Appendix 2
NHS GRAMPIAN
JOB REFERENCE: SS7409
1.
JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Department(s): Speech and Language Therapy
Grade: Band 3
Hours: 22.5 per week
Salary: £16,271 – £19,268 per annum pro rata
Closing Date: Wednesday 12th February 2014
Job Holder reference:
2. JOB PURPOSE
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To assist in the provision of a comprehensive Speech and Language Therapy Service for children
and adults in the community.
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To support Speech and Language Therapists to identify, assess, diagnose and provide treatment
in order to meet the communication support needs of children and adults in a variety of locations.
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To support Speech and Language Therapists in preparation for therapy sessions, including
making up resources and booking rooms.
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To work effectively as a team member, contributing to projects and initiatives within the
Community Team and the wider Speech and Language Therapy Network.
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Speech and Language Therapy Assistant based in Aberdeen Central Team. See attached chart.
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
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0.6 wte (22.5 hours per week) Post holder is required to travel to temporary places of work on a
frequent basis, often visiting a number of locations in one day.
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Temporary Places of work include:
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Geographical area covered – Aberdeen City.
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Postholder may be required to work unsociable hours (evenings and weekends)
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Postholder supports Speech and Language Therapists working in Aberdeen City CHP
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Working under direction of SLTs to meet the needs of children and adults from the following client
groups:
Aquired neurological disorders
Cerebro-vascular accident
Dementia
Progressive Neurological Disorders
Tramatic Brain Injury
Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Cerebral Palsy
Cleft lip / palate / velopharyngeal
Voice
Mental Health adults and children
Mainstream Schools / Nurseries
Language Unit
ASN Bases
ASN Schools
Domicilary Visits
Nursing Homes
Family Centres
Community Clinics
City Hospital
Acquired childhood aphasia
Acquired dysarthria
Articulation difficulties
Acquired language disorder / adult aphasia
Developmental dysarthria
Developmental speech and language disorders
Dysfluency
Dysphonia
Written language disorders
The client groups form a complex variety of patients including people with the mildest presentation
of each diagnostic category through to those with the most severe presentation and multiple coexisting conditions.
Therapy is delivered in a variety of ways including individual face to face, individual indirect (working
via parents/carers), direct group therapy, indirect group therapy (working via parents and carers).
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities for client care
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To support Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) to assess, develop, and deliver specialised
treatment and therapy plans. There is much diversity between treatment plans and they are tailored to
suit individual needs from a wide range of client groups.
To plan therapy programmes with a SLT, in accordance to the therapist’s aims. Suggesting therapy
activities and resources as appropriate.
To implement individual and group therapy programmes (for children and adult clients) under direction
of SLT.
To modify approaches and activities within therapy programmes to suit clients or circumstances,
notifying SLT accordingly.
Responsibilities for policy and service development implementation
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To implement all NHSG and RCSLT policies.
To be actively involved in any discussions about policy and service change.
Responsibilities for physical resources
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To use shared equipment and hold responsibility for its continued safe use. This includes knowledge
of correct use, infection control, and condition of the available equipment - reporting any changes to
other users and arranging to fix equipment as required.
Responsible for ensuring that therapy resources, assessment equipment and other valuable
equipment is locked away securely and organised appropriately.
To prepare equipment, resources and accommodation in advance of therapy sessions. This includes
producing materials/resources specific to individual therapy programmes and booking required
equipment and accommodation.
Ability to programme and maintain Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC
systems) ranging from single switch operated systems to complex communication aids.
Responsible for sharing resources/materials with all SLT’s and ensuring that each therapy location
has sufficient resources/materials to function effectively.
Archiving of discharged/deceased client records in accordance with department policy (approximately
every six months per SLT).
Responsibilities for human resources
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Responsible for contributing to the induction of newly recruited Speech and Language Therapy
Assistants. This includes explaining the role of SLT Assistant, discussing examples of clinical work
and introducing relevant software and resources.
To demonstrate and explain therapy activities to carers or other professionals (teachers, auxiliaries
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etc. – to highlight appropriate use of alternative communication systems for example.) in order to
progress therapy programme under the supervision of a qualified SLT.
