Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be providing direct and indirect patient care independently but with support available from a supervisor within the clinical area. In doing so, they will support the assessment of service users and implementation of programmes of care delegated to them by the appropriate staff member ensuring that they practice within their sphere of competence and knowledge. The post holder will work within a range of procedures and pathways in which they have received training in order to be competent.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical

1.1. The post holder will implement programmes of care within the limits of the procedures and pathways in which they have achieved competence.

1.2. Support and assist other staff members to deliver care as delegated and directed

1.3. Demonstrates developed physical skills obtained through practice and training e.g. accuracy, dexterity and coordination to complete routine tests within agreed pathways of care, manipulate equipment.

1.4. Observes and evaluates progress, condition or levels and reports to clinician, ensuring that accurate and timely record keeping is achieved

1.5. Able to identify risk or changes in condition and are responsible for taking action and alerting the appropriate staff member

1.6. Exchanges factual information with service users using persuasion, reassurance, tact and empathy and addressing barriers to understanding to engage the individual in their care and gain valid consent; ensure that all discussions are recorded in an accurate and timely manner in the patient record

1.7. Engages and actively involves the individual and, if appropriate, their family/carer, in their assessment, programme of treatment and/or care, if directed to do so by the responsible professional, by using person-centred techniques to promote a culture of self care, involvement and empowerment

1.8. Prioritises their own workload and understands the boundaries of their practice; may plan tasks for others e.g. patient groups, arranging for more junior staff to support groups

1.9. Approaches each individual with care, compassion and sensitivity ensuring that these values are reflected in all aspects of role

1.10. Be responsible for delegated administration tasks and management of resources within the clinical area e.g. stock control, basic equipment cleaning, specific clinical tasks to support the smooth running of a clinic.

1.11. To comply with the organisations Infection Prevention and Control requirements, including bare below the elbows dress code for staff with a direct care delivery role.

Person Specification

Experience at basic clinical skills such as writing case notes

Essential

• Car driver - it is unlikely that public transport would be

Desirable

• Evidence of relevant training related to clinical area (SLT) eg Makaton, Intensive interaction

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualification to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
• GCSE English grade 9-4 or equivalent experience
• Must be willing to participate in any relevant training or qualifications identified

Desirable

• Car owner/ driver or suitable alternative transport to enable you to undertake the job ( it is unlikely that public transport would make this requirement). Reasonable adjustments can be considered in accordance to the Equality Act

Experience

Essential

• Experience at working with children and families
• Experience of organising and prioritising own workload

Desirable

• Evidence of relevant clinical area eg supporting children with interventions/ targets relating to Speech, Language and Communication needs or working alongside SLTS

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

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Address

Stockdale House (interim), White Rose Park from 21 August 2023

Building 3, White Rose Park, Millshaw Park Lane

Leeds

LS11 0DL

Employer's website

https://www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/join-our-team1/ (Opens in a new tab)