Speech and Language Therapy Assistant at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Key Relationships Individuals, families, carers Ward Staff/Paid supporters Advocacy Referrers Service Leader Specialist Practitioners Specialist SLT/other SLT and SLTAs Communication and Relationship Skills The post holder will : Communicate effectively with all members of the speech therapy team and carry out work as outlined within professional competency frameworks for assistants. Work under direction from a qualified and registered speech therapist. Work directly with individuals with mental health conditions and have related difficulty with communication therefore will need to use skilled communication techniques to overcome these barriers. The post holder will work routinely with people who may also experience additional communication barriers relating to language, mental health conditions, physical health, disability and challenging behaviours.

The Assistant will need to ensure that communication is accessible and person centred and support paid and unpaid carers to support the individual effectively. Develop and advise others within MDT on the development of accessible information for service users. Complete client records and client sensitive information according to professional guidance and MCFT Trust policy. Be an integral member of the MDT.

To attend relevant professional meetings at the request of a senior Clinician. To share and disseminate information in a professional manner with other members of the broader multi-disciplinary and uni-disciplinary speech therapy team. Maintain and develop competency in IT skills. Clinical duties To carry own designated caseload (under supervision) and meet regularly with supervising clinician to review work.

To work independently with individuals with mental health in a variety of settings. To highlight individuals changing needs or wider service issues affecting an individuals care to the speech therapist. Identify and proactively develop accessible information in addition to developing material on request To develop systems for storing and developing symbols /easy read materials to increase use across the trust Support clients to achieve optimum potential by promoting independence and self-care as appropriate To provide support and assist in the preparation and running of Integrated Therapy Groups. To act as an advocate to facilitate views and choices expressed by clients.

To develop rapport with clients and to encourage their interest and participation in specified therapeutic activities. To contribute to the assessment of and adhere to risk management measures under direction of therapist To work within the Mental capacity act framework Analytical and Judgmental Skills To make appropriately detailed observations in regard to physical health, communication, behaviour and emotional presentation to contribute to therapy assessment and assess progress in relation to therapy goals. To observe general behaviour, functional ability and responses of patients when engaged in therapy activities to make routine records of the information following each intervention and to report to the appropriate member of the multi-disciplinary team. Following appropriate training respond appropriately to changes in the persons condition or needs and make changes to care plans within own area of competence, as delegated by the registered speech therapist To understand the scope of their own role and when to refer to the speech therapist Planning and Organisational Skills To organise own time and prioritise workload with support from supervising speech and language therapist.

To deliver therapy programmes in the most appropriate setting for the person and in a timely manner To provide individual activity and performance data in a timely manner on request Responsibilities for Policy and Service Development To support a learning environment within the speech therapy service through practical assistance and input into the education and development of student health professionals who are undertaking training within the service. This at the request and guidance of a qualified speech therapist. Make a key contribution to the multi-professional team to ensure the continued development of the service and maintain a knowledge and understanding of current legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice and guidelines relevant to role Participate in audit, quality projects and research as appropriate Participate in changes in clinical practice as directed by the registered speech therapist To adhere to MCFT Policies and procedures To engage in MCFT PDR process ensuring objectives are met and a personal development plan is maintained and evaluated To attend mandatory training and relevant courses/ training deemed appropriate for role To maintain CPD portfolio and work to Assistants competency framework To participate in service development, research and audit as required Responsibilities for Finance To purchase items requested by the speech therapist e.g. through petty cash To maintain equipment in safe working order and that minimises cross infection according to Trust policies Responsibilities for HR The post holder will actively participate in their own PDR and appraisals maintain a CPD portfolio in line with professional standards Responsibility for Information Resources To provide reports or client related data at the request of a clinician To keep client records in accordance with professional standards and Trust policies Research and Development To participate in research and clinical development as requested by senior Clinician Risk management The post holder will be required to lone work and will need to adhere to Trust policy and developed individual risk management strategies