To participate fully in the Staff Appraisal System in order to identify development needs.
To maintain a CPD log and utilise a variety of training opportunities.
Responsibilities for information resources
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To record client information during or after therapy session.
To maintain concise, accurate and up to date case notes within departmental, NHS G and RCSLT
standards and under the supervision of a qualified SLT.
Postholder will continually share patient information with the relevant SLT and will be required to share
certain information with other people including carers, teachers and other professionals out with SLT.
Responsible to adhere at all times to the NHS Grampian code for confidentiality.
To work in line with NHS G, Departmental and RCSLT standards, policies and procedures to ensure
clinical standards are maintained.
Daily use of computer to produce tables, spreadsheets and a wide variety of therapy resources,
including games and communication aids.
Research and Development
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Postholder is required to undertake personal research to aid clinical practice. This involves reading
and obtaining knowledge about client groups and therapeutic intervention before the therapy sessions
commence.
Postholder is required to actively participate in and contribute to audit and research projects, collecting
relevant information and storing it as required using, database, spreadsheets etc.
Freedom to Act
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Postholder is required to manage his/her own workload effectively. This includes achievable and
realistic planning to complete clinical support demands in good time.
Ability to work using own initiative at all times (e.g. when working with clients and when preparing
resources to meet individual needs).
Level of supervision varies. On a daily basis most work is unsupervised. In terms of clinical
therapeutic intervention, it varies between working in conjunction with a SLT (e.g. during a group
therapy session) and working alone with the client (e.g. when following a therapy plan under direction
of SLT).
Support mechanisms: SLT Team leader based at Denburn 2 sessions per week, and other SLT’s and
SLT Assistants in the community team, all of whom are readily available by telephone when required.
6. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
Equipment Used
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Personal Computers, Laptops, Printers, Projectors.
Computer software packages to support preparation of information, training packages, presentations
and other demands (e.g. Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
Specialised clinical computer software packages to prepare and deliver therapy (e.g. Boardmaker).
Hi-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) equipment
Low-tech AAC equipment (e.g. Communication Books, Pictorial Timetables).
Reprographic equipment – laminators, photocopier, scanner – in preparation of clinical resources.
Recording equipment – Video Cameras, Digital Cameras, Tape recorders - to store detailed information
on clients.
Audio-visual equipment - Television, Video,
Telephones, Fax machine
Using, handling and storing therapy equipment – toys, games, resources, assessments
Systems
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Knowledge and delivery of therapy approaches including, Hanen, Pecs, Metaphon, Derbyshire
Language Scheme and Makaton.
Use of symbol systems (e.g. Makaton, Boardmaker) in preparation of clinical resources, also when
communicating with clients during therapy sessions.
Preparing therapy aims and recording therapy outcomes using TOM’s paperwork (Therapy Outcome
Measures).
Care management, using care aims paperwork.
Recording client’s development in case notes.
Use of library and booking systems for shared equipment within SLT and NHS G.
Archiving case notes according to department policy.
Maintaining paperwork and database information in areas of vacancy, under guidance from team
leader.
Adhering to SLT and NHS G policies and procedures.
7.DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
Frequency and nature of supervision on the job
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SLT’s requesting clinical support work would contact postholder directly or via senior / system to make
arrangements.
During clinical work the level of supervision varies depending on client group, type of therapy and
setting. It can range from supervision of each session to supervision at the end of a therapy block.
Clinical administrative work (resource preparation etc.) tasks are unsupervised but always completed
under initial direction from the SLT.
Areas of discretion
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Postholder is accountable for own actions, seeking advice as appropriate from colleagues in SLT,
NHS G and other professionals. Able to take responsibility for delegated tasks and instructions.
Responsible for planning and managing own timetable and for prioritising own workload.
Typical judgements made in the course of the job
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Actively contribute to designing and implementing individual therapy programmes with the SLT.
Deciding which materials and methods to use within treatment plans and suggest new materials and
activities to work on the same aims as appropriate.
Use own creativity when making clinical resources, deciding on layout, ease of use, ease of
comprehension etc, taking full account of guidance / instruction from SLT.
