Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
The closing date is 26 April 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a compassionate individual to join the Adult Acute Speech and Language Therapy team at Addenbrooke's Hospital. This role involves supporting adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties across a range of acute wards, including medical, surgical, respiratory and other specialist services. Patients may have complex medical conditions, deconditioning or tracheostomy.
You will work closely with qualified Speech and Language Therapists and a multidisciplinary team, supporting assessment and rehabilitation under their direction. The role includes both direct patient contact and non‑clinical support such as preparation of therapy resources, service organisation and administrative tasks. Structured support, supervision and training will be provided, enabling you to build skills in communication and dysphagia.
Main duties of the job
* Support delivery of an effective Speech and Language Therapy service under the supervision of a registered SLT.
* Assist with assessment, therapy and delivery of delegated therapy programmes.
* Support communication and dysphagia management plans, maintaining close attention to safety.
* Work with patients with complex needs, making observations, reporting progress and preparing therapy resources.
* Support use of communication aids and digital tools.
* Maintain accurate documentation, contribute to data collection and service organisation.
* Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, recognising the limits of their role and seeking guidance as required.
About the team
The Adult Acute Speech and Language Therapy team provides assessment and rehabilitation for adults with communication and swallowing difficulties across a wide range of services. It is a supportive, collaborative team that values staff development through supervision and training, and aims to create a positive and inclusive working environment. The role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in acute care and develop skills in managing complex patients.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Good general education to GCSE level or equivalent, including English and Maths GCSE level A‑C.
* Relevant qualification to A‑level, NVQ level 3 or equivalent.
* Evidence of achievement and/or attendance at short courses or relevant training related to speech, language, communication and swallowing.
* Associate member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
Experience
* Experience supporting others with health, social or educational needs.
* Experience working as a team member.
* Experience working with indirect supervision.
* Experience working with individuals with a communication impairment, disability or illness.
* Experience in a clinical or educational setting.
* Experience working with a Speech and Language Therapist.
* Experience in an assistant/support worker/carer role.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
* Proficiency with apps.
* NHS experience.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the role of confidentiality within healthcare.
* Knowledge of the role of Speech and Language Therapy in the hospital setting.
* Basic understanding of acquired neurological and respiratory disorders that may lead to communication or swallowing problems.
* Knowledge of the NHS.
* Evidence of participation in personal or professional development activities relevant to the post.
* Knowledge of communication support methods.
Skills
* Ability to use a range of communication skills, including building rapport, motivation, explanation and education.
* Ability to follow instructions and directions regarding tasks assigned.
* Excellent listening and observation skills.
* Ability to report on patient‑related activities accurately and in detail, both verbally and in writing.
* Skill in managing time and prioritising work pressures.
* IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Twitter, apps.
* Negotiating and problem‑solving skills.
* Ability to work autonomously and with patients unsupervised when required.
* Excellent communication skills, including telephone, email and face‑to‑face.
* Evidence of good organisational and administrative skills.
* Motivation to carry out self‑directed learning and commit to personal and team development.
* Ability to work as part of a team and liaise with professionals in medical and educational settings.
* Attention to detail and accuracy in all areas of work.
* Flexibility to adapt to change and cope under pressure.
* Ability to adjust style of communication for those with communication difficulties.
* Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy to support patients with physical, cognitive and communication difficulties.
* Managing resources.
Additional Requirements
* Ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind and Excellent.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Benefits
At CUH we offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, a shopping concourse and day nurseries. Reduced‑cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital, free Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites, and free routes to and from Cambridge train station are available. We subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff. Hot food is available 24/7 at a reduced cost, and we have staff pod break spaces with free tea and coffee, a break space and a private outside area.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
EEO Statement
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
£28,392 to £31,157 a year pro rata
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