Job Description

Job Title:

Assistant Practitioner

Equivalent to Band 4

Contract

This post is 37.5 post fixed term for a year

Hours

37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)

Employer

Lodge Group UK Ltd

Employer type

Care Provider

Location

Havering, London (Post requires significant outreach to residents and locations across Havering)

Salary

32,199 per annum

Salary period

Yearly

Closing date

Reports to:

Lodge Group Manager with clinical supervision from NHS Speech and Language Therapist

Direct Reports:

None

Company Information

Lodge Group Care UK Ltd supports service users to grow and develop and to become active valued members of the community.

We are committed to the framework of positive and proactive care. We want to celebrate our successes and applaud positive and proactive support whilst at the same time transforming culture, leadership, and professional practice to deliver care and support which keeps people safe and promotes independence, health, and fulfilment.

About the project & role

This is an innovative and exciting opportunity to be part of a wider Care City Enhanced Roles in Social Care pilot exploring new models of integrated working between health and care. The postholder will deliver delegated speech and language therapy tasks within a care setting, building bridges between the NHS and the Lodge Group.

This role sits within a North East London based programme testing how health roles traditionally based in the NHS can be embedded in the care sector to enhance quality, communication, and outcomes for people receiving care.

The role will evolve over the 12-month pilot period, as learning is gathered. It offers a unique opportunity to be part of shaping a new way of working between care providers and the NHS.

Role Overview

The role is divided into two key areas:

1. Lodge Group Responsibilities (approx. 30-40% of role)

? Lead and coordinate the Feebris monitoring programme within Lodge Group. Key responsibilities will include:

? Managing and supporting Feebris deployment and data collection in the community.

? Conducting spot checks and risk assessments to maintain quality standards

? Supporting and reviewing care planning in collaboration with the wider team

? Provide speech and language input to the Lodge Group as required -- including staff advice, training, and guidance on communication and swallowing.

? Contribute to staff development and organisational learning, helping embed speech and language focused practices within the Lodge Group.

? Support quality improvement activities, data collection, and service development initiatives related to the pilot.

? Work collaboratively across Lodge Group services (including residential and home care) to identify opportunities for speech and language input that improve outcomes for people supported.

2. Delegated NHS Speech & Language Therapy Responsibilities (approx. 60-70% of role)

Working under the supervision of qualified Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) from North East London Foundation NHS Trust (NELFT) and in line with an agreed delegation framework which include adherence to NELFT policies and processes, tasks may include:

? Supporting assessment and therapy interventions as directed by SLTs

? Implementing speech, language, and communication programmes developed by SLTs.

? Providing advice and strategies to carers and staff on communication and swallowing support.

? Planning and running group sessions as delegated.

? Maintaining accurate clinical records in accordance with NHS standards.

? Participating in multidisciplinary meetings, reviews, and supervision.

? Gathering data and feedback to support evaluation of the pilot.

? Acting as a key link between NHS teams and the Lodge Group.

? Referring appropriately to qualified clinicians when concerns fall outside delegated scope.

? Other tasks identified and agreed within the scope of the pilot.

General Duties

? Participate in relevant training, supervision, and appraisal

? Maintain accurate records of work and data collection for pilot evaluation.

? Work flexibly and adapt to evolving service needs.

? Adhere to both Lodge Group and NHS policies and governance frameworks.

? Occasionally work in environments involving exposure to verbal aggression or bodily fluids, in line with care sector norms.

Person Specification

Criteria

Essential (E)

Desirable (D)

Assistant Practitioner qualification (FdSC foundation degree of Science for Assistant Practitioner)

D

Experience delivering appropriate Speech and Language Therapy interventions or supporting SLT-led programmes under direction of a Speech and Language Therapist

E

Good written and verbal communication skills

E

Ability to work independently and manage own workload

E

Flexible and adaptable, able to evolve role as pilot develops

E

Understanding of quality improvement or service development principles

D

Strong data collection and record-keeping skills

E

Experience of developing relationships across multiple agencies or sectors

D

Ability to deliver staff advice or training related to communication

E

UK driving licence and access to vehicle

D

Additional Information

? The role will involve regular travel within the community in and around the London borough of Havering.

? Induction and supervision will be jointly provided by Lodge Group and the NHS SLT team.

? This role may evolve as the pilot progresses and learning emerges.

? Secondments will be considered in line with your employer's policy and with prior agreement from your current manager.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 32,199.00 per year

Work Location: In person