Job summary
Employer heading
Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Assistant
Band 3
The 5 July 2023 marked 75 years of the National Health Service. The founding principles remain as relevant, and valued, today as they were 75 years ago. Why not join us and make a difference to be Better Every Day.
Job overview
Are you looking to join a multi-disciplinary team and gain some autonomy in your work place?
Our Adult Community Speech and Language Therapy service are looking for a Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Assistant to join their supportive team based at Weymouth Community Hospital.
As a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant you will provide some administrative support to the team, as well as a clinical element. You will provide Speech and Language Therapy for patients with speech or swallowing difficulties. This therapy may be provided 1:1 (face-to-face and virtually) or via groups. You will be responsible for looking after our communication aids including iPads and tablets, used to support some of our patients with communication difficulties. The SLT Assistant will also assist with voice banking for patients who wish to use their own voices on communication devices.
The Dorset Adult Community SLT Team is developing new and exciting ways of working. Our team is compassionate, supportive and forward thinking. You will be supported by SLTs within the teams. There will also be the opportunity for professional development and supervision.
The Speech and Language Therapy Assistant role is a part time post of 20.5 hours per week. The role is based at Weymouth Community Hospital. We cover Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester, Bridport and Lyme Regis areas. Most patients are seen in their own homes and so being a driver is essential for this role.
Main duties of the job
To work as part of the Adult Speech and Language Therapy team to provide high-quality person-centred therapy to adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties.
Following direction from Speech and Language Therapists, to work independently to help to develop programmes of care and provide therapy.
To provide confidential administration and IT support to the Speech and Language Therapy Service
To take responsibility for the maintenance and preparation of the communication aids used within the service.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Working for our organisation
At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Prince’s Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact [email protected]
Person specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential criteria
- Ability to demonstrate clear and legible written communication skills.
- Personal development portfolio demonstrating practical learning and formal education.
- Working knowledge and proven administration and office management skills.
Desirable criteria
- IT qualification.
- Formal typing qualification.
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent (or working towards) in rehabilitation.
Job specific experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working in a Team.
- Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative.
- Evidence of recent experience of working in a healthcare environment.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working with people with acquired communication disability.
- Experience of the practical applications of IT systems/software.
Personal Qualities/Attributes
Essential criteria
- Ability to manage time/caseload pressures in a rapidly changing environment using appropriate prioritization.
- Good interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to recognize own limitations and be prepared to seek advice, when necessary.
- Ability to develop relationships with patients, carers, staff and work within a team.
Desirable criteria
- Enthusiasm for new methods of working
- Awareness of roles within multidisciplinary working.
Business travel
Essential criteria
- Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Mary Wells-West
- Job title
- Team Leader - Adult Community SLT Team
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01202 307766
- Additional information
Luisa Hardy
Service Manager for Adult Community Speech & Language Therapy07786 275678
[email protected]
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