JOB DESCRIPTION
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY ASSISTANT (Band 2)
Role: To provide a supporting role to speech and language therapists working with service users with a range of learning disabilities including PMLD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy.
Responsible to: Speech and Language Therapists (SaLTs) and Management at Linskill/Able 2
Conditions of Employment
You are employed in the capacity of speech and language therapy assistant to carry out the duties set out below.
Therapy
Your responsibility in supporting therapy will be to work in an integrated way within the Linskill Project and at times across all locations for adult provision in the Percy Hedley Foundation and within the community.
General Responsibilities
A speech and language therapy assistant shall carry out their professional duties in accordance with the Codes of Practice laid down by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). An assistant employed in Adult Services shall perform in accordance with any directions that may reasonably be given by the Speech and Language Therapists or Management Team.
Professional Requirements
1. To provide a service, under the guidance of a qualified speech and language therapist, to a defined case-load within Percy Hedley Adult Services. This may change on a regular basis.
2. To maintain standards and guidelines as stipulated by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (with reference to Communicating Quality 3).
3. To share responsibility for continued professional development through association with higher education and other agencies.
4. To participate in an effective programme of in-service training and to attend courses in order to increase knowledge and to improve professional standards.
As a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant you will be expected to:
a) Use skills to enhance service user’s communication and access to a broad range of activities.
b) Demonstrate effective preparation and provide support, advice and demonstration for colleagues and other members of the MDT so that each service user maximises their potential.
c) Work within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) setting and establish effective working relationships with service users and the multi-professional staff team.
d) Assist speech and language therapists in their job role.
e) Undertake duties under the direction of the SaLTs and speech and language therapist technical instructors.
f) Share responsibility with supervising colleagues for managing your own time appropriately.
g) Be aware of and adhere to current legislation and employer procedures and policies relating to the post e.g. Moving and Handling, Health and Safety, Dysphagia management, Safeguarding Adult , Equality and Diversity.
h) Attend care discussions, staff and departmental meetings and other relevant meetings as appropriate.
i) Participate in a performance management scheme that will provide personal and professional development opportunities with the intention of further raising the quality of therapy and the standards of achievement of the service users.
j) Contribute to the review and implementation of Able 2 policies and SaLT aims.
k) Perform administrative and general duties which will contribute to the smooth running of the SaLT service.
Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Responsibilities:
You will be expected, with the support of a supervising therapist to:-
a) Work unsupervised to carry out set therapy programmes with individual service users and small groups.
b) Develop and assist in the running of group and activity based therapy. This includes hydrotherapy/spa sessions/sensory therapy/drama/rebound with individual service users, under the guidance of the therapy team.
c) To facilitate sessions within various therapy disciplines and promote integrated working.
d) Maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and Able 2 guidelines.
e) Collaborate and communicate with the MDT (including support workers, support managers, care managers, parents etc.) to ensure that service users receive the best care and treatment to maximise their potential.
f) Identify, adapt, develop and/or make resources/equipment for:
i. Therapy sessions according to the changing needs of the client
ii. Promotion of the Able 2/Linskill therapy service
iii. Supporting the Total Communication environment at Able 2/Linskill.
g) To prepare, develop and update low and high tech alternative, augmentative communication (AAC) systems, including liaising with manufacturer’s help lines and local representatives.
h) File, photocopy and keep equipment cupboards and filing cabinets in order.
l) Escort service users as necessary and drive the Foundation's vehicles (where a valid driving licence is held.)
m) To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment and cleanliness of therapy treatment rooms, ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained.
n) Assist service users with meals and drinks as required.
o) To regularly report back and discuss current caseload with qualified SaLT, seeking advice and support where necessary.
p) To develop an awareness of evidence based practice with relation to SaLT.
q) To help and support at training sessions offered by members of the SaLT team, and to train others within own scope of practice.
r) To participate in audit projects within SaLT service to include collecting accurate data.
s) Assist the Therapy/Management Team with incidental duties as they arise.
t) To support service users activity programmes whilst assuring there is a person centred approach.
u) Commitment to the safeguarding adults’ agenda.
v) Embedding equality and diversity throughout the workplace
w) Responsibility for ensuring that:
Own records are maintained ensuring compliance with the agreed record keeping systems.
Informed consent is obtained where appropriate and documented.
Defective equipment is reported to line manager.
x) Carry out any other reasonable duties as designated by Therapy staff, Head Speech and Language Therapist and Management.
Date reviewed: 6th November 2013
M.Watts – Head of Able 2 Services