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B3 Speech and Language Assistant
The closing date is 16 June 2026
CDDFT Speech and Language Therapy is pleased to advertise a permanent Speech and Language Therapy Assistant post working at Bishop Auckland Hospital and one session in the community with communication disordered patients. The successful postholder will deliver routine communication therapy rehabilitation to stroke and elderly care patients in an in‑patient setting as well as in their own homes, make communication aid resources, and support qualified Speech and Language Therapists. The successful candidates will utilise their outstanding organisational and communication skills to achieve best patient outcomes while being well supported by qualified Speech and Language Therapists to develop a range of competencies in delivering excellent communication therapy and rehabilitation.
Main duties of the job
The Speech and Language Therapy Assistant will have a minimum of NVQ Level 3 in social care, have a good track record of working with communication‑impaired vulnerable adults, have excellent computer literacy skills and be well organised as well as being able to independently travel across the Trust countywide.
* Monthly staff meetings
* Regular management supervision
* In‑service training
* Well‑resourced department
* Clinical Leads in Communication, Dysphagia, Voice and Fluency
* Good access to communication aids
* Good IT access, mobile‑working laptop and phone
About us
We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester‑Le‑Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.
Job responsibilities
The successful candidates should be interested in working with stroke patients to rehabilitate their communication skills. You will be committed to continuing professional development and have excellent communication and prioritisation skills.
The Speech and Language Therapy Service offers a supportive team of experienced colleagues who will help the further development of your skills.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Good verbal and written communication skills.
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Knowledge of a limited range of routine strategies and techniques for facilitating adult communication skills.
* Ability to make judgements involving straightforward facts or situations.
* Ability to plan and organise one's own working day to day work tasks or activities, including handling a small given caseload.
* Well‑developed empathic and listening skills.
Special Requirements
* Able to travel independently countywide.
* Driving posts must have a valid Full UK driving licence.
Qualifications
* High standard of computer literacy, including using Microsoft Office.
* NVQ Level 3 health and social care.
Experience
* Experience working with adults or another vulnerable communication‑impaired group.
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.
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum, pro rata
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