Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
What is the work like?
As a speech and language therapy assistant, you would support registered speech and language therapists during their assessment and treatment of people with communication, eating, drinking and swallowing problems.
You could work with a range of client groups, including:
- children
- adults with physical disabilities, mental health issues or learning difficulties
- people recovering from medical conditions, such as a stroke
- older people.
Your duties would usually involve:
- working with clients on a one-to-one basis
- liaising with the therapist about adjustments to a client's therapy
- group work and activities
- preparing therapy rooms and equipment
- supporting clients with any personal needs, for example, mobility issues.
You may also carry out general administrative tasks.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Each employer can set their own entry requirements – some NHS trusts may not ask for any academic qualifications whereas others will prefer a good general standard of education (possibly including four or five GCSEs grades A-C). For some jobs you may need the ability to speak a second community-based language and an awareness of other cultures.
Qualifications in childcare (such as the CACHE Certificate/Diploma in Child Care and Education) or an NVQ Level 2 in Health or Health and Social Care would also be useful, though not essential.
You may have an advantage if you have paid or unpaid experience of working with older people, children or people with physical disabilities, mental health problems or learning difficulties. Contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice.
Another way to get experience would be through a two-year Cadet Scheme or Apprenticeship. Schemes vary between NHS Trusts, but will usually include clinical placements and studying towards an NVQ Level 3 in Health. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. You could also contact your local NHS Trust for details of cadet schemes in your area.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. You may also be encouraged to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Health: Allied Health Profession Support (Speech and Language Therapy).
With experience, you could apply for an assistant practitioner post and study for a foundation degree in a subject such as health care (associate practitioner), health and social care, or assisting professional practice. With this level qualification, you may be able to join year two of a degree leading to registration as a speech and language therapist (this may be done as part of a secondment, with financial support from your employer).
Check the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists website for more information on courses, conferences, networking opportunities and the benefits of membership.
Where can I go for more information?
PO Box 376Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
London
SE1 1NX
Tel: 020 7378 1200
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Speech and language therapy assistants can earn between £17,000 and £21,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 37.5 hours a week. Part-time work, job share or term-time only contracts may also be available.
You could be based within a hospital or in the community, in a health centre, assessment unit, mainstream or special school. Your day-to-day work may include some travelling between community settings.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a caring and understanding approach
- a keen interest in communication impairments or problems
- the ability to work with people of all ages
- a mature and responsible attitude to work
- empathy and the ability to gain the trust and confidence of clients
- good teamworking skills and the ability to work alone
- strong communication and listening skills
- the ability to work under pressure
- the ability to use IT.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs in the NHS. You could also work within the private sector (in hospitals or clinics) and with local authorities, voluntary organisations and independent schools. There is usually strong competition for jobs.
Experience as an assistant will give you a valuable insight into the work of qualified speech and language therapists, and you may have an advantage if you decide to apply for a place on an approved degree. See the Speech and Language Therapist profile for details.
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