Dysphagia Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Apply for the Dysphagia Speech and Language Therapy Assistant role at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
Job Overview
The Speech and Language Therapy Service in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent provides assessment and treatment for adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties in community settings, including patients’ own homes. This permanent Band 4 role is 37.5 hours per week and will cover the North Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent patch, with the base at Bentilee.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, your application may be withdrawn.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and highly motivated therapy assistant who is passionate about delivering excellent patient care. The successful candidate will:
* Be confident travelling to see patients in community locations and care homes, building supportive relationships with patients, carers and families.
* Provide intervention and support through a range of delivery methods, ensuring high‑quality, person‑centred care.
* Work autonomously under the supervision of a registered Speech and Language Therapist, managing a defined caseload across community and nursing/care home settings.
* Deliver, monitor and evaluate care programmes, following clinical guidance and contributing to treatment planning and outcomes.
* Commit to continuous professional development, undertaking relevant post‑registration training.
* Engage in professional learning and collaboration via Clinical Excellence Networks and other forums.
Essential Skills And Experience
* Experienced Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner with specialist knowledge supporting adults with acquired dysphagia, or willingness to undertake training.
* Ability to work autonomously under supervision, responsible for defined caseloads.
* Skilled in delivering and evaluating care programmes, following clinical guidelines.
* Dedicated to continuous professional development and post‑registration training.
* Active engagement with Clinical Excellence Networks and other development forums.
Benefits
* 20% protected time each week for supervision, CPD, self‑directed learning or project work.
* Strong links with a local university offering an undergraduate master’s degree in SLT.
* Opportunities to access CENs, training, mentoring, peer support groups, conferences, journal club and in‑house SLT forum.
* Comprehensive clinical and management supervision.
* Workplace buddy to help settle in.
* Great clerical support and access to communication and dysphagia assistants.
* Autonomous clinic diary and flexible working arrangements.
* Work for an NHS trust committed to EDI values.
* Positive, non‑judgemental team culture.
Qualifications
* Higher apprenticeship level 5 or Foundation Degree in a related subject.
* Care Certificate completed in all 15 areas within 12 weeks of commencing the contract.
* Evidence of or willingness to undertake post‑registration training relevant to the post.
Experience
* Relevant placements/experience for the role.
* Experience working with older people.
* Experience working as part of a team.
* Experience supporting or contributing to assessment and management of individuals with disabilities.
* Ability to manage time and caseload effectively.
* Experience supporting adults with acquired disorders and dysphagia.
* Experience supporting service users, families and carers with communication difficulties/dysphagia.
* Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
About us
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has around 9,000 staff providing physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, adult social care, and more. We offer career development, ongoing training and a supportive workplace committed to diversity, equality and inclusion.
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
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