NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Who we are:
NHS Ayrshire and Arran is one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.
In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way. To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net)
Position:
A rare and innovative development opportunity has arisen for a Speech and Language Therapy development post within our Augmentative and Alternative (AAC) Service based at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Candidates who meet the Person Specification requirements at band 6 will progress to band 7 following completion of set competencies, with an anticipated timeframe of 2 years
Hours:
From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.
22.2 hours (0.6 wte) with working days to be agreed.
This post is offered on a permanent basis.
UK Driving Licence/Car Ownership:
Full UK driving licence is essential to this role.
What you will do:
As part of a robust succession plan within the Augmentative and Communication (AAC) service, you will join a small, dynamic and dedicated team, consisting of the current AAC Team Leader and AAC HCSW. Together you will deliver the Pan Ayrshire AAC pathway.
The post holder will initially shadow the AAC Team Leader in the delivery of AAC specialist level service. This will include assessment, management, support and training to a range of Pan Ayrshire stakeholders. You will autonomously manage the AAC equipment budget. You will co-ordinate the AAC provision for the key clinical areas of CYP, Adults with acquired disorders, alongside ALD.
You will be able to develop your skills in Improvement Methodology in order to fully demonstrate the impact of your innovative approaches and will have the opportunity to access wider skills development including preparing academic posters, attending local and national good practice events and sharing success with peers.
You will have strong written and oral communication skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively and work constructively with a range of people. You will be confident in the use of AAC equipment.
This is a development post that aims to ensure the future of the AAC service provision. The current post holder moves into partial retirement in December, with a plan to fully retire in two years.
Candidates who meet the Person Specification requirements at band 6 will progress to band 7 following completion of set competencies, with an anticipated timeframe of 2 years.
Candidates who already meet the Person Specification requirements at band 7 will also be considered.
For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description
Knowledge, training and/or experience required to do the job:
* Degree in Speech and Language Therapy and HCPC registration.
For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification
If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Linda Page on 01294 323528 (Linda.page@aapct.scot.nhs.uk)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS CANDIDATES
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.
It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.
The Recruitment Team are unable to answer individual queries at application stage about this, please visit here for further information.
We are unable to provide sponsorship for bank contracts.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL CANDIDATES
You should apply for this post by completing the application process on JobTrain.
· DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
· Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.
· For help to complete an application on JobTrain, please follow this link: https://www.careers.nhs.scot/how-to-apply/application-process/
· To view our accessibility statement, please follow this link: https://www.eess.nhs.scot/jobtrain-accessibility-statement/
· Please note that our correspondence method is by email, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
· Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and also your JobTrain account for updates.
· Please contact JobTrain Candidate Support Hub: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home - for advice and support with any system issues.
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· Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.
· Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a staff member, please ensure you update your JobTrain profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
· Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.