Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a Speech and Language Apprentice/Assistant to join our friendly and committed team at EPUT working as part of our Inpatients Mental Health Team. The role will be fully supported as part of a small and friendly team providing groups and one-to-one therapy within our in-patient wards across a number of sites in EPUT. There will be an expectation for the Apprentice/Assistant to be able to travel between different hospitals and sites across the trust. The team also provides outreach service when needed for patients who are discharged back into the community for a number of sessions. The successful candidate will be fully supported with regular supervision and CPD opportunities. If successful at interview and appointed there would be an expectation to work in the role for 12 months, to successfully pass probation and gain consent from your line manager before applying at the university. As an employee of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust the post holder would be working towards a BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy in partnership with the University of Essex ‘on’ and ‘off’ the job learning. Please be advised there will be two stages to shortlisting. For those applicants successful at the first stage of shortlisting you will be asked to complete a small writing task. Following this, if successful you will be asked to attend a face-to-face interview.
Role Details
The apprentice will work as part of the inpatient therapy provision implementing speech and language therapy interventions under the direction of qualified staff. The nature of the interventions will change as the post holder acquires and applies theory to practise reflecting knowledge gained through study.
Responsibilities
* Support therapy staff in the implementation of treatment programmes.
* Carry out one-to-one and group interventions as directed by Senior Therapy staff.
* Plan and facilitate group activities as directed by Senior Therapists.
* Develop rapport with clients to encourage their interest in skills.
* Be aware of individual patients’ needs through communication with Therapy staff.
* Observe general behaviour, ability and response of clients/patients to activities.
* Have awareness of situations that may make clients/patients vulnerable or at risk.
* Report any concerns immediately to Senior Therapy staff.
* Respect clients/patients’ choices and confidentiality at all times.
* Record interventions in an agreed format.
What we offer
* Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
* Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality champion networks.
* Access mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
* Win recognition awards to celebrate staff’s hard work and dedication.
Benefits
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
* Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
* Staff discounts including Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and other staff benefits.
* £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
* Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work that wraps around your needs
* Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
* Job share: applications for job shares are welcomed.
This advert closes on Tuesday 9 Dec 2025.
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