Speech & Language Therapy Assistant

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board; Cwmbran; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Cwmbran is looking for a Speech and Language Therapist to support stroke patients during their critical first 72 hours. Candidates should have a good education background, preferably qualifications in health or education settings. You will work in a dynamic team and engage in clinical management for patients with communication difficulties. Excellent training and concepts for teamwork are provided, along with flexible working options and a commitment to employee wellbeing. Salary ranges from £25,313 to £26,999 per annum pro rata.

Benefits

Flexible working

Paid training programs

Occupational health support

Wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience of working within stroke services or communication difficulties desired.
• Flexibility and reliability in service delivery.
• Experience with children and clients experiencing communication difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the clinical management of clients with dysphagia.
• Conduct initial communication screenings as directed by SLT.
• Develop treatment programs according to SLT’s goals.

Skills

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Education

Good standard of general education to GCSE level or equivalent

Qualifications related to health/education settings (NVQ or equivalent)

Tools

Speech and language therapy software

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive team of speech & language therapists (SLTs) and SLT support workers, under the clinical leadership of 2 highly specialist SLTs across the stroke pathway.

The role will support the Speech and Language Therapy team under the supervision of a qualified SLT to provide early support to patients in the critical first 72 hours following a stroke. You will carry out individual therapy activities, as outlined by the SLT, to help patients with speech, language, or swallowing (dysphagia) difficulties.

You will join a caring and dynamic team, with regular access to clinical supervision, support, training and development. The post would suit someone with excellent organisational skills, a flexible approach and an enthusiasm to learn new skills

The successful candidate will be an important member of the inpatient team, working alongside qualified Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to provide appropriate and timely interventions and to help in the assistance and management of clinical caseloads on the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit.

Previous experience of working within stroke services or with adults with communication or swallowing difficulties is desirable for this role, with further training being provided as necessary.

Main duties of the job

To have responsibility for assisting in the clinical management of clients including those with dysphagia, under the direct supervision of a SLT either in group or individual settings or carrying out treatment programs independent of the therapist according to an agreed program/formula set by the therapist.

To assist in initial communication screening and case history taking according to an agreed formula set by the SLT.

To assist in the design and development of treatment programs and material to meet the treatment goals set by the SLTs.

Observe, record and report performance and response of clients during therapy sessions and feedback to the SLT.

To undertake administrative, statistical, and clinical information gathering activities expected of the team within the required time frame.

To demonstrate activities for other staff or carers under the direction of the SLT.

To assist in activities designed to improve the effectiveness of service provision.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your specialty or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff.

We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work.

Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future.

Job responsibilities

Full details of job description attached. Please ensure you review all details within the job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education to GCSE level or equivalent. A basic knowledge of communication disability and types of communication difficulties, and speech and language therapy
• Qualifications related to working with individuals, groups in health/education settings particularly NVQ or equivalent. Knowledge of clinical governance and its implications for therapy, e.g. safety, confidentiality, consent. Knowledge of speech and language therapy software.

Experience

• Experience of working with a team of people.
• Experience of working with speech and language therapists. Experience of working with children and clients. Experience of working with people with communication difficulties.

Values

• Flexible and reliable to the service. Forward thinking Personal initiative Committed to personal and team development Ability to travel around geographical areas to meet the requirements of the post.

Communication

• A basic knowledge of communication disability and types of communication difficulties, and speech and language therapy. Experience of working with a team of people. Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. Desire to develop skills and knowledge. Personal initiative. Committed to personal and team development. How do you meet these essential criteria?
• Experience of working with speech and language therapists. Experience of working with people with communication difficulties. Good communication and listening skills with people with specific communication difficulties How do you meet these desirable criteria?

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.

£25,313 to £26,999 a yearper annum pro rata