Special Schools Therapy Assistant: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Therapy Assistant to join the Therapy Team at The Bridge School. This job will be supporting the Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists to meet the needs of the children and young people who attend the school.

The Bridge School is an outstanding school for children and young people aged 4-19 with a high level of learning need, the majority of whom also have a diagnosis of Autism. We are are a friendly, dynamic and proactive team co-located within the school.

The Therapy Assistant will be responsible for assisting in the effective delivery of individualised support and care to children undergoing assessment and receiving interventions from Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists at the Bridge School. She/ he will undertake clerical and clinical duties as directed to provide a health service to children and young people across special schools. In addition to clinical duties, the postholder will assist the wider MDT team with overseeing and organisation of equipment ordering, co-ordination of clinics, managing spreadsheets and assisting therapists with follow up documentation.

The post holder will receive regular supervision from a therapist in the team and receive training in-service and via team meetings and events.

Main duties of the job

Form professional relationships with children, families, the MDT and school staff and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.

Develop skills in working with children with additional needs requiring a range of therapy input including individual and group sessions.

Develop skills in alternative communication methods suitable for children with severe and complex needs and develop rapport e.g. Makaton and other AAC systems both low and high tech.

Develop skills in supporting development of fine motor, sensory regulation, and self-care skills to increase participation in classroom and school activities.

Liaise with other agencies involved in the child’s care, including relatives and carers, as appropriate to the child’s needs, as directed by team members

Persuade and motivate children to participate in therapy activities and reassure if required.

Demonstrate effective communication over the telephone and in person to parents/carers and external agencies (especially teachers and teaching assistants)

Demonstrate ability to use computer systems, reports and inputting data including team, word, excel and other programmes used for audits or record management.

Assist the general specials schools Therapy & Nursing team with ordering, supplies, updating information and audits as required