Recognise when a therapy plan does not proceed according to plan, and report back to the therapist.
Judging therapy outcomes when writing up case notes at the end of a therapy session.
To work using own initiative, particularly during unsupervised therapy sessions. Ability to respond
quickly to any unpredictable circumstances when working alone.
Ensuring maintenance of resources, equipment, furnishings, accommodation etc. Report any defects
to the appropriate person/department.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
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Communicating (by telephone, face to face, written contacts) on a daily, weekly or monthly basis within
SLT Department to SLT colleagues, specialists, administrative and clerical staff, other assistants,
students and management.
Communicating (by telephone, face to face, written contacts) on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to
colleagues in Aberdeen City CHP, and within NHS G.
Frequent cross-agency communication with colleagues of a different knowledge, skills and values
base (e.g. family centre workers, teachers, nursery nurses, parents/carers from across health,
education, social work and voluntary sectors to ensure continuation of therapy aims in daily settings.
To share SLT information and collaborative working with the above group.
Dealing with clients, carers and other professionals with wide-ranging enquiries/concerns and passing
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information on to relevant SLT if required.
Ability to empathise with and support colleagues, carers, and other professionals in complex
circumstances.
Weekly contact with individual clients (face to face, home visits, telephone).
Ability to communicate factual information to clients using tact, persuasion, reassurance and
sensitivity.
Ability to motivate clients/carers to engage in therapeutic process.
Ability to overcome barriers to understanding when working with clients during therapy sessions.
Ability to communicate using alternative means (e.g. communication aids, makaton sign language,
drawing, gesture etc.) during therapy sessions.
Ability to form productive relationships with others who may have complex needs or who may be
under stress.
Ability to manage clients with challenging behaviour, e.g. anger/aggression, distress (this can/may
involve violence).
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical Effort
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Driving to and from temporary places of work on a daily basis.
Frequently moving and handling heavy resources and equipment to/from locations and car.
Occasional manoeuvring of clients with physical disabilities, including wheel chair users and children in
special buggies or when client is using walking aid.
Frequent sitting and standing using child size furniture, as well as outdoor children’s play equipment.
Sitting/standing for long periods of time, e.g. using computer at desk, organising storage facilities.
Standard keyboard skills.
Mental Effort
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Frequent driving in busy traffic and often during a tight schedule from location to location.
Frequent periods of intense concentration during client therapy sessions and when making up new
resources on a daily basis.
Highly developed concentration and sensory skills, including auditory and perceptual skills, for
monitoring client’s progress during therapy sessions.
To be flexible to the demands of the environment including occasionally unpredictable work pattern,
deadlines and frequent interruptions.
Emotional Effort
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Occasional handling and behaviour management of clients who present with challenging behaviours.
Occasional distressing or emotional circumstances, dealing with clients presenting complex mental or
physical needs.
Working Conditions
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Occasional challenging working conditions (e.g. verbal and physical threats, and aggression).
Frequent unpleasant working conditions (e.g. head lice, secretions, vomit, saliva)
Necessity of working in various environments (e.g. client’s homes, schools) including very cramped
spaces and areas remote from client’s classroom/base.
Loan working (approximately 50% of clinical work). Awareness of the risks of loan working.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
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Effective time management to balance clinical and administration demands, including constantly reprioritising need based on changing circumstances (i.e. hourly, daily, weekly, monthly) in order to plan
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own achievable and realistic day to day timetable to meet the needs of clients and SLT’s in a number of
locations within the clinical time available.
Managing challenging client behaviour during group and individual therapy sessions. This includes for
example, clients with Autism, ADHD etc. also physical and verbal aggression.
11. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Essential Training Requirements
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Minimum 2 Highers, to include English (or equivalent relevant qualification/experience.)
Participation at training courses (once in post) in: Makaton ( signing and symbols)
Derbyshire Language Scheme
Adult aphasia courses
Autistic and Aspergers training sessions
Therapy Outcome Measures (T.O.Ms) Training
Child protection /GIRFEC
Moving and Handling Training
Evidence of commitment to CPD
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Participation at Special Interest Groups, Working Groups and short courses.
