At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist Speech & Language Therapists in supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Company: Join Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, a leader in community health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower individuals to communicate better and enhance their quality of life in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Willingness to travel and work at various locations within the trust is essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
The Integrated Learning Disabilities Service (ILDS) provides health & social care (HASC) to adults with learning disabilities living in Enfield. The service consists of HASC staff, including Social Workers, Community Nurses, OTs, Art Therapists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists & specialist teams such as Equals Employment.
The ILDS Therapies Service provides support and intervention in the community, promoting independence, enabling people to live healthy lives and preventing hospital admission. The Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) team works with adults with Learning Disabilities who experience communication and/or swallowing difficulties. We work with individuals and their families, carers and other professions and agencies to reduce the impact of these often isolating difficulties on people’s wellbeing and their ability to participate in daily life.
As a SLT Assistant (SLTA) your role will be to assist SLTs and other therapists in assessment, treatment and care co-ordination of clients with a Learning Disability. You will provide intervention in the community with clients in the most appropriate setting, working on your own under the direction of the therapists and using your initiative to follow established guidelines, referring to others as appropriate.
Main duties of the job
- To deliver and evaluate specialist clinical interventions using technical/creative activities to promote independence and wellbeing that support the client to achieve agreed goals.
- To monitor clients’ progress, taking account of their environment and adjust own clinical interventions accordingly using supervision as appropriate.
- To contribute to communication assessments and provide feedback on clients’ communication needs.
- According to service needs, to be responsible for designated caseload under supervision.
- To work independently, facilitating group or individual work, with supervision of a registered therapist.
- To provide training to families, colleagues and providers in specialist areas.
- To undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
- To work effectively as a member of a team in providing department or community based therapeutic activities.
Working for our organisation
The partnership between Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust (BEH) and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I) is going from strength to strength since it was originally established in 2021 forming the North London Mental Health Partnership. In order to meet the needs of the new Partnership services you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Enfield and Harringay Trust and Camden and Islington Trust. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.
Person specification
- Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care/Mental Health OR Apprenticeship in H&SC/Mental Health L5 OR equivalent qualification at L5 or above in a related subject.
- Relevant NHS &/or Social Care experience.
- Willingness to undertake set mandatory training and relevant communication training within 12 months of appointment.
- Valid First Aid Certificate.
- Person-Centered Facilitator.
Skills/Abilities
- Ability to work independently in supportive and community settings.
- Ability to use a range of IT systems including internet and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to demonstrate professional manner at all times.
- Ability to act on constructive criticism.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Ability to observe and respond in a range of situations.
- Ability to assess and teach practical skills.
- Ability to form professional relationships with clients, carers and staff.
- Ability to take responsibility and make decisions.
- Ability to instruct on the use of communication books, visual timetables, etc.
- Ability to run a Person Centred Review.
- Ability to work safely and effectively with people who present with behaviours of concern.
Experience/ Knowledge
- Experience of working with people with a learning disability and/or mental health difficulties.
- Knowledge of client-centred practice.
- Basic understanding of the needs of adults with Learning Disabilities.
- Understanding of the risks involved in work both in community and clinical settings.
- Experience of working with clients with communication needs.
- Experience as a carer or support worker.
Personal Qualities
- Personal organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Effective written and oral skills.
- Show insight to own abilities and needs.
- Appropriate attitude to client group.
Other Requirements
- Willing to work flexibly.
- Able to travel for work purposes (car/bike/public transport).
Speech & Language Therapy Assistant, Learning Disabilities employer: Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
Contact Detail:
Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Speech & Language Therapy Assistant, Learning Disabilities
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Integrated Learning Disabilities Service (ILDS) and its approach to supporting adults with learning disabilities. Understanding their values and methods will help you align your discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of speech and language therapy, especially those who work with learning disabilities. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to make connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain practical experience by volunteering or shadowing a Speech & Language Therapist. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the role when you speak with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific interventions and techniques used in speech and language therapy for individuals with learning disabilities. Being able to articulate your knowledge and understanding of these methods can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Speech & Language Therapy Assistant, Learning Disabilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Speech & Language Therapy Assistant position. Familiarise yourself with the Integrated Learning Disabilities Service and how it operates.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work with individuals with learning disabilities or communication needs, as well as your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in communication, problem-solving, and working in community settings.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in healthcare roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Speech & Language Therapy Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties, such as providing individual therapy and co-facilitating communication group work, so you can discuss how your skills align with these tasks.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous experience working with individuals with learning disabilities or mental health difficulties. Highlight any relevant roles, training, or volunteer work that demonstrates your ability to support clients effectively and your understanding of client-centred practice.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As communication is key in this role, be ready to showcase your verbal and written communication skills during the interview. You might be asked to explain complex concepts simply, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the specific challenges faced by the Integrated Learning Disabilities Service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.