Band 3 Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

You will be implementing a range of interventions specified by the Speech and Language Therapists and deliver training to individuals/families/carers and other professionals and regularly support colleagues. You will liaise with carers and other agencies in agreement with the Speech and Language Therapists to gather and collate the necessary information and support the therapists in organising the location, hospitality, and materials related to clinical and training duties.

Deals with clients with learning disabilities and carers who may have complex needs and/or be under extreme stress. Using own initiative, carries out clinical work with people who have learning disabilities who have communication and eating and drinking difficulties under the supervision of the SLT (Speech and Language Therapist) on occasions by telephone. Observes clients with eating and drinking problems. Completes a screening checklist and informs the qualified SLT of the outcome. This will only be following training and assessment of competencies. Undertakes patient assessments as advised by qualified staff. Implements a range of treatments with clients independently. Contributes to evaluation and modification of communication environments, advising carers, residential homes, day centres etc. on communication timetables, communication passports and signing. Writes clinical records and letters independently and reports with support. Negotiates with professionals, clients and carers in order to deliver routine clinical work.

Uses keyboard skills and computer knowledge to produce customised assessments, therapy resources and training materials. Takes initiative for admin/clerical tasks to a maximum of 30% of the working week e.g. answering the telephone, collecting/distributing post, replenishing supplies of standard documentation. Manages infection risks on equipment. Works with clients whose behaviour may challenge so as to cause harm to self and others. Works with clients who may be at risk of potential/actual abuse. Runs groups, both formal and informal, as well as individual treatment programmes. Carries out prescribed eating and drinking programmes written by a qualified SLT and can modify these within set parameters. Manages infection control risks including those from bodily fluids. Carries out invasive procedures such as intensive interaction and sensory interaction. Uses highly developed communication skills to explain information from assessment/therapy plans to clients, carers and multidisciplinary team members.

Service evaluation/development

• Contributes to local audit of own work.
• Contributes to the development of policies by proposing changes at local and team level.
• Contributes to service wide improvement projects.

Training/support

• Assists SLTs to identify training needs in relation to LD caseload.
• Organises location, hospitality and materials as agreed with the SLT.
• Delivers training e.g. Makaton, communication passport, objects of reference, to other members of the MDT, carers/parents etc.
• Supports apprentices, work experience helpers and students - acts as a mentor and identifies training needs.
• Assists in the induction of newly qualified therapists and provides observational experience for SLT students.
• Liaises with SLT on a regular basis and identifies when delegated treatment plans need revising.
• Participates in non-managerial clinical supervision.
• Participates in and receives peer support from other SLTAs, assistants and practitioners from other professional groups.
• Takes responsibility for fulfilling own professional training and development needs in consultation with line manager e.g. participation in clinical excellence networks.
• Contributes to clinical and managerial audits and undertakes audits of own and others' work under direction.
• Participates in research within the SLT team and across the LD services.

Service Management

• Monitors stock for the SLT staff across all SLT bases citywide.
• Maintains upkeep of the SLT equipment and completes equipment inventories.
• Produces therapy resources under the direction of an SLT e.g. communication timetables/passports/keyrings, formal training packs and activity books.
• Provides statistical information on own daily practice for service management purposes.
• Provides a service which is culturally, linguistically, gender and disability sensitive to meet the needs of the population of Birmingham.

To undertake other duties commensurate with this grade of post in agreement with the relevant line manager.