Speech & Language Therapist Assistant
We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.
Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits
Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of the ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole.The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge then we are keen to hear from you.
Job overview
Speech & Language Therapy Assistant for the Acute Stroke Unit
We have an exciting new vacancy for a clinical assistant to work in our friendly Speech & Language Therapy team on the award winning stroke unit.
You will work directly with our service users who have severe communication problems and swallowing disorders as well as assisting the clinical staff with a range of administrative and practical tasks. Previous NHS experience and/or knowledge of what an adult acquired SALT team do would be an advantage.
Our team is friendly and supportive and we are committed to regularly reviewing our service delivery, clinical supervision and our CPD.
We have excellent liaison with the local university, hospitals and other local teams.
Main duties of the job- Be professionally accountable and work independently, managing and prioritising your workload
- Use own knowledge, skills and initiative to perform tasks independently, accessing advice and supervision accordingly
- Communicate delegated factual information to patients, carers using persuasion, reassurance, tact and sensitivity
- To be responsible for the department’s administration of the ambulance booking system
- Create individual resources such as communication passports, timetable etc to be used as part of therapist’s intervention using available technology and specialist software
- Develop materials and adapt existing resources to meet the defined intervention needs of people with special requirements referred to the service.
Working for our organisation
One of the largest Trusts in East Anglia, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) provide hospital and community health services to people living across a wide geographical area. We deliver care from two main hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, six community hospitals and in patients’ own homes.You will be joining a team of almost 12,000 amazing colleagues providing care to approximately a million people.
Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (if applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.We offer a range of flexible working opportunities.
Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which do not work or cause time delays for our staff and patients.
To support our employees to achieve their career aspirations you may be eligible to obtain a qualification via an apprenticeship. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a skills review to facilitate this. For full details please see the attached Apprenticeship Handbook.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge then we are keen to hear from you.
Find out about living and working with us - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Skills / Abilities
Essential criteria- Ability to use Word, PowerPoint, e-mail, Excel and Access (or similar spreadsheet or database packages
- Excellent interpersonal skills – including communication, observation, listening and empathy skills as well as exemplary telephone manner.
- Car owner/driver/access to a motor vehicle (role will involve travel to other sites that cannot be easily accessed by public transport means)
Experience
Essential criteria- Relevant experience in working with adults with complex disability
- Previous exposure to working with adults who have profound communication and swallowing problems
- Relevant experience of working within busy NHS clinics
Qualifications
Desirable criteria- Evidence of Completion of courses relating to software use e.g. European Computer Driving Licence
- Evidence of successful completion of short courses relevant to clinical caseload and administrative duties
Knowledge
Desirable criteria- Awareness of a range of therapeutic assessments and interventions relevant to caseload.
- Understanding of roles of other professionals with a range of agencies.
- Knowledge of standards of record keeping.
- Competency in using PAS
Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.
Please make sure that you read the Job Description and Person Specification attached and that your statement in support reflects this as your application will be judged against these criteria.
Secondment - if you are interested in undertaking a role on a secondment basis, please ensure that you have discussed this with your current line manager prior to submitting your application. Please note if you are already an employee of ESNEFT fixed term roles will only be offered on a secondment basis.
When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.
Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document
The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.
Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due Home Office eligibility.
In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.