We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and particularly those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce’s health and well‑being is a priority for us. Flexible working is supported via the Flexible Working Policy.
Go back South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Speech & Language Therapy Assistant (Adult)
The closing date is 16 April 2026
Please note that the Trust is not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. Applicants are requested to consider this when making their application. Visit Gov.UK for further information.
We have an opportunity for one full‑time (37.5 hours per week), permanent, Band 2 Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. Speech and Language Assistants are vital to our work in carrying out therapy, preparing and assisting in clinics, collecting outcome data, assisting with equipment and resources, monitoring stock and supporting training. You will be based mainly in Sunderland Royal Hospital, but will be required to work across Trust sites and will spend most of your week supporting patients and delivering therapy on the Acute Stroke Unit and the Neurorehab Ward. You will develop experience of working with adults with a range of speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties. Excellent support, supervision and training will be provided and you will join our well‑established Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) service.
As a team we work together to provide the best service we can whilst striving to develop staff who are our key asset to improve patient outcomes. You will have excellent support and will be encouraged to develop your skills and competencies. You will align to our vision and values which include using research and innovation to improve patient care.
Main duties of the job
We provide Speech and Language Therapy to adults across South Tyneside and Sunderland who have speech, language, voice, communication and swallowing difficulties. You will work with a range of adults who have acquired difficulties with communication and swallowing as a result of a range of conditions including stroke, brain injury and progressive neurological disorders.
Job responsibilities
* Deliver therapy and rehabilitation services to adult clients.
* Assist in preparing and running therapy clinics.
* Collect and record outcome data.
* Assist with equipment and resources, including monitoring stock.
* Support training and development of staff.
* Collaborate with the Speech and Language Service team across Trust sites.
* Maintain accurate documentation and confidentiality.
* Follow safety and health procedures, including moving and handling aspects of the role.
* Travel between sites as required.
Person specification
Skills and Knowledge
* Good organisational ability.
* Ability to work under pressure.
* Ability to work independently and following instructions from qualified staff.
* Ability to prioritise workload.
* Good communication and interpersonal skills.
* Evidence of ability to communicate with a broad spectrum of individuals.
* Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner.
* Motivational skills.
* Basic IT skills.
* Awareness of communication and swallowing disorders.
* Experience working with clients in a hospital or NHS organisation.
* Experience in other therapy settings.
* Previous Speech and Language Therapy Assistant experience.
Physical skills
* Able to meet the moving and handling requirements of the post.
* Light physical effort, able to sit at bedside near patients.
* Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.
* Keyboard and dexterity skills.
Qualifications
* Numeracy and Literacy GCSE Level 4 or equivalent.
* At least four other GCSEs (Grade 4 or above) or equivalent.
* Completed Care Certificate or equivalent.
Experience
* Evidence of interaction with the public or patients.
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Experience of working to deadlines.
* Previous Speech and Language Therapy Assistant experience.
* Previous experience working with people with communication or swallowing difficulties.
* Experience working with adults with acquired disabilities.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check will be required.
Employer name
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
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