Speech Therapy Assistant (XR03) in Leeds

We are searching for a caring, creative and self-motivated individual for an exciting opportunity to work alongside Speech and Language Therapists. Speech & language therapy assistants provide a key role within the Adult Speech & Language Therapy Team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. We have a vacancy for a speech & language therapy assistant within the stroke team.

This diverse role will involve supporting the Speech and Language Therapists working across inpatient stroke care pathways, with a high degree of direct patient contact including group work and implementing individual therapy programmes. The role will involve working closely with the nursing and housekeeper teams and undertaking ward based duties and providing patient care to support these teams as required. The role will require shift patterns to support mealtimes and potential for weekend working alongside nursing and speech & language therapy colleagues.

When you’re working with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, you’ll enjoy a strong performance management culture where everyone is clear about their responsibilities, works to the values of the organisation and is empowered to embrace continuous personal and professional improvement. We’ve created a culture where people take a real pride in their work, respect each other and all work together to deliver the most exceptional standards of patient care. We have a happy, productive work environment where everyone in every role plays their own important part in our success.

Job Responsibilities:

• To work alongside and assist qualified Speech and Language Therapists in individual and group settings to aid the rehabilitation of patients.
• To work unsupervised to carry out specific Speech and Language Therapy Programs for a range of speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders in hospital and outpatient settings, reporting back patient progress and informing the Speech and Language Therapist of any non-routine problems and enquiries.
• To produce materials and resources as directed by qualified Speech and Language Therapists.
• To use computer technology to create resources and deliver therapy using Aphasia software as directed by the Speech and Language Therapist.
• To undertake administrative activities as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Qualifications: NVQ Level III or equivalent; RSA/OCR Word/Text processing stage II or equivalent.
• Experience: Worked in a healthcare environment; Working within a team; Administrative or secretarial procedures.
• Skills: Typing and word processing skills; Ability to organise and prioritise and work in a busy environment where priorities frequently change; Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Personal attributes: Excellent interpersonal skills, compassionate, caring and empathetic listener; Flexible and adaptable; Enthusiastic and self-motivated.

Core Behaviours and Skills:

• Organisational skills
• IT Skills

Core Knowledge and Understanding:

• An understanding of the principles of patient-centred care
• Ability to use technology to create resources and carry out therapy

Principal Duties & Areas of Responsibility:

• Assist the Speech and Language Therapy staff in the treatment/rehabilitation of patients using a range of delegated therapy treatments/tasks.
• To manage the treatment/rehabilitation of patients as delegated by the therapist often working without direct supervision.
• To treat patients individually or in a group in a variety of settings without direct supervision of the therapist.
• To record patient progress with treatment/interventions and report back to the referring Therapist.
• To use effective verbal and non-verbal communication during delivery of treatment programmes to patients who may have barriers to understanding or communicating.
• To inform patients of appointments and cancellations.
• To be responsible for planning, making and sourcing appropriate therapy materials which are matched to an individual or group need.
• To communicate and liaise with patients, relatives, carers, social and health care professionals and other voluntary organisations.
• To contribute to the development of service provision and clinical care by attending meetings as directed.

Person Specification:

• Able to function well as part of a team
• Able to prioritise and organise own workload
• Professional, enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Experience of team and independent working
• An understanding of the role of the Speech and Language Therapist
• Level 3 qualification in relevant health/social care related subject
• GCSE English and Maths (grade C minimum) or Functional Skills equivalent (Level 2 minimum)
• Completion of CARE certificate.

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.