Children's Speech & Language Therapy Assistant

Clinical To independently undertake and timetable therapy programmes designed and directed by therapists with periodic liaison and direction as agreed. To be responsible for the organisation and maintenance of therapy resources within the department. To purchase and maintain technical equipment and library resources, including responsibility for inventories and booking systems. To provide practical support with technical equipment for SLTs as required, including for meetings, interviews, etc. To assist SLTs in the preparation and delivery of training packages to other SLTs, education staff, parents/ carers. To assess childrens response to treatment. To undertake day to day supervision of less experienced staff. To organise and catalogue resources for the team. To design and prepare therapy materials as required, using a variety of methods and materials, including computer-based programmes. To be responsible for audio-visual equipment, including booking systems and maintenance. To provide
demonstration and training to SALTs in the use of audio-visual equipment. Independently to prioritise and manage own workload in consultation with Team Co-ordinator. Undertake individual therapy programmes with children designed by SLTs. Undertake a range of group therapy programmes in clinic settings, either independently or supporting the therapist. To demonstrate and advise educational settings on the use of communication support systems and strategies. Manage childrens behaviour and motivate them to achieve positive therapy outcomes, including children who are challenging or have severe / complex difficulties. Assess childrens response to treatment and judge when to progress therapy. To notify SLT if programme is not going to plan and suggest modifications. To maintain detailed written records of their observations of assessments and therapy sessions for feedback to SLTs. To use well developed interpersonal skills in order to form productive relationships with families, recognising
the need for and ensuring sensitivity and care where there may be emotional stress or there are potential barriers to communication. To provide routine advice and support related to the therapy programme for parents as appropriate. To video record / photograph and edit therapy sessions if required. To design and prepare individualised therapy materials (eg. Books, charts, games), using IT, specific software and other media. To undertake supervision of less appropriately experienced staff. Professional To maintain clinical and non-clinical standards and work within the policy frameworks laid down (e.g. N.H.S., Trust, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Health Professionals Council) through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes. To demonstrate ability to reflect on own practice, identify strengths and development needs and achieve goals set for personal and professional development. To participate in the
development of innovative clinical practice through member ship of working teams. To disseminate newly acquired information to other team members. To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate. To participate in clinical supervision in line with Department and Trust policy. To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible. To be flexible to the demands of environments including unpredictable work patterns, deadlines and frequent interruptions. To maintain highest standards of clinical records including up to date and accurate case notes, electronic data entry, recording and report writing in line with professional and Trust guidelines. To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate. To be responsible for the security, care and transporting of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained
including equipment loaned to clients. To organise suitable accommodation in clinics / schools. To organise and transport treatment equipment required to work in locations. These may be unwieldy / heavy / bulky. To work within a wide range of locations requiring careful calculation of driving time according to traffic and weather conditions in planning efficient work schedules. To work within a wide range of environments with differing demands and expectation requiring the ability to modify personal and social approaches as required by environment. To maintain the concentration required despite distractions.