We are looking for an AAC Assistant Practitioner to join our friendlyand supportive multi-disciplinary team of therapists, teachers, engineers, andtechnicians. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity leave cover.
Interviews will be held on 12 & 13 November 2026.
This role would suit a Speech & Language Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, or Teaching Assistant. It is an exciting opportunity to develop your knowledge andskills in relation to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) across awide range of settings. We work closely with colleagues in health, education,and social care to provide a genuinely person-centred service in a variety oflocations, including hospitals, community locations, peoples own homes,schools, and colleges.
You will work closely with our AAC Consultants (therapists and teachers) and independently with a small caseload. You will play a key role in supporting children and adults with communication difficulties, helping them to achieve specific goals using AAC tools and strategies to solve communicative challenges.
You will develop paper-based communication resourcesusing specialist software, set up and personalise voice output communicationequipment, support individuals in their use of that equipment, and train othersin how to do this.
Main duties of the job
As an AAC Assistant Practitioner you will:
- workas part of our Service Delivery Team.
- workunder the indirect supervision of an AAC Consultant onspecified tasks, in specified contexts with support, supervision and directionprovided primarily through discussion.
- deliver independentworking with a small caseload and/or workload recognising the needfor evidence based practice and carrying out delegated tasks with a negotiatedlevel of support, direct supervision, and direction.
About us
Ace Centre is a national charity offering a range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) servicesfor people with physical and communication impairments and those who supportthem.
Ace Centre operates from 2 regional offices, one in Oldham, GreaterManchester and one in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Ace Centre has a contract with NHSEngland to deliver AAC services across both of these regions.
This role is based in our Oldham office. You will support clientsin a range of settings and locations across the North West region and the role will involve travel and occasional overnight stays.
Ace Centre offers excellent CPD opportunities, a competitive salary andmembership of a generous pension scheme with Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
Job responsibilities
As an AAC Assistant Practitioner, you will assist in the delivery of Ace Centre's assessment,training, and information services as directed by AAC Consultants or AACEngineers.
Your key tasks will include:
- Preparing communication equipment and materials for demonstration and loan to clients as part of the assessment process.
- Providing training for clients and carers on programming and maintenance of communication equipment.
- Assisting with the installation of client equipment and training following assessment.
- Providing onsite/telephone and remote implementation support to clients following initial assessment.
- Making required modifications/adaptations to resources and taking backups following adaptations.
- Developing and delivering assessment-related, client-focused training materials.
- Creating bespoke resources as requested.
- Maintaining client and equipment records on all relevant databases.
- Providing general AAC advice and information as requested/required.
You will be required to:
- Develop and maintain your knowledge of AAC and AT resourcesand strategies to enable you to deliver Ace Centre services.
- Travel across the geographical area covered by Ace Centre todeliver your role.
- Have your own vehicle and business insurance.
- Perform some manual handling to safely transport equipment.
- Comply with all Ace Centre policies and procedures.
- Work occasional flexible hours, including overnight stays.
- Complete appropriate training opportunities as required.
- Have an enhanced DBS certificate.
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Familiarity with the use of IT, including MS Office.
- Ability to work effectively with a range of people and as a member of a team.
- Ability to manage own time and prioritise own workload effectively.
Experience
- Experience of working in an education, health or social care setting.
- Experience of working with individuals with communication and/or physical disabilities, their families and professionals who support them.
- Knowledge of a range of AAC and AT solutions and applications.
Personal attributes
- Empathy with/understanding of Ace Centre client group.
- Self-motivated.
- Willing to work flexibly when required.
- Car driver with use of own car and appropriate business insurance.
Qualifications
- NQF or QCF level 4 or above, or equivalent knowledge, training, and experience.
- Education, health or social care related qualification.
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.
£29,541 to £37,563 a yearNJC Pay Scale 5 - SO1 (depending on experience)
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