Job summary
- Main area
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Part time - 30 hours per week (Working days can be agreed but would need to be consistent once rotas are in place)
- Job ref
- 339-NMSK2317-RUH
- Employer
- North Bristol NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- AAC WEST, BCE, Highwood Pavilions
- Town
- Patchway, Bristol
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 PA, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 28/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Specialist Occupational Therapist (AAC)
NHS AfC: Band 6
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Job overview
Exciting Specialist Occupational Therapist Opportunity in AAC
This is a unique opportunity for a Specialist Occupational Therapist to work clinically with both adults and children in the dynamic field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
AAC WEST supports some of the most complex patients across the South West region, providing high-tech communication aid solutions that empower individuals to communicate autonomously.
As an OT within the team, you will collaborate closely with our multidisciplinary department, which includes Speech and Language Therapists, Teachers, Rehabilitation Engineers, and Assistant Practitioners. You will also work alongside external colleagues from wheelchair services, AHPs in schools, nursing homes, hospices, and other community settings.
The role is well supported by experienced colleagues, and as a team, we are committed to continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure our members stay up to date with the latest advancements in AAC and broader clinical practice.
In our team - we value, support and encourage flexible working arrangements (taking into consideration individual and service level requirements). We recognise the value of work life balance for our staff and although we are looking to recruit for 30hrs, we appreciate there can be requests for a different number of hours. If this is the case for yourself, please do get in touch with us and we can discuss further (contact details below)
Main duties of the job
- Hold and manage a clinical caseload, delivering high-quality assessment and intervention services for children and young people as part of the AAC WEST clinical pathway.
- Collaborate closely with a supportive, multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to provide assessment, equipment provision, and review sessions.
- Work directly with children, families, local Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), educational staff, and other professionals to deliver holistic and tailored AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) assessment pathway
- Participate in departmental projects, audits and meetings
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
n To undertake complex and evidence based AAC assessments with a clinical focus of identifying suitable access and mounting solutions for a paediatric and adult caseload
n To competently conduct appointments at all stages of the AAC WEST clinical pathway; Assessments, Equipment Provision, Training and Support sessions. These appointments may be face to face or remote.
n To provide assessment, clinical advice, support and care plans to patients referred to AAC WEST, which include analysis of facts and a comparison of a range of technology options for appropriate intervention.
n Where appropriate, to refer patients on to other services and agencies, and to liaise with members of voluntary organisations concerned with the patient group.
n To provide written and/or verbal reports that present specialist clinical information, which is accessible for carers and/or patients and other professional colleagues
n To work with clinical scientist/ technologists to design and manufacture bespoke access and/or mounting systems for people where an “off the shelf” solution is not suitable.
n To establish and maintain relationships with other professional groups (eg rehab engineers, wheelchair services etc) to ensure the best outcome for patients.
n To maintain up to date and accurate case notes and records in line with Professional Standards and Trust Policy.
n To adhere at all times to the relevant professional body’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
n To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own work including management of patients, recognising own professional boundaries and seeking advice and supervision as necessary
Person specification
Education
Essential criteria
- Recognised degree level qualification in Occupational Therapy
- Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.
Desirable criteria
- Proven CPD in Assistive technology and /or AAC
Experience
Essential criteria
- Minimum of 2 years post registration experience
- Variety of experience as undergraduate Occupational therapist i.e. musculoskeletal, paediatrics and/or neurological across acute, community and/or intermediate care settings, educational settings, dealing with a wide range of patients with differing needs
- Experience of managing own workload and working autonomously
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working within an equipment provision service
Kniwledge, Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
- Evidence of well-developed clinical practice
- Advanced interpersonal communication skills both written and verbal and to adapt all medium to support the needs of patients coming through the service
- Confident in the use of electronic assistive technology and or AAC
- IT skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of positioning patients to facilitate access to electronic devices for communication
- Confident in the use of electronic assistive technology and or AAC
Personal Qualties
Essential criteria
- Have the ability to meet the travel requirements of the post - has a full UK driving license held for over 2 years
- To have a passion for technology and the role it plays in healthcare
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Victoria Styles
- Job title
- AAC WEST Clinical Lead
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0117 414 5850
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