THERAPY ASSISTANT AND SENSORY ROOM COORDINATOR (Band 3)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Therapy Assistant and Sensory Rooms Coordinator
Main Purpose of Job
· The post holder will be expected to support students as identified and directed by the supervising therapist and in liaison with the wider clinical team and school SLT
· To provide support for the Therapy Team by gathering and preparing resources and by supporting direct and indirect interventions.
· To plan and coordinate sensory room based learning activities in line with pupil needs, including leading some sessions and organise resources.
· To provide written documentation and records as needed at a professional standard in line with professional standards.
Job Summary
This post provides for students with autistic spectrum disorders, severe
learning difficulties and challenging behaviours. The Therapy Assistant works
as part of the Therapy Team (including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychology team) who support the school and wider services. The Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of the supervising therapist to support the planning, resourcing, delivery, monitoring recording of direct and indirect interventions as agreed through prioritisation, the clinical team development plan and the school training programme.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Communication and relationship skills
· To work closely with students, demonstrating skills in supporting and motivating professionals and carers to engage with the recommended programme of intervention and to use the equipment provided, for the benefit of the Student
· To demonstrate empathy and build positive working relationships with students, staff, carers and families ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding and acceptance exist (emotional, linguistic, neurological, social, cultural and cognitive)
· To be aware of the need to adapt communication depending upon the needs of the student and to use Total Communication effectively.
· To contribute to the Therapy Team by discussing own and others input around an individual’s needs ensuring input into a well co-ordinated plan of action
· To form productive relationships within the clinical team.
Knowledge, training and experience
· To demonstrate knowledge and experience and developing skills in supporting children with autism, learning difficulties, challenging behaviour
· To understand about Total Communication, and be aware of autism specific approaches and good autism practice for supporting learning, communication and emotional and behavioural development including structured Approaches, visual clarification/AAC.
· To have a practical knowledge and awareness of the roles and responsibilities of other MDT Members and educational staff/professionals
· To develop a working knowledge of relevant legislation and school/company policy related to education and health procedures, including safeguarding children, and health & safety
· To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers and mentors
· To demonstrate a good knowledge of how to use the IT systems required
· To support the Therapy to young people with ASD, including an awareness of a range of AAC, including aided AAC (e.g. communication software on iPad)
Planning and organisational skills
· To manage and prioritise own workload, within the requirements of prioritisation/agreed planning and in close liaison with the supervising therapist and relevant members of the team and school staff
· To plan and coordinate sensory room based learning activities in line with pupil needs and the wider social and academic curriculum, including leading some sessions and to plan and organise resources
· To recognise potential breakdown, resistance and conflict when it occurs and seek advice using the correct line management process and support to resolve.
· To contribute to the planning, preparation and delivery of activities and interventions, working directly with the students in line with prioritisation planning.
· To contribute to the support for parents/carers provided by the clinical team.
· To write in the student’s case notes to report on therapy sessions, maintaining professional standards.
· To support a range of meetings, including representing the department at meetings, as and when required, to take accurate minute and feedback key information to relevant members of the team.
· To contribute to the Therapy planning, prioritisation and assessment of children and young people with severe and complex disabilities, as required
· To undertake other tasks as directed by the clinical lead, Speech Therapy Lead and Head Teacher and to always operate in a style that is consistent with the values and vision of the organisation
Job Description / September 17 Therapy Assistant and Sensory Room Coordinator/Children’s Service/LP