Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust for a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant who exemplifies our Trust Values to join our Adult Acute Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Department. This role is predominately based at Charing Cross Hospital.
This role is to provide and support the clinical and administrative work of the inpatient Acute SLT team. The team provide a service to patients within the specialisms of Acute and Specialist medicine, Neurosciences, Surgery, Cancer and Critical Care.
Main duties of the job
• To undertake administrative duties including, filing, photocopying, dealing with phone enquiries, ordering essential discharge equipment as delegated and taking messages from answer phone.
• To organise own delegated work tasks and activities being flexible to the needs of the service as directed by the therapist.
• To assist qualified therapy staff to deliver patient care, assessment and treatment.
• To communicate with patients, carers and relatives to obtain specific information as directed by the therapist.
• To maintain, inspect, test and clean equipment according to department procedures. To maintain adequate stock levels as required by the team.
• To assist with the care of patients including preparing drinks, and supervising eating and drinking.
• To carry out tasks, activities and responsibilities delegated by a qualified therapist. To follow instructions of treating qualified therapist to treat patients following a designated treatment plan - to explain therapy intervention to patients, and motivate and encourage them to participate.
• To utilise resources available and to seek support in order to communicate with patients and relatives who have communication difficulties. These may include non-English speakers or confused patients.
• To deal sensitively and constructively with patients and carers who have high levels of anxiety frustration or aggression caused by a variety of issues, such as pain, poor prognosis or limited mobility.
Working for our organisation
At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.
Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.
Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview. .
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
For both overviews, please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Person specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. General Education to GCSE level including English/ equivocal English qualification.
Desirable criteria
2. Care Certificate
3. Undergone relevant theoretical and practical work-based training or holds academic/NVQ level III qualification
4. Previous Speech and Language Assistant experience.
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Experience of working with the public.
6. Previous experience of caring for people in or outside of work.
7. Demonstrates knowledge of health care delivery.
8. Experience of administrative work including using Microsoft Office tools effectively
9. Experience working in a team.
10. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the role of Speech and Language Therapy.
Desirable criteria
11. Previous experience of working within therapy departments.
12. Previous experience of working in hospital setting.
Skills/Knowledge/ Abilities
Essential criteria
13. Able to follow instruction and work both independently and within a team carrying out clinical and administration duties.
14. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, even when faced with difficult situations or communication barriers.
15. Demonstrate insight into caring/supportive role.
16. Demonstrates ability to prioritise own workload in order to meet deadlines.
17. Understanding of the therapy support worker role and its limitations and be able and willing to seek advice and assistance from qualified staff as required.
18. Knowledge of health and safety, diversity and confidentiality issues.
19. Basic IT skills
20. Organisational skills
21. Demonstrates initiative and self-motivation.
22. Able to work flexibly based on the needs of the service.
23. Ability to comprehend and work within the Trusts policies and procedures.
24. Good written and verbal communication skills.
25. Good interpersonal skills in order to communicate and work effectively with others.
26. Able to manage time and prioritise workload.
27. To have strategies for dealing with stressful interpersonal situations and frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions.
Desirable criteria
28. Experience in UK health care system.
29. Knowledge of basic administrative processes.
30. Able to modify their communication to suit different levels of patient ability
31. Knowledge of communication aids / iPad apps to support therapy
Please ensure you check your emails regularly as this is how we will communicate with you throughout the recruitment process. If you are shortlisted you will be contacted by email and text message (if you provide a mobile contact number).
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