We are seeking a Band 4 Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our Special Schools Team. The postholder will be mainly based at Richard Cloudesley, which is an outstanding school for children and young people with educationally significant physical disabilities. They will be responsible for assisting in the effective delivery of individualised support and care to children undergoing assessment and receiving interventions from Speech and Language Therapists. They will develop skills in alternative communication methods suitable for children with severe and complex needs e.g. PODD, Makaton and other AAC systems both low and high tech. They will carry out individual or group programmes as directed by trained speech and language therapists. In addition, they will also support other special school teams with administrative tasks such as ordering equipment, audits and information management. We are a friendly and relaxed service that promotes equal opportunities and access for all. The post holder will have excellent training opportunities, supervision, and peer support. The Therapy Assistant will work as a member of the Special Schools Team and will undertake clerical and clinical duties as directed to provide a health service to children and young people across special schools. In addition to clinical duties, the postholder will assist the wider MDT team with overseeing and organization of equipment ordering, coordination of clinics, managing spreadsheets, and assisting therapists with follow-up documentation. The post holder will be split between Richard Cloudesley primary and secondary school sites. There may be times when the Therapy assistant is required to work in other teams or departments within the service, which may include Samuel Rhodes or Bridge school. They will receive regular supervision from a therapist in the team and receive training in-service and via team meetings and events. Whittington Health serves a richly diverse population and works hard to ensure that all our services are fair and equally accessible to everyone. We aim to employ a workforce that is as representative as possible of this population, being sensitive to differences in age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. 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 a 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 child’s 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 e.g., PODD, Makaton, and other AAC systems. Use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication skills and tools to communicate with children who are non-verbal or require assistance. Report verbally and/or in writing to therapists on the child’s development and performance in therapeutic and functional skills. Liaise with other agencies involved in the child’s care, as appropriate to the child’s 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. Demonstrate effective communication over the telephone and in person to parents/carers and external agencies. Demonstrate ability to use computer systems and input data. Assist the general special 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. Engage children in therapeutic activities to promote speech, language, and communication development. Facilitate and participate in planned activities, seeking guidance if the child’s condition changes. Assist in the implementation of team member interventions including: Assist in the running of therapy groups Carry out therapy programmes as directed by SLT Under supervision of a therapist, provide a range of treatments Implement therapy treatment plans Organize and schedule visits Assist team members with home assessments as required Adhere to the Trust’s Policies and Procedures Assist in completing risk assessments of environment and safety under the guidance of senior team members. Ensure that toys and play materials are kept clean, safe, and secure. Highlight the need for resources to aid the smooth running of clinical sessions. Assist therapists in making and preparing clinical resources. Assist with programming of high tech AAC devices under guidance of SLT. Support professionals in gathering evidence and developing resources. Provide training or demonstrating to teachers/schools with the support and guidance of therapists. Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility Review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of regular supervision and appraisal. Participate in non-clinical induction, training and education of students and new assistants. Provide support and organize peer support for more junior therapy assistant staff.