The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, providing specialist treatment, research and care to patients locally and nationally. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our supportive Adult SLT team. This is an exciting opportunity to support patients with communication and swallowing difficulties across the cancer pathway, including inpatient, outpatient and palliative care settings.
Main duties of the job
* Assist in the assessment, rehabilitation and management of patients referred to the Speech and Language Therapy service
* Carry out delegated clinical activities, including therapy programmes for patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties
* Undertake observations, screening and information gathering to support SLT assessment and intervention
* Deliver therapy sessions (individual and group) across inpatient and outpatient settings, including supporting telehealth clinics where appropriate
* Support patients, relatives and carers to understand and carry out therapy programmes
* Prepare therapy materials, resources and clinic environments to support service delivery
* Use IT systems to produce patient information and therapy resources
* Undertake a range of delegated clinical and non‑clinical duties, contributing to the smooth running of the service
* Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team and communicate relevant information appropriately
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Clinical Support
* Assist in the assessment, rehabilitation and management of patients referred to the SLT service
* Carry out delegated clinical activities independently within agreed competencies and under the direction of a registered SLT
* Implement therapy programmes (communication and swallowing)
* Support patients during mealtimes and therapeutic trials
* Develop and use supportive communication tools
* Prepare therapy materials and clinic environments
* Undertake treatment sessions with patients (individual or group), including inpatient, outpatient and telehealth settings, as delegated
* Carry out specified observations, screening and information gathering to support SLT assessment and intervention
* Monitor patient progress and feedback to the supervising SLT, recognising and reporting any changes or concerns promptly
* Support delivery of digital and remote models of care where appropriate (e.g. telehealth clinics), including preparing patients and materials for virtual sessions
Communication & MDT Working
* Communicate effectively with patients, carers, families and the multidisciplinary team (MDT)
* Participate in MDT meetings as appropriate and contribute relevant information
* Support and train carers/relatives to carry out therapy programmes safely and effectively
* Liaise with other services (e.g. community teams, district nurses) as directed by the SLT
Administrative & Service Support
* Support the day‑to‑day running of the SLT service, including preparing clinic rooms and therapy materials
* Manage stock and equipment (e.g. therapy resources, consumables)
* Support appointment coordination and follow‑up tasks (e.g. returning calls as directed)
* Use IT systems to produce patient information, therapy materials and resources
* Contribute to data collection, audit and service evaluation activities as required
Documentation & Information Governance
* Maintain accurate, clear and contemporaneous patient records in line with Trust and professional standards
* Handle patient information in accordance with confidentiality and data protection policies
Professional Responsibilities
* Work independently within clearly defined guidelines and recognise own limitations
* Seek support and escalated concerns to a registered SLT appropriately
* Participate in supervision, appraisal and ongoing training
* Maintain awareness of and adhere to Trust policies including infection control, health and safety and safeguarding
* Demonstrate respect for diversity and provide culturally sensitive care
* Demonstrate Trust values and take responsibility for own behaviour and conduct
Qualifications
* NVQ level 3 or equivalent in a relevant field
* Evidence of further study or relevant higher‑level training
* Evidence of therapy‑related competencies
Experience
* Previous experience in a relevant area
* Experience working with the public
* Previous experience in a support worker or assistant role
* Experience in a health, therapy, rehabilitation or social care setting
* Experience supporting patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties
Skills
* Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages
* Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and non‑verbal)
* Ability to demonstrate empathy, motivate and support individuals with diverse needs
* Ability to work independently within defined guidelines and as part of a team
* Ability to manage own workload and prioritise tasks effectively
* Good organisational and time management skills
* Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing service and patient needs
* Ability to work with individuals and groups
* Ability to reflect on and evaluate own performance
* Good literacy and numeracy skills
* Basic IT skills including word processing
* Ability to use Excel at a basic level
* Experience in producing patient information or therapy materials
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the importance of confidentiality
* Awareness of the role of Speech and Language Therapy within healthcare
* Awareness of MDT working and patient‑centred care
The closing date for this post may be extended if there are insufficient applicants or brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.
We are committed to creating a balanced and diverse workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority people and people with disabilities. Appointment will be only on merit. The Christie also hosts the disability confident scheme and guarantees interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all its activities. We have a zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery and fully commit to acting ethically and with transparency in all our business dealings. The Trust has implemented and enforces effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in the organisation or its supply chains.
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This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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