Speech and Language Therapy Apprentice/Assistant | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Colchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Colchester is seeking a Speech and Language Apprentice/Assistant to join their inpatient mental health team. You will support qualified staff in delivering therapy interventions and gain practical experience towards a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy. The role includes observing patients, implementing treatment plans, and ensuring patient confidentiality. Flexible working options are available, with excellent benefits including generous holiday entitlement and a relocation package.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension scheme

Staff discounts

£8K relocation package

Interest-free season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Ability to support therapy staff in implementing treatment programmes.
• Communication skills to develop rapport with clients.
• Awareness of patient needs and situations of vulnerability.

Responsibilities

• Support therapy staff in treatment programmes.
• Carry out interventions as directed by Senior staff.
• Record interventions in an agreed format.

Job description

Overview

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 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 to travel between different hospitals and sites across the trust. The team also provides outreach 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.

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

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.

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 to 14.5% 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.

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.

This advert closes on Thursday 18 Sep 2025