Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Speech and Language Therapists in delivering therapy to children with communication difficulties.
- Company: Join a leading health service provider in the North East, dedicated to exceptional patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a supportive environment, and access to staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a caring team.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English; experience with children and knowledge of communication systems required.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Children\’s Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
We have an exciting opportunity available for a Children\’s Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. You will support our team of Speech and Language Therapists to deliver interventions to children who have speech, language and communication difficulties associated with significant and complex health and education needs.
Youwill deliver individual and group therapy plans designed by a Speech and Language Therapist to pre School and school aged children across a variety of locations including patient homes, nurseries, clinics/health centres, mainstream and Special School settings.
This post also involves preparing therapy materials and carrying out administrative tasks associated with the Team. Experience of using a range of IT systems is essential.
Applications are invited from individuals with a range of experience of working with children with significant speech, language and communication needs. A specific interest in supporting and developing the communication needs of this caseload, experience of using alternate methods of communication including symbol based systems and Makaton and previous experience of working alongside an SLT are all essential.
Access to your own vehicle for work is essential.
Please note this is a part time post and full time hours are not available
Main duties of the job
To implement programmes of care devised by Speech and Language Therapists for children with significant speech, language and communication needs
To modify approaches and activities within programmes of care to meet requirements/contexts
To support the children and their families in using alternative and augmentative systems of communication
To liaise with individuals involved with the patient including families and other professionals
To prepare therapy materials and carry out administrative tasks
About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values should be the \’golden thread\’ which runs through everything we do – they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women\’s Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our \’Balance\’ programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.
Job responsibilities
To implement programmes of care devised by Speech and Language Therapists for children with significant speech, language and communication needs
To modify approaches and activities within programmes of care to meet requirements/contexts
To support the children and their families in using alternative and augmentative systems of communication
To liaise with individuals involved with the patient including families and other professionals
To prepare therapy materials and carry out administrative tasks
To work within the Multi-disciplinary Team to provide support and appropriate interventions to patients in Gateshead to improve their health and maximise their level of independence.
To carry an allocated patient caseload under the supervision of qualified staff and supervise/motivate patients in activities relating to agreed treatment protocols.
- To ensure that the highest level of patient care is achieved at all times in the most effective manner.
Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C ( or equivalent) or above (including English)
- Degree in a relevant subject/NVQ level 4, BTEC Level 3 or equivalent in relevant subjects.
Experience of working with relevant client groups, and/or working in Nurseries/Pre school settings, mainstream and specialist schools e.g. Profound and Multiple Learning Disability (PMLD), Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Autism
Additional training relating to the specific client group and their overall management which is relevant to the post e.g. Makaton, PECS
Experience of working under the instruction of a Speech and Language Therapist to implement language programmes and/or alternate communication systems e.g. Communication boards, Makaton, voice output communication aids.
Knowledge of current Child Protection/Safeguarding children policies and procedures
Experience of working with children with additional needs especially in relation to speech, language and communication
Highly developed oral, written and non verbal communication skills including tact and sensitivity
Highly developed observation and listening skills
Organisational and time management skills
Administrative and clerical skills- MDT support
Ability to identify and appropriately minimise risk
Ability to keep up to date with Trust Policies and procedures and attend statutory training, study days and staff meetings as required.
Identify and be proactive in developing own skills and knowledge via supervision and appraisal systems and demonstrate competent practice
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Working knowledge of Data Protection and Calidcott Principles
Ability to prioritise workload safely
Ability to work on his/her own initiative
Have the ability to travel across multiple sites as required
Daily requirements to sit at desk and use computer/VDU for multiple purposes.
Daily requirement to receive complex clinical information and communicate this accurately and effectively to the correct recipient in a timely fashion
Frequent periods of concentration when facilitating programs of care as prescribed by a senior staff member.
Ability to switch tasks as a result of managing multiple demands on time and the potential for frequent interruptions.
Knowledge of computer packages: Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Powerpoint and Microsoft Projects.
It Literate
Excellent team player
Experience of working independently.
Experience of working to tight deadlines
Experience of working in a Healthcare Environment.
Experience of working in community healthcare systems
- Current UK drivers licence required
- Access to own vehicle for work
- Capable of independent travel across Gateshead/Car Owner/driver
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Min of 5 GCSE\’s Grade C or above Including English or equivalent.
- BTEC in Speech & Language Therapy Support or equivalent
- Completion of Elklan training
Experience
- Experience of working with children with significant speech, language and communication needs
- Experience of working in pre-school and school settings with children who have Communication difficulties
- Experience of working with parents/Carers
- Experience of working under the instructions of a Speech and Language Therapist to deliver specific programmes of advice
- Experience of alternative augmentative communication systems
- Experience of working in a Special School environment
- Experience of working as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Skills
- Highly developed communication skills
- Organisational and Time management skills
- Ability to work alone and as part of a team
- Confident IT Skills
- Administrative and clerical skills
- Car Driver
- Knowledge /experience of EMIS/electronic record systems
- Experience in using symbol based software e.g. Communicate In Print, Boardmaker
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Children\'s Speech and Language Therapy Assistant employer: Gateshead Health
Contact Detail:
Gateshead Health Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific speech and language therapy techniques mentioned in the job description, such as Makaton and PECS. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting children with communication needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of speech and language therapy. Attend local workshops or seminars where you can meet Speech and Language Therapists and other assistants. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain experience by volunteering or shadowing a Speech and Language Therapist if possible. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also show your proactive approach to learning and development in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences working with children who have communication difficulties during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported their needs, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with children who have speech, language, and communication needs. Include specific examples of your work with Speech and Language Therapists and any training you've completed, such as Makaton or PECS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting children's communication needs. Mention your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be sure to include your motivation for applying to this specific position.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your organisational and time management skills, as well as your ability to work independently and as part of a team. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in previous roles.
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 a healthcare environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Health
✨Show Your Passion for Communication
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting children with speech and language difficulties. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this role, as it will demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Therapy Techniques
Brush up on various therapy techniques and communication systems like Makaton and PECS. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these methods in your work, as this knowledge is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with Speech and Language Therapists and other professionals, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may involve real-life scenarios you could face in the role. Think about how you would handle specific situations with children and their families, showcasing your problem-solving skills and empathy.
