Bank Band 4 Speech & Language Therapy Assistant

• To assist in the provision of the Speech and Language Therapy Service to children with speech, language and communication needs across Devon Partnership Trust.
• To include, but not limited to, assisting with the setting up and running of parent groups, childrens groups, individual assessment and intervention, advice and target setting within settings/ home and developing resources and packages of care.
• The post-holder will be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate. He/she will be involved in projecting a positive image of the service as all times, working independently within the framework of the service through receipt of regular supervision and the trust appraisal system.

Essential

• Excellent communication skills able to provide and receive complex and sensitive information and overcome barriers to understanding, to include negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Able to demonstrate good analytical and reflection skills
• Ability to concentrate under pressure when carrying out therapy sessions
• Good presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently under pressure with good organisational skills
• Ability to work flexibly and good prioritisation skills
• Demonstrates ability to be a good team member
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client groups) and evidence of good working relationships
• Excellent Interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Enthusiasm for this area of work

Essential

• G.C.S.E in Maths and English (or equivalent)
• Foundation level degree/equivalent level 5 qualification in relevant area
• Documented evidence of training, knowledge and experience in child development including the fundamentals of communication, communication breakdown and therapy procedures with specific reference to children

Desirable

• Knowledge of Speech and Language Therapy and modification procedures, verbal and non-verbal methods of communicating; acquired through combination of formal training, short courses and experience
• Qualification/Training in provision of direct intervention with a child
• Relevant experience working within a Speech & Language Therapy team

Essential

• Relevant experience of working with children and young people with speech, language and communication needs in community / education settings
• Relevant experience of working with Speech and Language Therapists
• Experience of working in a team
• Experience of working independently with a child/young person with speech, language and communication needs following a programme set and modelled by a Speech and Language Therapist, to include recording progress and outcomes and experienced in modifying the approach to meet the childs changing needs, in order to achieve the agreed outcome
• Experience of working with children and young people with autism
• Experience of working with children and young people with learning disability and complex needs
• Evidence of knowledge of professional boundaries - recognition of when to refer on to a qualified Speech and Language Therapist

Desirable

• Knowledge of standards of record keeping including confidentiality
• Experience of working with families and carers of people with communication disability
• Experience of working within education settings
• Experience of innovative practice and involvement in a project or service that delivered this
• Experience of training others e.g. setting staff / Parents
• Experience in relevant paid or voluntary work