Job overview

An exciting position has arisen within our community Speech and Language Therapy Team with Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust. We are looking for a pro-active, enthusiastic team-player to join our busy department based at Friarage Hospital in a Band 4 Assistant role.

You will join a friendly and supportive team. The role will involve working independently with outpatients who have communication and swallowing difficulties. You will also be undertaking administrative work in support of the speech and language therapy team. We are a busy department therefore suitable applicants will be organised and flexible within a varied working day.

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 in the community (following appropriate in-house training).

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

• To work as a Speech and Language Therapy assistant under the direction and supervision of a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)
• To undertake competency based training to be able to deliver exercise programmes developed by the Speech and Language Therapist to adults with neurological and acquired conditions such as Stroke, MND, MS, Parkinson’s Disease.
• To assist the Speech and Language Therapist in ensuring that patients have access to an appropriate range of alternative or augmentative communication aids and, in collaboration with the Therapist, assist the patient with the use and maintenance of these aids. This may include using software to produce low tech aids such as communication charts.
• To complete preparation tasks for the videofluoroscopy clinic.
• To assist in the provision of a high quality Speech and Language Therapy service to patients within the Hambleton and Richmond area and to undertake duties, including some administration, to support the smooth functioning of the department and service.

Working for our organisation

This is a small team working across all settings and has links with the SLT team in Harrogate as well as the S. Tees Trust. We are a supportive team and encourage development of the people in their roles. Training is offered and supervision is regular and tailored to the individual.

At Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust we provide 'outstanding' care to both our patients and our staff. We support staff through benefits, health and wellbeing initiatives and opportunities for personal and professional development.

• An inclusive and supportive culture - our Trust encourages staff to bring their whole selves to work and active Staff Networks identify areas for improvement.
• Staff Recognition - as well as regular appraisals, we recognise staff with our Making a Difference, Team of the Month Awards & Colleague Recognition Awards
• Employee Support and wellbeing - we have a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, counselling service and fast track physiotherapy service for employees.
• Staff Benefits - We have a range of staff benefits and schemes to support staff health, engagement, wellbeing and inclusion.