Job Description

Join our friendly team as an Adult Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner



One part time band 4 post available, 30 hours per week (0.8 wte)



(We may consider appointing at band 3 as a development post)



Working in our Ashford South Kent team based at St. Stephen's Health Centre, Ashford, covering Folkestone/Hythe/Romney Marsh/Ashford



We're looking for someone who is passionate about helping adults with communication and swallowing difficulties. You'll be working closely with our friendly, supportive team of Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) in a community setting, providing high-quality care to our adult patients in east Kent.



If you tick these boxes then this could be the perfect opportunity for you:



Have experience (or a keen interest) in working with adults who have swallowing and/or communication challenges

Are a great communicator (both speaking and listening, non-verbal too)

Are organised and able to manage your own workload, but also love working as part of a team

Have at least 18 months of experience in healthcare or education, including a year working in the community

A few things to know:

Car Owner/Driver : You'll need to be able to travel across different areas, so having a car is a must. Training & Development : If you don't have the essential experience that we're asking for this role, it may not be an automatic barrier to being offered an interview. We may consider offering the role at a Band 3 level whilst you work on achieving the required competencies. Working pattern : Working pattern can be over 4 or 5 days in a pattern that works for you and the service. You would be at base in Ashford several times per week as a minimum but would not necessarily start and end each day there.

If you have any questions or queries please email or arrange to have a chat.



Please explain why you are interested in this role in your application.



Previous applicants need not apply.

Please contact:

Liz Gould, Joint Clinical Operational Manager for Adult SLT. liz.gould@nhs.net 0300 123 0785

The job will include:

Carrying out communication therapy with individuals and groups.



Helping patients to effectively use low- and high-tech communication aids through preparing and programming the aids and supporting the patient and their family/carers in their use.



Triaging of care home patients on our electronic record system and supporting the SLTs with some admin tasks.



Carrying out telephone and in person reviews of patients' swallowing and implementing strategies to help them eat and drink safely.



In this role, you'll get to take initiative, manage your day-to-day tasks independently, and receive regular support and guidance from our registered SLTs. You'll also be part of a wider team of therapy assistants across East and West Kent. We really value motivated, creative problem-solvers and are excited to offer the right person the chance to grow with us in this fulfilling role.



Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we've got a passion for delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. To do this we need outstanding people who share our values compassionate Aspirational Responsive Excellent



We know a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We pride ourselves in being diverse and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences



We ask for information about your protected characteristics on our application forms. This isn't visible to anyone involved with shortlisting or interviewing you, except when you choose to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme due to disability. Short listers will see two ticks alongside your application to ensure they apply the principles of the scheme to your submission



The data we collect helps us to ensure we are attracting diversity in our applicants, that all our colleagues have equitable access to career opportunities and supports us on our journey to being a Great Place to Work



As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want you to be able to work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Talk to us about a flexible working arrangement that won't involve sacrificing time for personal interests or family commitments. We'll support you to work flexibly in a way that will suits us both



See where you can go with KCHFT career pathways



Job responsibilities



As a community Trust many of our roles require individuals to be able to drive to perform their duties. As such you will be asked to confirm you have a full UK driving licence where driving is a requirement of the role to be able to proceed with your application. We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities into employment, if you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team via kentchft.recruitment@nhs.net quoting the vacancy reference number so we can support you further.



The job description and person specification gives you all the information you need about this role. Please look carefully at the criteria in the person specification and tell us what you have done that shows you meet this in your application. If you need an application form in an alternative format please let our recruitment team know. All information you supply on your application should, to the best of your knowledge, be true and accurate.



Still have questions? The recruiting manager would love to hear from you, their contact details can be found in the job advert.



We can get a lot of applications for some roles so to be in with the best chance of being shortlisted please make sure you apply as soon as possible. A vacancy may close early if there is a lot of interest in the job.



At KCHFT we strongly encourage colleagues in clinical and non-clinical roles who have direct or social contact with patients to be fully vaccinated. In this way we will be doing all we can to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues and the patients we serve.



Find out more about the community difference here .



Good luck! We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to #teamKCHFT, #cometocommunity.