Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Longton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner to support a team of Speech and Language Therapists across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. You will follow programmes set by therapists to help children develop communication skills in clinics, schools, family hubs, at home, or online.

This role suits someone with prior experience working with children; internal applications are welcome and the Trust emphasizes ongoing training

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in relevant area is required.
• Signing (Makaton/BSL) or other communication sign language qualification is relevant.

Responsibilities

• Be competent as appropriate to the requirements of the role.
• Be responsible under the guidance of a registered practitioner for a defined population of service users across varied settings.
• Support development, implementation and evaluation of care/packages under direction of a registered practitioner.
• Maintain case notes and ensure infection control and safety standards.

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in relevant area

Qualification relevant to speech and language development. Signing e.g Makaton/BSL

Job description

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner

The closing date is 30 November 2026

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

The Midlands Partnership Foundation NHS Trust provides Speech and Language Therapy Services across the whole of Staffordshire, working with commissioners in both education and health services.

We are looking to recruit a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner to support a team of Speech and Language Therapists in their work across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Area.

The successful applicant will follow programmes set by Speech and Language Therapists to support the development of communication skills in pre-school and school aged children. Sessions will be in clinics, educational settings, family hubs, visits to the child's home, or online.

This post would be suitable for somebody with previous experience of working with children, and who is looking for the opportunity to work as part of a Speech and Language Therapy team within the NHS. Internal applications are also welcome.

Main duties of the job

Be competent as appropriate to the requirements of the role.

Demonstrate at all times the Partnership Trust Values of: "We Put Quality First, We Focus on People and We Take Responsibility."

Be responsible, under the guidance of a registered practitioner, for a defined population of service users in a variety of settings across the Partnership Trust including homes, schools and clinics.

Be skilled in supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of care/support packages under the direction of a registered practitioner.

Have supervisory responsibilities as required (e.g. work allocation) and contribute to service developments.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job responsibilities

1

To work independently with children, their families and relevant Health and Education staff as directed by the Speech/Language Therapist.

2

To support a Speech/Language Therapist in the running of speech, language, and interaction groups and to run groups independently following an agreed plan.

3

To amend treatment plans within agreed boundaries and confirm this with the Speech/Language Therapist.

4

To contribute to assessment and review in the form of monitoring children's progress against agreed targets.

5

To carry out assessments as directed and feedback the results for analysis by the Speech/Language Therapist.

6

To make resources at the request of a Speech/Language Therapist.

7

To liaise with other relevant agencies, including Health, Education, Social Services and the Voluntary Sector as required by the Speech/Language Therapist.

8

To arrange appointments with families and schools as needed.

9

To maintain case notes on all patients undergoing therapy in line with department policy. departmental policies.

10

To ensure the safekeeping of therapy equipment and to ensure that standards of infection control and safety are maintained.

11

To work to relevant National standards and guidelines as directed by the Speech/Language Therapist.

12

To adhere to Service and Trust standards.

13

To maintain appropriate standards of Health and Safety as per Trust Policies and Procedures.

14

To undertake any other duties as required.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in relevant area
• oQualification relevant to speech and language development. Signing e.g Makaton/BSL

Experience

• Previous work with pre-school and school age children with complex needs.
• Previous work with families.
• Previous work in educational settings.
• Previous experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team.
• oPrevious experience of leading or assisting groups.

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.

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust