About this role
Job summary
Guys and St Thomas Assistive Communication Service is a dynamic and supportive multi-disciplinary team made up of Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Technician, Rehabilitation Engineering and Admin. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience working with people with disabilities, skills in working with windows and apple software and hardware and a passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
The post would be a fantastic move for someone already working in a health, education or social care setting in a patient facing role who is also proficient with technology and would like to develop their skills in working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology.
The Assistive Communication Service (ACS) supports adults and children with complex physical and/or communication disabilities in North East and South East London. We are one of only twelve services in England commissioned by NHS England to provide a specialised Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) service. As part of this service, we assess adults and children with complex needs, provide electronic communication devices and on-going support and maintenance for the equipment. We also provide support and training to local community teams who are working with AAC.
Main duties of the job
The GSTT Assistive Communication Service (ACS) provides a specialist multi-disciplinary therapy service for children and adults with complex communication disabilities.
We work with people who have difficulties communicating due to disability. We assess and provide long term loans of high tech communication devices for clients who meet our criteria and for whom communication is enhanced by the provision of a device.
Our team consists of a Head of Service, Service Manager, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Engineering, Technician and Administration.
The post holder will be primarily responsible for the programming and updating of communication software on the communication devices. This will include the service and maintenance of the communication devices, as well as conducting software / equipment review clinics with clients. The post holder will also have to monitor stock levels of devices, accessories, and consumables, and order replacements as necessary.
About us
The GSTT ACS is one of 14 Specialist AAC Services across the UK. Specialist AAC services are commissioned directly by NHS England. The GSTT ACS provides specialist assessment, prescription, initial training and provision of communication equipment for children and adults with complex disabilities across the North and South East of London. We support 11 London Boroughs (spokes). These include: Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest.
Assistive communication incorporates a broad range of devices, which can be low or high tech. The GSTT ACS focuses on high tech communication aids, including access and mounting.
As a specialist team, we are able to keep up to date with exciting developments in specialist communication technology, which enables us to open up new opportunities for our clients.
The GSTT ACS provides a holistic interdisciplinary approach; offering assessment, advice, review, and purchasing of specialist communication technologies for individuals requiring specialist support. NHS England has set robust eligibility criteria for our service and prioritization frameworks, which all Specialist Services must adhere to.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical / Technical
- To be responsible for the overall management of specialist assistive communication software and equipment (tablets inc. peripheral equipment) for the service including leading on management of equipment on the Mobile Device Management system (MDM).
- To undertake visits to patients across north and south east London with other team members or alone as required.
Servicing & Maintenance
- To be responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of all equipment, electronic assistive communication devices and software. To manage an organised programme of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) & software upgrades
- To send out replacement communication equipment, accessories and batteries requested by patients/parents. To be responsible for identifying the resources required for the replacement of equipment
Equipment Management
- To be responsible for creating and maintaining an organised store of equipment. To develop and maintain accurate equipment databases. Keep an accurate log of all equipment including: Serial Number, Date purchased, Location, Details of previously sustained damage
- To work with the team administrator to receive goods in, label, assemble, and store the equipment in an organised way
Administrative
- To be responsible for the development of ACS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to the post holders area.
- To ensure Information Governance standards are followed at all times, keeping patients and their details safe and secure
Research and Development
- To train other staff as required in the setup of software applications and in the operation and care of a limited range of equipment
Person Specification
Other
Essential
- Willing and able to travel across north east and south east London using the work vehicles
- Willing to support the team in the transportation, delivery and collection of equipment
- A valid UK driving license
- Able complete basic assembly and adjustment of equipment with training
- Interest and enthusiasm for working in field of AAC/Assistive Technology
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant Degree or NVQ Level 5 equivalent education
- GCSE Math's & English
Desirable
- A recognized qualification in at least one IT discipline (e.g. MCSE / ITIL)
- Has completed training on AAC, /Assistive Technology and Communication
- A wide range of formal training to demonstrate broad knowledge of computer systems, hardware & software at an advanced level
Experience
Essential
- Experience of using a wide range of IT applications, Windows / Office, including Windows 10/11 & IOS at an advanced user level
- Previous experience working directly with patients with communication needs in a health, social care or education setting
- Experience of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) or assistive technology
Desirable
- Experience of installing, uninstalling, configuring & troubleshooting software
- Experience of demonstrating / training patients/clients or carers in the use of software packages and equipment
Skills / Knowledge / Ability
Essential
- Excellent communication / interpersonal skills and ability to liaise effectively with patients/carers and staff at all levels face to face and on the telephone
- Clear written communication
- Able to troubleshoot technical issues with computer-based equipment
- Ability to work flexibly within a team environment, Able to work independently and on own initiative
Desirable
- Knowledge and skills in facilitating communication with patients with communication difficulties
- Knowledge of using a mobile device management system
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
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Bowley Close Rehabilitation Centre
Farquhar Road, Crystal Palace
London
SE19 1SZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)