Special Schools Therapy Assistant

Form professional relationships with children, families, the MDT and school staff and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.

Develop skills in working with children with additional needs requiring a range of therapy input including individual and group sessions.

Develop skills in alternative communication methods suitable for children with severe and complex needs and develop rapport e.g. Makaton and other AAC systems both low and high tech.

Develop skills in supporting development of fine motor, sensory regulation, and self-care skills to increase participation in classroom and school activities.

Liaise with other agencies involved in the child's care, including relatives and carers, as appropriate to the child's needs, as directed by team members

Persuade and motivate children to participate in therapy activities and reassure if required.

Demonstrate effective communication over the telephone and in person to parents/carers and external agencies (especially teachers and teaching assistants)

Demonstrate ability to use computer systems, reports and inputting data including team, word, excel and other programmes used for audits or record management.

Assist the general specials schools Therapy & Nursing team with ordering, supplies, updating information and audits as required

Clinical Responsibility

Undertake specific individual or group programmes as assessed and directed by trained staff members, observing general behaviour, ability and response of the children, recording the information as requested and reporting to a supervisor. Settings could include clinic, home, or school.

Engage children in therapeutic activities to promote speech, language and communication development.

Engage children in therapeutic activities to promote participation and independence skills.

Facilitate and participate in planned activities, seeking guidance if childs condition changes.

Assist in the implementation of team member interventions including:

o Assist in the running of therapy groups

o Carry out therapy programmes as directed by SLT or OT with children and young people

o Under supervision of a therapist, provide a range of treatments; instructing and guiding children to support them in achieving identified goals. To work towards goals identified by the child, family/carers, the treating therapist, education professionals and the MDT

o Implements therapy treatment plans

o Organising and scheduling visits

o Assist team members with home assessment as required

Adhere to the Trusts Policies and Procedures

To assist in completing risk assessment of environment and safety under the guidance of senior team members following local and Trust policies

Ensure that toys and play materials are kept clean, safe and secure, assisting with regular toy cleaning

Highlighting the need for resources to aid the smooth running of clinical sessions

To assist therapists in making and preparing clinical resources such as visual timetables, PODD books or other materials.

Assist with programming of high tech AAC devices under guidance of SLT

Assist with organisation and maintenance of equipment under the guidance of an OT

To support the Team in gathering evidence (including research database and website searches) and developing resources.

Provide training or demonstrating teachers/schools, with the support and guidance of therapists

Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility

Review and reflect own practice and performance through effective use of regular professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

Participate in non-clinical induction, training and education of students and new assistants as directed by supervisor/line manager

Provide support and organise peer support for more junior therapy assistant staff.

Administrative Duties

We have an excellent reputation for being innovative, responsive and flexible to the changing clinical needs of the local population. We are treating more patients than ever before and are dedicated to improving services to deliver the best for our patients.Our missionHelping local people live longer, healthier lives.Our visionProvide safe, personal, co-ordinated care for the community we serve.Our goalsWe have developed six key strategic goals to make sure we continue to support people to live longer, healthier lives.

Qualifications

Skills

Knowledge