Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Speech and Language Therapy Apprentice/Assistant

The closing date is 18 September 2025

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Speech and Language Apprentice/Assistant to join our friendly and committed team at EPUT working as part of our Inpatients Mental Health Team. The role of the Speech and Language Apprentice/Assistant will be fully supported working as part of a small and friendly team providing groups and one to one therapy within our in-patient wards across a number of sites in EPUT.

There will be an expectation for the Apprentice/Assistant to be able to travel between different hospitals and sites across the trust. The team also provide out-reach service when needed for patients who are discharged back into the community for a number of sessions.

The successful candidate will be fully supported with regular supervision and CPD opportunities.

If successful at interview and appointed there would be an expectation to work in the role for 12 months, to successfully pass probation and gain consent from your line manager before applying at the University. As an employee of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust the post holder would be working towards a BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy in partnership with the University of Essex 'on' and 'off' the job learning.

Please be advised there will be two stages to shortlisting. For those applicants successful at the first stage of shortlisting you will be asked to complete a small writing task. Following on from this if successful you will be asked to attend a face to face interview.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

1. To support therapy staff in the implementation of treatment programmes.

2. To carry out one to one and group interventions as directed by Senior Therapy staff.

3. To plan and facilitate group activities as directed by the Senior Therapists.

4. To develop rapport with clients to encourage their interest in skills.

5. To be aware of individual patients needs through communication with Therapy staff.

6. To observe general behaviour, ability and response of clients/patients to activities.

7. To have an awareness of the situations that may make clients/patients vulnerable or at risk.

8. To report any concerns immediately to Senior Therapy staff.

9. To respect clients/patients choices and confidentiality at all times.

10.To record interventions in an agreed format.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

  • Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
  • Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
  • If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
  • We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

  • 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
  • Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
  • Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
  • £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
  • Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

  • Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
  • Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details

Date posted

04 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-9318

Job locations

The King's Wood Centre

Turner Road

Colchester

CO4 5JY


Job description

Job responsibilities

The apprentice will work as part of the inpatient 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 study.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The apprentice will work as part of the inpatient 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 study.

Person Specification

Knowledge and understanding of SLT role

Essential

  • Previous experience working in the NHS
  • Previous experience of Speech and Language Therapy or Allied Health Professional

Desirable

  • Experience working with Speech and Language Therapy

Work experience

Essential

  • Previous experience working in the NHS
  • Previous experience working in Mental Health

Desirable

  • Understanding of the acute mental health wards
Person Specification

Knowledge and understanding of SLT role

Essential

  • Previous experience working in the NHS
  • Previous experience of Speech and Language Therapy or Allied Health Professional

Desirable

  • Experience working with Speech and Language Therapy

Work experience

Essential

  • Previous experience working in the NHS
  • Previous experience working in Mental Health

Desirable

  • Understanding of the acute mental health wards

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The King's Wood Centre

Turner Road

Colchester

CO4 5JY


Employer's website

https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The King's Wood Centre

Turner Road

Colchester

CO4 5JY


Employer's website

https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head AHP Older Adults Community Mental Health

Michelle Oliver

michelle.oliver3@nhs.net

07973380010

Details

Date posted

04 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

364-A-9318

Job locations

The King's Wood Centre

Turner Road

Colchester

CO4 5JY


Supporting documents

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