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Job Overview The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, providing specialist treatment, research and care to patients locally and nationally.
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our supportive Adult SLT team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic service supporting patients with communication and swallowing difficulties across the cancer pathway, including inpatient, outpatient and palliative care settings.
You will work closely with experienced Speech and Language Therapists, gaining valuable clinical experience while developing your skills in assessment, rehabilitation and patient support. The team is committed to staff development, service innovation and delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
This role would suit someone who is compassionate, proactive and keen to develop within a specialist clinical area, with opportunities to contribute to new ways of working.
Main duties of the job
- To assist in the assessment, rehabilitation and management of patients referred to the Speech and Language Therapy service
- To carry out delegated clinical activities, including therapy programmes for patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties
- To undertake observations, screening and information gathering to support SLT assessment and intervention
- To deliver therapy sessions (individual and group), across inpatient and outpatient settings, including supporting telehealth clinics where appropriate
- To support patients, relatives and carers to understand and carry out therapy programmes
- To prepare therapy materials, resources and clinic environments to support service delivery
- To use IT systems to produce patient information and therapy resources
- To undertake a range of delegated clinical and non-clinical duties, contributing to the smooth running of the service
- To work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team and communicate relevant information appropriate
Working for our organisation
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.
We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Clinical Support
- To assist in the assessment, rehabilitation and management of patients referred to the SLT service.
- To carry out delegated clinical activities independently within agreed competencies and under the direction of a registered SLT.
- This may include:
- Implementing therapy programmes (communication and swallowing)
- Supporting patients during mealtimes and therapeutic trials
- Developing and using supportive communication tools
- Preparing therapy materials and clinic environments
- To undertake treatment sessions with patients (individual or group), including inpatient, outpatient and telehealth settings, as delegated.
- To carry out specified observations, screening and information gathering to support SLT assessment and intervention.
- To monitor patient progress and feedback to the supervising SLT, recognising and reporting any changes or concerns promptly.
- To support delivery of digital and remote models of care where appropriate (e.g. telehealth clinics), including preparing patients and materials for virtual sessions.
Communication & MDT Working
- To communicate effectively with patients, carers, families and the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
- To participate in MDT meetings as appropriate and contribute relevant information.
- To support and train carers/relatives to carry out therapy programmes safely and effectively.
- To liaise with other services (e.g. community teams, district nurses) as directed by the SLT.
Administrative & Service Support
- To support the day-to-day running of the SLT service, including:
- Preparing clinic rooms and therapy materials
- Managing stock and equipment (e.g. therapy resources, consumables)
- Supporting appointment coordination and follow-up tasks (e.g. returning calls as directed)
- To use IT systems to produce patient information, therapy materials and resources.
- To contribute to data collection, audit and service evaluation activities as required.
Documentation & Information Governance
- To maintain accurate, clear and contemporaneous patient records in line with Trust and professional standards.
- To handle patient information in accordance with confidentiality and data protection policies.
Professional Responsibilities
- To work independently within clearly defined guidelines and recognise own limitations.
- To seek support and escalate concerns to a registered SLT appropriately.
- To participate in supervision, appraisal and ongoing training.
- To maintain awareness of and adhere to Trust policies including infection control, health and safety, and safeguarding.
- To demonstrate respect for diversity and provide culturally sensitive care.
- To demonstrate Trust values and take responsibility for own behaviour and conduct.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent in a relevant field
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of further study or relevant higher-level training
- Evidence of therapy-related competencies
Experience
Essential criteria
- Previous experience in a relevant area
- Experience working with the public
- Previous experience in a support worker or assistant role
Desirable criteria
- Experience in a health, therapy, rehabilitation or social care setting
- Experience supporting patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties
Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages
- Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and non-verbal)
- Ability to demonstrate empathy, motivate and support individuals with diverse needs
- Ability to work independently within defined guidelines and as part of a team
- Ability to manage own workload and prioritise tasks effectively
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing service and patient needs
- Ability to work with individuals and groups
- Ability to reflect on and evaluate own performance
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Basic IT skills including word processing
Desirable criteria
- Ability to use Excel at a basic level
- Experience in producing patient information or therapy materials
Knowledge
Essential Criteria
- Knowledge of the importance of confidentiality
Desirable criteria
- Awareness of the role of Speech and Language Therapy within healthcare
- Awareness of MDT working and patient-centred care
