About this role
Job summary
THIS POST IS FIXED TERM/SECONDMENT FOR 12 MONTHS DUE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE SERVICE.
If you are interested in applying for the secondment position, you must obtain permission from your current line manager prior to applying for this post.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of babies, children, and their families? We have an incredible opportunity for an enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our dynamic Central Paediatric Dysphagia team in Conwy and Denbighshire, as well as supporting vital Neonatal services right across BCU.
We want to hear from motivated individuals with a genuine interest and background in supporting children and adults with dysphagia and vulnerable babies who need a helping hand with their early feeding journeys. Excellent communication is at the heart of what we do, so your ability to connect with families, professionals, and diverse teams is essential.
Main duties of the job
In this rewarding role, you will work independently but under the expert guidance of a qualified Speech and Language Therapist. You will be a vital support link in the triage, assessment, and follow-up care for children referred to our community paediatric dysphagia services. You will also support babies who have spent time on neonatal or special care baby units, helping them and their families navigate early eating, drinking, and swallowing (EDS) challenges.
Your day-to-day work will be varied and impactful, involving:
Gathering information from families and professionals directly and indirectly for the purpose of contributing to clinical documentation. Independently complete protocol driven feeding observations in a range of locations. Supporting Parent/carer education. Supporting families to implement specific home programmes supported by SLT. Completing operational tasks as required. Completing clinical administrative tasks.
You will carry out this work in close consultation with, and under the supervision of, our dedicated Paediatric Dysphagia and Neonatal Unit Speech and Language Therapy teams.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales . Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and 'Proud to Lead' competence framework.
Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the "Disability Confident Employer" scheme.
Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
Excellent communication skills: The ability to listen, connect, and explain things clearly to families and professionals alike. Brilliant teamwork: A natural ability to build strong rapport and collaborate effectively across both educational and medical settings. Relevant experience: It is desirable that you have experience working with children or adults who have dysphagia or specific eating, drinking, and swallowing needs. Core knowledge: A solid understanding of the various factors that impact the development of early eating, drinking, and swallowing skills. You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Quality Credit Framework qualification at level 3 e.g. NVQ related to Health & Social Care Proven experience of working in relevant clinical specialty at diploma equivalent level Documented evidence of participation in relevant clinical training activities
Desirable
Membership of professional body and/or special interest group
Experience and Knowledge Essential
Relevant experience of working within a Therapy environment Sound understanding of the role of Speech & Language Therapy Sound understanding of child speech/language development and/or the concept of rehabilitation/recovery as appropriate to the clinical area Basic knowledge of main conditions relevant to area of speciality and the effects of illness on function
Desirable
Experience working in a related health/social care or education setting Working in a leadership role
Skills Essential
Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to travel across sites to work and to carry out clinical tasks Awareness of team dynamics and work effectively as part of a team Planning and organisational skills Physical & emotional stamina to deal with sensitive and difficult situations
Desirable
Ability to maintain and record specific items of stock
Personal Qualities Essential
Ability to work flexibly according to the needs of the service and prioritise workload appropriately Good time management Proven ability to accept instruction, report back to supervisor, work within guidelines and respond appropriately to feedback Willingness and ability to fully engage in supervision and feedback opportunities to ensure learning accountability and support. Ability to be a reflective practitioner
Desirable
Adaptability to a working environment non routine in nature
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Address Ysbyty Glan Clwyd
Rhuddlan Road
Bodelwyddan
LL18 5UJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/train-work-live/ (Opens in a new tab)