Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner

A vacancy for a paediatric Speech and Language Therapist assistant practitioner has arisen at NELFT NHS Foundation Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established, supportive and experienced Speech & Language Therapy Team who can offer support if you have an existing interest and experience in speech and language therapy. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to be part of our team and contribute to the future of our service.
Our team is based in Barking and Dagenham and is part of the Integrated Paediatric Therapy Department which includes Speech and Language Therapists, Paediatricians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Psychologists amongst other key professionals. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of qualified Speech and Language Therapists to support the implementation of therapy programmes. This will include carrying out supervised direct and indirect therapy with children presenting with speech, language and communication disorders and helping with projects to further develop our service. You will work with pre-school and school aged children in clinic in a range of settings either face to face or though video sessions., 1. To contribute to the provision of speech and language therapy clinical care pathways across Barking and Dagenham
2. To assist the Speech and Language Therapists in providing a high standard of service through the implementation of therapy programmes and interventions
3. To prepare the therapy environment, including the making and preparation of therapy materials and activities, ensuring equipment is available and in good condition.
4. To carry out administrative tasks as requested by the supervising therapists including arranging appointments and maintaining the electronic patient records.
5. To work closely with clients, carers, families and professionals to embed inclusive speech, language and communication practice both across settings
6. To provide mentoring of colleagues and peer support
7. To contribute to both multi-disciplinary team working to ensure co-ordinated service provision
8. To attend relevant training courses, meetings and special interest groups in order to maintain skills and knowledge required of an assistant Speech and Language Therapist working in the field of paediatrics., NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focusing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).
High Cost Area Supplement - London
This post attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum payment of £4,551 and a maximum payment of £5,735 per annum pro rata).
Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points based system., Please see the attached job description and person specification for further details on this vacancy.
We offer:
+ A well-developed supervision and appraisal structure (including monthly supervision with a named therapist and annual appraisals)
+ A team of friendly, supportive colleagues with a range of specialist knowledge
+ Access to a base with opportunities for frequent contact with other therapists
+ Termly speech and language team meetings to discuss current matters and keep up-to-date with changes in the services
+ Access to internal training and continuing professional development
+ Flexible working hours and arrangements
Use of AI
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Benefits
We believe in bringing your authentic and best self to work, in order to deliver the best care to our patients. We are committed to supporting our employees holistically. Here is a snapshot of what is on offer at NELFT:
+ A long-standing and award-winning approach to equality and diversity with supportive networks for ethnic minority staff, staff with disabilities or long term/chronic conditions and LGBT staff.
+ A commitment to supporting colleagues to achieve a work life balance, through flexible working opportunities and our efforts to support our working parents and carers. This has resulted in us being recognised as a 'Top 10 Family Friendly Employer' from the Working Families Charity.
+ Proactive health and wellbeing support, including access to our employee assistance programme, staff psychological support, individual wellbeing conversations and a network of health and wellbeing ambassadors.
+ Detailed information about our wellbeing and benefits offer can be found in this link.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's a job share, part time hours or another flexible pattern.
Supporting our Armed Forces
We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. We have supportive policies, guaranteed interview schemes for veterans. reservists and military spouses and give additional leave to our Reservists so that they can attend their annual camp.

As a successful candidate you will have a minimum of 3 years experience working with children with speech, language and communication difficulties as well as experience in running 1:1 and group therapy sessions. You will also be required to provide mentoring of other assistant speech and language therapists and peer support.

Joining #TeamNELFT means you'll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We're CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London, Essex, Kent and Medway. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.
The Trust has award winning equality and diversity initiatives and staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest heavily in your development, because when you are valued and supported, we provide the best care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been featured in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for three consecutive years, and we have achieved a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Along with our staff networks and training opportunities, we work hard to embed a just and compassionate culture here at NELFT.
Find out more about NELFT careers and what makes our Trust a great place to work, in this video