Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Job summary

We are looking for a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our creative and committed team.

The successful candidate will work in our service for children and young people. The role will include delivering interventions for children and young people (CYP), under the supervision of a speech and language therapist. The post holder will have the opportunity to work with a variety of speech and language therapists and develop their own skills in promoting the communication development of young children.

***Closing date is indicative only and this vacancy may close early without notice when sufficient applications have been received.***

Main duties of the job

Some of the main duties for this role are as follows:

• To work with Speech and language therapist (SaLT's) to assess, plan and implement therapy, to CYP with complex / targeted speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and/or eating and drinking difficulties
• To independently undertake observations of CYP, carry out programmes of intervention, and run groups.
• To be involved in universal work, offering preventative packages to school aged CYP, and the roll out of training to parents and other professionals
• To keep accurate, contemporaneous notes, maintain statistics as required and carry out other administrative tasks related to the service for CYP

About us

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.

We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.

Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s on this page.

The person specification below is not the full person specification but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• NNEB training/ relevant childcare training Eg NVQ
• A minimum of 5 GCSE's including Maths and English

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Good spoken communication and written skills in English
• Very good interpersonal skills - including observation, listening, negotiation, tact and empathy
• Ability to be flexible, creative and demonstrate initiative
• Ability to work as part of a team with children, parents and colleagues
• Computer literate (Able to use Microsoft office including Outlook, Excel and Word)
• Good presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Good organisational and prioritisation skills
• Ability to write concise and accurate notes

Desirable

• Ability to share sensitive and complex information with families and professionals.
• Able to discuss, analyse and reflect upon observations

Experience

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate equivalent experience of working with children

Desirable

• Experience of working with children in different settings
• Experience of working with children with SEN

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of some aspects and types of speech, language and communication difficulties and eating & drinking difficulties in children
• An understanding of client confidentiality

Desirable

• A particular interest in development of communication skills in children
• Knowledge/experience of a specific creative activity e.g. pottery, cookery, acting etc.
• Knowledge of cultures of key community languages
• Speaker of local key community language
• Knowledge of standards of record keeping
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group)

Trust Values/ Other requirements

Essential

• A commitment to equal opportunities
• Ability and willingness to travel around the Borough
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of Trust Values