Adult Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Closing date: 21 June 2026
We are seeking a part‑time (30 hours per week, 0.8 WTE) Band 4 post with the Canterbury Coastal team based at Canterbury Health Centre. The role covers Canterbury and surrounding villages, Herne Bay, Whitstable and Faversham. You will work closely with a team of Speech and Language Therapists to provide high‑quality care for adult patients with communication and swallowing difficulties in a community setting.
Right to work This vacancy does not meet the criteria for skilled worker sponsorship. We are unable to accept applications from candidates who cannot provide documentary evidence of their right to work in the United Kingdom.
Main Duties
* Carry out communication therapy with individuals and groups.
* Help patients use low‑ and high‑tech communication aids by preparing and programming the aids and supporting patients and their families/carers.
* Triage care‑home patients on our electronic record system and provide administrative support to SLTs.
* Conduct telephone and in‑person reviews of patients’ swallowing and implement strategies to help them eat and drink safely.
* Perform light administrative duties, including support for the Joint Voice Clinic.
In this role you will take initiative, manage your day‑to‑day tasks independently, and receive regular support and guidance from registered SLTs. You will also be part of a wider team of therapy assistants across East and West Kent.
Qualifications
* Evidence of Foundation Degree Level study (Level 5) or equivalent experience.
* Functional Skills at Level 2 (literacy and numeracy; GCSE grade A‑C or equivalent in English and Maths).
Experience
* At least 1 year of experience in a healthcare or education setting, with experience in a community setting.
* Experience with Microsoft Office and various IT packages (E‑Pay / E‑roster / TAPS / Rio).
* Experience working as part of a team.
* Experience communicating with and supporting people with communication difficulties.
* Experience supporting people with dysphagia.
Knowledge
* Awareness of professional issues, recent developments in the NHS and Primary Care, and up‑to‑date clinical practice.
* Understanding of the role and remit of a Band 4 Assistant Practitioner.
Skills & Abilities
* Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
* Full UK driver’s licence (required if driving is part of the role).
Ability to Manage
* Support the implementation of local and national health agendas under the guidance of a Registered Practitioner.
* Prioritise care delivery professionally, in line with Trust policies and procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check to assess any previous criminal convictions.
Contact
Michaela Piper, Canterbury and Coastal Team Lead
michaela.piper@nhs.net
0300 123 0785
Employer
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year (pro‑rata per annum)
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