Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner

NHS; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Dawlish is seeking a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner to support individuals with learning disabilities and neurodiversity. You will collaborate with therapists to deliver high-quality care, assist in communication assessments, and implement interventions. Ideal candidates will possess excellent communication skills and relevant experience, along with qualifications in health and social care.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with individuals with Learning Disabilities.
• Ability to problem solve and organize time effectively.
• Understanding recovery principles and behavior support planning.

Responsibilities

• Support the Speech & Language Therapy service within the inpatient unit.
• Assist with speech, language & communication assessments.
• Implement evidence-based interventions collaboratively.

Skills

Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills

Ability to communicate sensitive information

Ability to work in a team effectively

Knowledge of learning disabilities

Basic IT skills

Ability to assess risk

Education

Level 3 QCF in Health and Social Care or equivalent

GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C or above)

Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care

Job description

Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner

Are you passionate about Learning Disability and Neurodiversity?

Could you assist the Speech & Language Therapy service within our exciting new service development, The Brook, providing a 10 bed regional inpatient unit for people with a learning disability and/or autistic people with treatable mental health needs?

Do you want to work in an organisation which is genuinely committed to meeting your individual needs as well as the needs of patients?

We are a seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Speech & Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner to join our team. You will work alongside an Advanced Speech & Language Therapist, and a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, as well as the Professional Lead for Speech & Language Therapy, and linking with community learning disability and neurodiversity team colleagues.

You will be a key member of the Speech and Language Therapy team, and the large multi-disciplinary team, with the opportunity to support the Speech and Language Therapy team to deliver consistently high-quality care and treatment. The new unit will be state of the art and has been carefully designed and developed with clinicians and people with lived experience.

• Interviews are scheduled to take place week on the 4th September 2025

Main duties of the job

Under the supervision of the Speech and Language Therapists, the post holder will be responsible for supporting the Speech & Language Therapy service within the specialist in-patient unit. You will also be responsible for assisting with speech, language & communication assessments, as well as eating, drinking and swallowing assessments as required. You will work collaboratively with individuals to support with implementing evidence-based interventions.

About us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to people with Learning Disabilities, carers and colleagues.
• An ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships. Ability to work with people in a group or on an individual basis.
• Able to work in a team effectively and collaboratively Ability to use a variety of Communication systems.
• Ability to put information into easy and accessible format.
• Knowledge of learning disabilities and good practice in terms of supporting and working with people with Learning Disabilities and their Carers.
• Knowledge of a range of Mental Health presentations and medications for people with a Learning Disability.
• An understanding of physical health problems which can impact on a persons mental health and monitoring of the same.
• Working knowledge of Valuing People and other relevant Learning Disability documents/policies.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and appropriate action to take. A basic understanding of the law in relation to consent and capacity.
• Basic IT skills.
• Ability to relate to and communicate with people who have a Learning Disability.
• Understanding of Recovery principles and Positive Behaviour Support Planning.
• Ability to evaluate complex information to assist with decision making.
• An awareness of own scope of practice and ability to make appropriate judgements on when to refer issues to a registered practitioner.
• Ability to assess risk (to self, service user and/or family/carers) and to take appropriate action.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently within defined procedures and care pathways
• An understanding of Care Coordination/ Management process.
• Awareness of the Code of conduct for Health Care Support Workers /Adult Social Care Workers in England.

Experience

• Previous experience working in a range of different behaviour settings for people with Learning Disabilities.
• Working with people who may present with distressed behaviours that present challenges to other services.

Qualifications

• Must already hold or obtain the Care Certificate within the first 3 months of employment.
• Level 3 QCF in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
• GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C or above) OR Level 2 Key Skills / Functional Skills in Maths and English.
• Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or qualification to diploma level or equivalent.
• If a Foundation Degree or equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete within 2 years of commencing employment.

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 name

Address

The Brook, Learning Disability and Autism Unit (LDAU)

The Brook, Learning Disability and Autism Unit (LDAU)