team to provide support and appropriate interventions to patients in Gateshead to improve their health and maximise their level of independence.
To carry an allocated patient caseload under the supervision of qualified staff and supervise/motivate patients in activities relating to agreed treatment protocols.
- To ensure that the highest level of patient care is achieved at all times in the most effective manner.
Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C ( or equivalent) or above (including English)
NVQ level 4, BTEC or equivalent in relevant subjects.
Experience of working with relevant client groups, and/or working in Nurseries/Pre school settings, mainstream and specialist schools e.g. Profound and Multiple Learning Disability (PMLD), Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Autism
Additional training relating to the specific client group and their overall management which is relevant to the post e.g. Makaton, PECS
Experience of working under the instruction of a Speech and Language Therapist to implement language programmes and/or alternate communication systems e.g. Communication boards, Makaton, voice output communication aids.
Knowledge of current Child Protection/Safeguarding children policies and procedures
Experience of working with children with additional needs especially in relation to speech, language and communication
Highly developed oral, written and non verbal communication skills including tact and sensitivity
Highly developed observation and listening skills
Organisational and time management skills
Administrative and clerical skills- MDT support
Ability to identify and appropriately minimise risk
Ability to keep up to date with Trust Policies and procedures and attend statutory training, study days and staff meetings as required.
Identify and be proactive in developing own skills and knowledge via supervision and appraisal systems and demonstrate competent practice
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Working knowledge of Data Protection and Calidcott Principles
Ability to prioritise workload safely
Ability to work on his/her own initiative
Have the ability to travel across multiple sites as required
Daily requirements to sit at desk and use computer/VDU for multiple purposes.
Daily requirement to receive complex clinical information and communicate this accurately and effectively to the correct recipient in a timely fashion
Frequent periods of concentration when facilitating programs of care as prescribed by a senior staff member.
Ability to switch tasks as a result of managing multiple demands on time and the potential for frequent interruptions.
Accurate keyboarding/typing skills
Knowledge of computer packages: Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Powerpoint and Microsoft Projects.
It Literate
Excellent team player
Experience of working independently.
Experience of working to tight deadlines
Experience of working in a Healthcare Environment.
Experience of working in community healthcare systems
- Capable of independent travel across Gateshead/Car Owner/driver
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Min of 5 GCSE's Grade C or above Including English or equivalent.
- NVQ level 4 or BTEC in relevant subject
Desirable
- BTEC in Speech & Language Therapy Support or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children with complex and additional needs
- Experience of working in Pre-school and school settings with children who have Communication difficulties
- Experience of working with parents/Carers
- Experience of working under the instructions of a Speech and Language Therapist
- Experience of alternative augmentative communication systems
Desirable
- Experience of working in a Special School environment
- Experience of working as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Skills
Essential
- Highly developed communication skills
- Organisational and Time management skills
- Ability to work alone and as part of a team
- Confident IT Skills
- Administrative and clerical skills
- Car Driver
Desirable
- Knowledge /experience of EMIS/electronic record systems
- Experience in using symbol based software e.g. Communicate In Print, Boardmaker
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Min of 5 GCSE's Grade C or above Including English or equivalent.
- NVQ level 4 or BTEC in relevant subject
Desirable
- BTEC in Speech & Language Therapy Support or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children with complex and additional needs
- Experience of working in Pre-school and school settings with children who have Communication difficulties
- Experience of working with parents/Carers
- Experience of working under the instructions of a Speech and Language Therapist
- Experience of alternative augmentative communication systems
Desirable
- Experience of working in a Special School environment
- Experience of working as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Skills
Essential
- Highly developed communication skills
- Organisational and Time management skills
- Ability to work alone and as part of a team
- Confident IT Skills
- Administrative and clerical skills
- Car Driver
Desirable
- Knowledge /experience of EMIS/electronic record systems
- Experience in using symbol based software e.g. Communicate In Print, Boardmaker
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