Self-directed learning e.g. review of current literature, research and clinical issues.
Evidence of ability to identify own training needs (though established training system).
Keeping up to date with new techniques and developments for the promotion and maintenance of good
practice
Knowledge
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Knowledge and experience of local and national protocols, practices and procedures.
Good working knowledge of SLT assessment tools.
Knowledge and experience of a range of therapy approaches including, Hanen, Pecs, Metaphon,
Derbyshire Language Scheme and Makaton.
Working knowledge of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC). Low-tech
systems are designed and produced using software packages, and may involve use of the digital
camera and laminator. High-tech systems involve the programming and maintenance of equipment
ranging from single switch operated systems to complex communication aids.
Knowledge and understanding of roles of a wider range of other professionals and agencies including
their contribution to the client’s care and to the multi-disciplinary team e.g. allied health professionals,
medical, social work and education staff.
Knowledge and understanding of and adherence to legal frameworks and guidelines for education and
health issues.
Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and actions to be taken.
Experience/Skills
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Previous experience working with relevant client groups (e.g. early years, S.E.N etc.) also of working
with others in a team setting.
Good listening and observation skills, in addition, good auditory discrimination skills when working with
clients.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Well developed interpersonal skills including participation, negotiation and problem solving.
Relevant personal skills, including ability to be tactful and sensitive to the needs of others.
Able to take responsibility for delegated tasks and instructions.
Willing to learn new tasks and ways of working.
Able to readily form appropriate working relationships with others.
Good computer skills.
Excellent organisation skills.
Skills in prioritising, organising and balancing own workload.
Ability to use creative thinking, particularly when making up clinical resources (e.g. layout, colour
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schemes, good eye for detail).
Ability to work well with a diverse range of client groups (please see list in section 4. scope and range)
Additional Requirements
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Full Driver’s Licence
Disclosure Scotland - Enhanced
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST / GRADE:
LOCATION:
Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Support Worker / Band 3
Aberdeen City CHP SLT team
WARD / DEPARTMENT Aberdeen CHP Speech and Language Therapy Team
The Person Specification should meet the demands of the job and comply with current
legislation. Setting unnecessary standards may, for example, unfairly discriminate against
one sex, the disabled or minority racial groups. Applicants should be assessed in relation
to their ability to meet the real requirements of the job as laid down in the job description.
With the exceptions relating to displaced and disabled candidates noted in Sections 5.3
and 5.4 of this policy, shortlisted candidates must possess all the essential components as
detailed below.
Factor
Qualification & Experience
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Desirable
Evidence of learning at SCQF level 6.
Elklan or APEC trained; or other childcare
Experience of working with children in a / communication related qualification.
Health or Education setting.
Understanding of SLT role and speech,
language, communication support needs.
Circumstances & flexibility
Willing to work across a variety of
settings and with a variety of people.
Willing to work under the direction of
qualified SLT as required.
Record of effective team working.
Particular requirements of the
post
Car driver.
Enthusiastic and willing to learn and use
a range of software and IT equipment.
Excellent spoken and written
communication skills.
Enhanced.
Level of Disclosure check
required
Confident in use of IT, software, and
familiarity with Microsoft Office
software.
KSF Outline (where applicable)
Core Dimension
Level
Level Narrative
Communication
2
Communicate with a range of people on a
range of matters
Personal & people
Development
2
Develop oneself and contribute to
the development of others
Health, Safety & Security
2
Service Improvement
1
Monitor and maintain health, safety
and security of self and others
Make changes in own practice and
offer suggestions for improving
services
Quality
2
Maintain quality in own work and encourage
others to do so
Equality & Diversity
2
Support equality and value diversity
Job Specific Dimensions
Level
Level Narrative
Enablement to Address
Health and Wellbeing
Needs HWB4
Assessment and
Treatment Planning
HWB6
1
Help people meet daily health and
wellbeing needs
1
Assess physiological and / or
psychological functioning and
develop, monitor and review
related treatment plans
Interventions and
Treatments HWB7
2
Plan, deliver and evaluate
interventions and / or treatments
Services and Project
Management G5
1
Assist with the organisation of
services and / or projects