Job Description

Royal Victoria Hospital - 18.75 HRS P/W
Job Summary / Main Purpose
The Speech and Language Therapy Assistant is employed to assist the Speech and Language Therapists in the management of children and adults with communication and swallowing difficulties. The Speech and Language Therapist is responsible at all times for the assessment, diagnosis and setting of treatment programmes.
Main Duties / Responsibilities
For each of the following, the postholder will; * Assist, under supervision of a qualified Speech and Language Therapist, in the setting up of assessments and carrying out set treatment programmes for individual/groups of clients in a variety of service delivery locations.

• Explain the aims of therapy at a basic level to those involved with the individual, following direction from a qualified Speech and Language Therapist.
• Access at regular intervals the supervising Speech and Language Therapist and provide verbal feedback regarding the individual's response to therapy.
• Prepare therapy materials for speech and language therapists within the team ordering and maintaining stock as appropriate.
• Obtain biographical details from the client as required.
• Maintain up to date and accurate case notes for own caseload in line with service standards.
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to client information.
• Be responsible for the maintenance and orderly storage of assessment and therapy equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained.
• Attend training sessions/courses as identified by the Speech and Language Therapy Manager to meet the needs of the service.
• Support Speech and Language Therapists in facilitating Training workshops and other events.

Administrative * Undertake administrative functions, typing, ordering stock, filing, scheduling appointments.

• Use keyboard / computer equipment and specific software packages for resource development eg communication passports and accessible information and data collection.
• Assist the Speech and Language Therapist in the completion of statistical returns.
• Assist the Speech and Language Therapist in recording of data as directed.
• Gather activity data accurately and regularly as per Trust guidelines.
• Participate in research / clinical governance audits under the direction of the Speech and Language Therapy Manager.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Adhere to and be aware of mechanisms for identifying and managing risk.
• Be aware of and adhere to current legislation in relation to the post.
• Adhere to Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists / Trust guidelines and policies and working practices as determined by the supervising Speech and Language Therapist.
• Participate in the Speech and Language Therapy Department's annual appraisal system.
• Participate in Speech and Language Therapy staff meetings as required.

The post holder may be required to work weekends, evenings & statutory days. In response to continued service development the duties of the post may be conducted over a 7 day period.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.
Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience
Qualifications
Registration
1. 4 GCSE's or equivalent, at Grades A-C including English Language or equivalent Or relevant *NVQ level 2
AND
One year paid experience working with children or adults in a therapeutic/care giving setting
OR
Two years paid experience working with children or adults in a therapeutic/care giving setting
OR
*NVQ Level 3 or equivalent or higher relevant qualification
2. Keen interest in working with children or adults with communication difficulties
3. Experience of IT Systems ie. Word, Outlook
*relevant qualifications must be in Health & Social Care or Education
Shortlisting by Application Form
Other (e.g. Driving etc.)
N/A
Shortlisting by Application Form
And / Or
Interview / Test
Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Good command of English Language, written and oral.
Ability to accept responsibility and demonstrate initiative.
Organisational ability to manage the caseload and other work responsibilities
Interview
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience
Qualifications
Registration
N/A
Shortlisting by Application Form
Other
(e.g. Knowledge
Skills
Abilities)
N/A
Shortlisting by Application Form
And / Or
Interview / Test