Role Responsibility: To be a member of the Special Schools team and share information with team members as directed and appropriate, keeping confidentiality at all times. Ensure that up-to-date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with Trust standards with guidance from supervisor. Form professional relationships with children, families, the MDT and school staff and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture. Assist team members with liaising with other agencies involved in the childs care including: education, Social Services and Voluntary Services Develop skills in working with children with additional needs requiring a range of therapy input including individual and group sessions. Develop skills in alternative communication methods suitable for children with severe and complex needs and develop rapport e.g. PODD, Makaton and other AAC systems both low and high tech. To use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication skills and tools to communicate with children who are non verbal, of a non English speaking background, requiring an interpreter, with a hearing impairment, with altered emotional states, with a cognitive/learning/behavioural disability. Report verbally and/or in writing to therapists on the childs development and performance in therapeutic and functional skills. Liaise with other agencies involved in the childs care, including relatives and carers, as appropriate to the childs needs, as directed by team members Report effectively any issues or concerns to supervisor/line manager Participate in service audits Persuade and motivate children to participate in therapy activities and reassure if required. Demonstrate effective communication over the telephone and in person to parents/carers and external agencies (especially teachers and teaching assistants) Demonstrate ability to use computer systems, reports and inputting data including team, word, excel and other programmes used for audits or record management. Assist the general specials schools Therapy & Nursing team with ordering, supplies, updating information and audits as required Clinical Responsibility: Undertake specific individual or group programmes as assessed and directed by trained staff members, observing general behaviour, ability and response of the children, recording the information as requested and reporting to a supervisor. Settings could include clinic, home, or school. Engage children in therapeutic activities to promote speech, language and communication development. Facilitate and participate in planned activities, seeking guidance if childs condition changes. Assist in the implementation of team member interventions including: o Assist in the running of therapy groups o Carry out therapy programmes as directed by SLT with children and young people o Under supervision of a therapist, provide a range of treatments; instructing and guiding children to support them in achieving identified goals. To work towards goals identified by the child, family/carers, the treating therapist, education professionals and the MDT o Implements therapy treatment plans o Organising and scheduling visits o Assist team members with home assessment as required Adhere to the Trusts Policies and Procedures To assist in completing risk assessment of environment and safety under the guidance of senior team members following local and Trust policies Ensure that toys and play materials are kept clean, safe and secure, assisting with regular toy cleaning Highlighting the need for resources to aid the smooth running of clinical sessions To assist therapists in making and preparing clinical resources such as visual timetables, PODD books or other materials. Assist with programming of high tech AAC devices under guidance of SLT To support professionals staff in gathering evidence (including research database and website searches) and developing resources. Provide training or demonstrating teachers/schools, with the support and guidance of therapists Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility Review and reflect own practice and performance through effective use of regular professional and operational supervision and appraisal. Participate in non-clinical induction, training and education of students and new assistants as directed by supervisor/line manager Provide support and organise peer support for more junior therapy assistant staff.