Therapy Assistant Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Therapy Assistant Practitioner to join the Speech & Language Therapy and Dietetic team within the Specialist Learning Disability Service (SLDS) based across East and North Hertfordshire.
The successful candidate will work as an integral member of a diverse multi-disciplinary team, directly supporting the Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics Team.
You will be motivated to develop your clinical skills working with adults with learning disabilities. You will also have excellent communication and organisational skills and be enthusiastic about working as part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team.
We would welcome applications from motivated individuals looking to gain experience prior to applying for an SLT apprenticeship. Training and support will be provided for candidates that might have limited experience in the field of SLT/Dietetics.
Main duties of the job
To work individually with service users on specific tasks or interventions identified by a registered Speech and Language Therapist or Dietitian
To provide this service to service users who present with communication and/or dysphagia difficulties
To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team
To be able to work flexibly across a wide variety of settings within the service
To contribute to assessment and therapeutic interventions, including completing directed observations and delivering bespoke training to carers
To maintain clinical records
To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant
To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance
To attend mandatory training and demonstrate application
To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor, this may be taught, shadowing of others or through self-directed learning
Demonstrate, in consultation with the Speech and Language Therapist or Dietitian, the use of initiative to meet specific individual needs of service users
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING
Essential
- Knowledge of Speech and Language Therapy techniques and/or activities relevant to client group
- Knowledge of Dietetic interventions relevant to client group
- Willingness to undertake relevant training in communication, dysphagia, dietetics and computing skills
Desirable
- Technical /teaching qualification e.g. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ Level 3
PREVIOUS THERAPY ASSISTANT EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience of working in paid or voluntary employment relevant to post
- Understanding of professional conduct
- Relevant health and/ or social care experience
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY
Essential
- Clear communication through written, verbal and non-verbal modes
- Good numeracy and literacy skills
- Observation skills
- Positive interpersonal skills
- Ability to teach practical skills
- Ability to adapt communication style to meet the needs of individuals and/ or different situations
- Presentation skills
- Ability to use problem solving techniques
- Ability to analyse data to contribute to service development and audit
PHYSICAL SKILLS
Essential
- Computer skills for entering clinical notes on electronic patient record and managing spreadsheets
- Car driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)
MENTAL EFFORT
Essential
- Ability to manage own workload and determine priorities
- Ability to reflect on own performance
- Application of health, safety and risk management policies
- Working with service users with barriers to understanding and/or behaviours that challenge
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 11 February 2025
