An exciting position has arisen within our acute Speech and Language Therapy team at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust . We are looking for a pro-active, enthusiastic team-player to join our busy department, based at St Thomas' Hospital, in a Band 3 Assistant role.
You will join a friendly and supportive team, dedicated to delivering high-quality multidisciplinary care to adult inpatients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties. The majority of the role sits within the Stroke service, however daily input across the entire hospital is required, therefore suitable applicants will be organised and flexible within a varied working day and will enjoy a fast-paced working environment.
Due to the complex nature of the patients we work with, applicants will need to demonstrate a compassionate and caring nature, with excellent communication skills. The position involves independent working (following appropriate in-house training) and the ability to problem-solve everyday issues. You would provide therapy in one-to-one and group sessions.
The post is also responsible for some administration support and creation of resources for the team.
Some experience of working within a therapy team would be beneficial, and previous healthcare or education experience is essential.
Please see the job description and person specification for full details
To work as a Speech and Language Therapy assistant under the direction and supervision of a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT).
To carry out therapy programmes designed by SLTs with patients who have communication or swallowing disorders, working with individual patients or with groups as appropriate. Therapy interventions will support all areas of the hospital service, with a greater proportion of the post-holder’s time being dedicated to the Stroke and Neuro Rehab service (0.7 WTE for Stroke/Neuro Rehab and 0.3 WTE for other inpatient groups).
To design and develop appropriate low-tech communication and therapy aids with the support of SLTs. To support organisation and maintenance of departmental communication aids.
To assist in the provision of a high-quality speech and language therapy service to patients within the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust and to undertake duties, including some administration, to support the smooth functioning of the department and service.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best known hospitals – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – alongside community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high-quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK’s busiest and most successful foundation trusts, providing specialist services including heart and lung, cancer and renal care, alongside a full range of local hospital and community services. As part of King’s Health Partners, we are one of England’s eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We are also home to one of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centres, established with King’s College London in 2007, supported by dedicated clinical research facilities.
With around 22,700 staff, we are one of the largest NHS trusts and employers in the country. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve and building strong partnerships with patients, local people, neighbouring NHS organisations, local authorities, charities and GPs. We strive to recruit and retain outstanding staff, recognising that their dedication, expertise and compassion are central to delivering high-quality, safe and patient-focused care.
Please see main job description for full details:
Clinical
To carry out direct therapy programmes designed by SLTs for patients with communication disorders and indirect therapy programmes for patients with swallowing difficulties under the direction of SLTs.
To work with individual patients and / or groups of patients on therapy tasks as required and to manage own time effectively, following support regarding task prioritisation from the SLTs.
To give clear feedback of the results of each therapy session to the relevant SLT and keep a clear and concise written record of the session in the medical notes.
To design and develop low tech communication and therapy aids including picture communication charts / word charts and talking books for individual patients with the support of the SLT. To use and maintain therapy apps for patient benefit on the department iPads as advised by the SLTs.
To attend daily multi-disciplinary stroke ward meetings as an SLT representative and disseminate relevant clinical updates and new referrals to the SLT team.
To conduct administrative tasks assigned by SLTs and maintain accurate statistical records.
To develop and maintain a library of therapy resources and therapy equipment held within the department and help to ensure equipment is complete and tidy.
To be able to work with minimal or no immediate supervision – using initiative.
To use own clinical judgement and knowledge in regards to progressing and/or adapting treatment programmes within agreed clinical protocols and parameters.
To be able to recognise change in the condition or reaction of a patient with guidance from therapists and to watch the patient response to any treatment undertaken
To demonstrate an awareness and an ability to manage clinical risk.
To comply with the Health and Safety Regulations.
To be able to cope with occasional, potentially, stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner.
Professional
To be an active member of the Speech and Language Therapy team, attending relevant departmental business and professional meetings.
To strictly observe patient confidentiality, departmental standards and Trust infection control policies.
To participate in an annual personal development plan and six-monthly appraisal meetings with the supervising SLT as well as regular supervision sessions.
To attend any relevant internal or external training programmes for Assistant Speech and Language Therapists.
To support the team with and participate in service evaluations and audits under guidance from the SLTs.
Communication
To be able to motivate and persuade patients through effective communication skills.
Ability to communicate information where there may be barriers to communication and or understanding.
To report regularly to clinical team lead.
To liaise with members of the MDT (multi-disciplinary team) with regard to patient care.
To liaise with managers, other administrative and support staff as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the department.
To attend any meetings and seminars/case conferences as appropriate.
Education
To be responsible for personal CPD (continuous personal development)
