Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical (approximately 60% of working hours)

To implement speech and language therapy packages with children and make modifications as necessary for child or circumstances, and to assist in the planning of routine activities. This includes children of pre-school and school age on the community caseload in location. To assist SLTs in running groups as required.

To monitor the childrens progress and assess their progress in response to treatment.

To make observations about childrens communication skills and responses to activities and use initiative to change intervention in order to assist in assessment and therapy. The speech and language therapist will be available by phone to discuss changes to therapy packages.

To contribute to administrative duties connected with the caseload including updating childrens case records, following service standards.

Administrative (approximately 40% of working hours)

To carry out clerical and administrative tasks supporting the delivery of clinical work. These may include arranging appointments, data collection and entry (manually and/or using IT), filing, photocopying and typing of clinical reports, letters and treatment plans

To ensure that agreed data is collected and entered onto the SLT database

To organise and prepare treatment materials, including communication aids

To use IT resources to support administrative tasks (e.g. e-mail, internet)

Communication

To communicate effectively with children who have a range of difficulties with speech, language and communication in a variety of settings (e.g. clinics and schools)

To communicate effectively with other professionals responsible for the care of the child, and exchange patient information with colleagues.

To recognise how and when information may be shared within the bounds of confidentiality and the Data Protection Act

Contribute to CCS internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation

Contribute to CCS external communication strategies working with the Head of Communications to raise awareness and promote the reputation of CCS services

People Management

Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal process. Day to day supervision of less experienced staff.

Training

To assist the SLTs in the organisation and delivery of training to other professionals and parents as appropriate

To actively participate in in-service training and other courses as appropriate in order to develop and maintain knowledge and skills as appropriate and identified through objective setting and personal development review. This will include either NVQ IV or Elklan level 3.

To attend all PCT mandatory training

Clinical and Practice Governance

Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.

Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.

The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes

The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures

Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.

The post holder must participate in clinical and other audits as required

The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• 5 GCSEs level A-C
• Elklan level 3 or NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience
• Standard keyboard skills, familiar with Word and Excel

Desirable

• Rleevant short courses or experience to diploma level

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with young children
• Experience of working with children with additional needs
• Previous experience of working as part of a team

Desirable

• Experience of working with the public either face to face or by telephone
• Experience using SystmOne
• Understanding of the personal and social implications of speech, language and communication disorders

Skills

Essential

• Good communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible and able to use own initiative
• Awareness and understanding of safeguarding issues
• Good presentation skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of Makaton

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust

Address

The Oak Tree Centre

1 Oak Drive

Huntingdon

PE29 7HN

Employer's website

https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)