Job Summary
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner to support the Clinical Lead for Assisted and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Speech and Language Therapist in the West area of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (Gwynedd and Anglesey).
The post holder will be instrumental in supporting local AAC users in Gwynedd and Anglesey and will work with our services for children, adults with learning disability and adults with acquired communication difficulties. Experience of working with children and young people, and /or adults in a range of settings is essential for this role.
Main duties of the job
A knowledge of AAC is essential as the successful candidate will assist in supporting children and adults with a range of speech, language and communication needs, who are developing their use of AAC.
The role will involve providing individual support to patients and families/carers, such as therapy, demonstrations and training. It will also include the development and maintenance of materials and equipment for the service.
You will work under the direct supervision of the Clinical Lead for AAC, and there will be the opportunity to work together with existing AAC assistant practitioners in other parts of BCUHB.
What we can offer you:
- Regular supervision – you will receive regular management supervision with your Team Leader.
- Peer supervision – we have a number of dynamic and motivated Speech and Language Therapy Assistants within our team who will offer support and guidance.
- In-house training with a number of learning and development opportunities.
- A highly supportive team with a strong commitment to the wellbeing of our staff team
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience of working within a Therapy environment
- Sound understanding of the role of Speech & Language Therapy
- Sound understanding of child speech/language development and/or the concept of rehabilitation/recovery as appropriate to the clinical area
- Basic knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance
- Basic knowledge of main conditions relevant to area of speciality and the effects of illness on function
- Awareness of Health & Safety legislation & practices
- Proven ability to apply knowledge following training
- Self-motivation for Continued Professional Development
Desirable
- Experience working in a related health/social care or education setting
- Working in a leadership role
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work independently with individuals and/or groups
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent analytical/perceptual skills, data inputting
- Ability to travel across sites to work and to carry out clinical tasks
- Awareness of team dynamics and work effectively as part of a team
- Planning and organisational skills
- Have the ability to reflect on own performance
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Computer skills e.g. use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint performance
- Ability to work under pressure
- Physical & emotional stamina to deal with sensitive and difficult situations
- Ability to undertake physical activity involved with therapy relevant to role, e.g. play-based therapy activities with children.
Desirable
- Ability to maintain and record specific items of stock
Personal qualities
Essential
- Ability to work flexibly according to the needs of the service and prioritise workload appropriately.
- Ability to promote a professional image of the organisation.
- Good time management
- Proven ability to accept instruction, report back to supervisor, work within guidelines and respond appropriately to feedback.
- Willingness and ability to fully engage in supervision and feedback opportunities to ensure learning accountability and support.
- Ability to be a reflective practitioner
Desirable
- Demonstrable ability to lead and motivate other team members
- Adaptability to a working environment non routine in nature
other relevant requirements
Essential
- Good hearing
- An understanding of the Welsh culture
- Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post
Desirable
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 23 March 2025
