Speech & Language Therapy and Dietetics Assistant Therapy Practitioner

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Therapy Practitioner to join the Speech & Language Therapy and Dietetic team within the Specialist Learning Disability Service (SLDS) based across East and North Hertfordshire.

The successful candidate will work as an integral member of a diverse multi-disciplinary team, directly supporting the Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics Team.

You will be motivated to develop your clinical skills working with adults with learning disabilities. You will also have excellent communication and organisational skills and be enthusiastic about working as part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team.

We would welcome applications from motivated individuals looking to gain experience prior to applying for an SLT apprenticeship. Training and support will be provided for candidates that might have limited experience in the field of SLT/Dietetics.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Team Lead, Jess Carter - jessica.carter17@nhs.net

Main duties of the job

To work individually with service users on specific tasks or interventions identified by a registered Speech and Language Therapist or Dietitian

To provide this service to service users who present with communication and/or dysphagia difficulties

To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team

To be able to work flexibly across a wide variety of settings within the service

To contribute to assessment and therapeutic interventions, including completing directed observations and delivering bespoke training to carers

To maintain clinical records

To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant

To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance

To attend mandatory training and demonstrate application

To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor, this may be taught, shadowing of others or through self-directed learning

Demonstrate, in consultation with the Speech and Language Therapist or Dietitian, the use of initiative to meet specific individual needs of service users

About us

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.

Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:

Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.

Date posted

19 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

367-LD&F-9128-A

Job locations

Saffron Ground

Ditchmore Lane

Stevenage

SG1 3LJ

Job description

Job responsibilities

See attached job description and person specification for detailed information related to this role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

See attached job description and person specification for detailed information related to this role.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING

Essential

Knowledge of Speech and Language Therapy techniques and/or activities relevant to client group
Knowledge of Dietetic interventions relevant to client group
Willingness to undertake relevant training in communication, dysphagia, dietetics and computing skills

Desirable

Technical /teaching qualification e.g. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ Level 3

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

Experience of working in paid or voluntary employment relevant to post
Understanding of professional conduct
Relevant health and/ or social care experience

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY

Essential

Clear communication through written, verbal and non-verbal modes
Good numeracy and literacy skills
Observation skills
Positive interpersonal skills
Ability to teach practical skills
Ability to adapt communication style to meet the needs of individuals and/ or different situations
Presentation skills
Ability to use problem solving techniques
Ability to analyse data to contribute to service development and audit

PHYSICAL SKILLS

Essential

Computer skills for entering clinical notes on electronic patient record and managing spreadsheets
Car driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

MENTAL EFFORT

Essential

Ability to manage own workload and determine priorities
Ability to reflect on own performance
Application of health, safety and risk management policies
Working with service users with barriers to understanding and/or behaviours that challenge

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING

Essential

Knowledge of Speech and Language Therapy techniques and/or activities relevant to client group
Knowledge of Dietetic interventions relevant to client group
Willingness to undertake relevant training in communication, dysphagia, dietetics and computing skills

Desirable

Technical /teaching qualification e.g. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ Level 3

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

Experience of working in paid or voluntary employment relevant to post
Understanding of professional conduct
Relevant health and/ or social care experience

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY

Essential

Clear communication through written, verbal and non-verbal modes
Good numeracy and literacy skills
Observation skills
Positive interpersonal skills
Ability to teach practical skills
Ability to adapt communication style to meet the needs of individuals and/ or different situations
Presentation skills
Ability to use problem solving techniques
Ability to analyse data to contribute to service development and audit

PHYSICAL SKILLS

Essential

Computer skills for entering clinical notes on electronic patient record and managing spreadsheets
Car driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

MENTAL EFFORT

Essential

Ability to manage own workload and determine priorities
Ability to reflect on own performance
Application of health, safety and risk management policies
Working with service users with barriers to understanding and/or behaviours that challenge

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.