Due to internal movement, we have an exciting opportunity within the acute Speech and Language Therapy service in Lincoln County Hospital for an Assistant Practitioner. The post holder will work under the direction of Speech and Language Therapists to assist in the delivery of the Speech and Language Therapy acute service. We are a friendly and supportive team who look forward to supporting a new team member. The acute service comprises of wards specialising in ENT, respiratory, medical, care of the elderly and frailty. The post holder will be working with patients who have acquired communication and swallowing difficulties caused by a variety of aetiologies.
The post holder will be responsible for implementing speech and language therapy programmes and providing feedback to the Speech and Language Therapist following these sessions. Additional training will be provided to develop competencies in dysphagia to an appropriate level. The post holder will also be required to complete administrative duties and processes for the caseload.
Main duties of the job
- To assist the Speech and Language Therapy team with daily administrative tasks which will include the use of Systm one and Microsoft Excel.
- To gather patient case histories from medical notes and discussion with the multi-disciplinary team and patient, as requested by the Speech and Language Therapist
- To assist the Speech and Language Therapist on the acute wards when they are conducting swallowing assessments.
- To independently carry out communication screens on inpatients, as directed by a speech and language therapist.
- To independently carry out speech and language therapy sessions with inpatients with communication difficulties, delivering therapy programmes written by a Speech and Language Therapist. This will include demonstration of communication aids.
- To independently carry out a protocol guided swallowing assessment on inpatients, in line with the services dysphagia policy and the individual’s level of competency.
- To maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with service and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) guidelines
- To feedback findings to the Speech and Language Therapy team.
- To create therapy resources, communication aids and information resources for patients/carers as required
- To maintain stock levels.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 5 GCSE’s at Grace C or above , including English and Maths, or equivalent
- Level 5 qualification in healthcare/healthcare related (Higher Diploma, Foundation Degree, Nursing Associate Qualification)
Desirable
- Evidence of training in a related area
Special attributes/specific requirements
Essential
- Able to work flexibly as required by the service
- Ability to respond and adapt to changes
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to travel between locations to carry out your work and to attend trainings and meetings.
- Willing to undertake further education, training and development relevant to post
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication/interpersonal skills
- Basic IT skills
- Concentration skills
- Negotiation/problem solving skills
- Awareness of a variety of assistive technology systems
Desirable
- Modules 2 and 7 of the EDCL
- Excellent IT skills including use of programmes such as Boardmaker/Widgit and use of digital camera/clipart
Knowledge
Essential
- Basic understanding of the multi-disciplinary team in management of speech, language and swallowing needs.
- Basic understanding of potential causes and presentations of speech, language and swallowing difficulties in the adult population.
- Knowledge of the NHS
Desirable
- Relevant knowledge of health/social care generally
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within health and social care
- Experience of working with people with disabilities in a relevant setting
Desirable
- Significant experience working in an assistant/support worker role
- Experience of using technology (e.g. digital cameras, computer programmes) to make resources/support materials
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: 26 September 2025
