Job overview
Are you a confident communicator?
Are you able to take direction and work well in a team?
Do you have good observation, listening and time management skills?
Would you enjoy supporting adults with learning disabilities in the community?
If this describes you, then we would welcome your application for a new and exciting opportunity. We are looking for a part-time (22.5 hours per week) Speech and Language Therapy Assistant (Communication Development Officer/CDO) to join our team working across the Vale of Glamorgan.
You will be working with adults with learning disabilities who have a range of highly complex communication needs and/or eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. This will include developing resources, using specialist resource packages and carrying out informal observations to support the Speech and Language Therapists. There is also the opportunity to be involved in group work and staff training.
We are a friendly, proactive and supportive team, and there will be plenty of opportunities to liaise with other experienced SLTAs/CDOs on a regular basis.
Main duties of the job
You will be working under the direction of qualified Speech and Language Therapists. A key part of this role involves facilitating effective communication with people who have a learning disability, their carers, family and support staff. This includes designing and creating wide range of person-centred communication resources that require the use of symbol packages and digital photography. A good working knowledge of IT is essential. You will assist in the planning and delivery of training relating to communication and people with disabilities, including signing and Inclusive Communication. You will be required to input into S< specific databases, complete initial observations and support the team with data gathering e.g. case histories under direction of a Speech and Language Therapist.
You will be required to be able to travel between the sites in a timely manner.
Visits and contact with the Clinical Lead SLT to discuss the role and understand the service are encouraged and very welcome whenever possible.
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for a detailed outline of the job requirements. This is available for you bilingually, in English and Welsh.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
2. Completion of relevant diploma or equivalent level of knowledge, skills and experience.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
3. Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Working in a multidisciplinary/multi-agency setting demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and understand the roles of others.
Skills
Essential criteria
5. Excellent interpersonal /communication skills, including observation, listening and empathy and negotiation skills.
Desirable criteria
6. Ability to speak Welsh
7. Knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions.
8. Workload prioritisation skills
Other essential criteria
Essential criteria
9. Flexible approach and creative
10. Motivation to identify own training needs and engage in active learning.
11. Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner to meet the business needs
Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Welsh language skills are desirable