Speech and Language Therapist Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our Specialist Speech and Language Therapy Team at St Philip’s School. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of a qualified Speech and Language Therapist to support pupils with speech, language and communication needs associated with moderate learning difficulties, helping them to access learning, develop communication skills and reach their full potential within a supportive special school environment.

Key Responsibilities:

· Deliver speech and language therapy programmes to individual pupils and small groups, under the direction of a qualified Speech and Language Therapist, adapting activities to meet pupils’ individual communication needs within and outside the classroom.

· Observe, record and report on pupils’ progress, maintaining accurate clinical and administrative records, contributing to data systems, and sharing outcomes and effective strategies with the Speech and Language Therapist.

· Prepare, adapt and maintain therapy resources and materials, ensure equipment is kept in good working order, and order resources as required with appropriate authorisation.

· Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with pupils, parents/carers, teachers, teaching assistants and other professionals to support communication, learning and inclusion.

· Adhere to school and trust policies including safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection, health and safety and equal opportunities, while participating in supervision, training and continuing professional development and using initiative within agreed therapy programmes.

Key Requirements:

· Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in speech and language therapy, special educational needs, education, health or social care.

· Experience of working with children or young people with speech, language and communication needs, particularly within a SEND or special school setting.

· Ability to deliver speech and language therapy programmes under the direction of a qualified Speech and Language Therapist and to follow intervention plans accurately.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents/carers, school staff and external professionals.

· A clear understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and health and safety, with a commitment to professional practice and ongoing training.

What the school offers its staff

OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:

Rewards & Benefits:

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.