Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Band 4 Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our Community Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team, based in the East of Berkshire (Slough, Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead and Bracknell).
We are seeking an inspired and enthusiastic assistant to be a part of our close-working team, who can help to deliver good patient outcomes and be involved in service development.
You will be joining a professional, friendly, and experienced team, who can provide a range of opportunities for learning and development.
We are an innovative team, with a specialist community neuro service, close links to local hospitals, and service development opportunities including set up of group therapy and use of teletherapy.
We provide a full trust induction programme, including provision of laptop, mobile and mandatory training.
Our team offers well-established monthly supervision, with opportunities engage in peer supervision, continuing professional development and supporting clinicians to plan and run student placements. You will have access to a local base, agile working, and a team of supportive colleagues with a range of skills and knowledge.
Main duties of the job
In this role you will:
- apply and develop any pre-existing skills and knowledge in the delivery of therapeutic programmes for a mixed communication and dysphagia caseload, of adults with neurological and progressive conditions.
- provide therapeutic communication and dysphagia programmes (including Expiratory Muscle Strength Training) in both one-to-one and group settings, under the guidance of a qualified speech and language therapist.
- develop your knowledge of a range of neurological and non-neurological conditions by engaging in regular shadowing of qualified therapists to develop your knowledge and skills, completing telephone reviews on behalf of the Speech and Language Therapist, and developing skills in discharging and referring.
There may be opportunities to support clients with progressive conditions to complete voice-banking and facilitate the provision and set-up of augmentative and alternative communication devices.
Details
- Date posted: 03 November 2026
- Closing date: 10 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 4
- Salary: £29,812 to £32,715 a year per annum ( Incl of HCAS)
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 371-CHS1383
- Job locations: Speech and Language Therapy Adults Community , Upton Hospital, Albert Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 2BJ, Slough, SL1 2BJ, United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
The must haves for this role:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication to meet the needs of adults with communication difficulties.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective therapeutic relationships with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Good organisational and IT skills, including accurate record keeping and the ability to use digital systems to support clinical work.
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, its important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.
We're committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Bella Harrison on 07557188036 or email: [email protected] who'll be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education, qualifications or training
Essential
- NVQ Level 3/ 3 A Levels or equivalent
- Evidence of good standard of education with 5 GCSES at Grade C or above, including English and Maths
Continuous Professional Development
Essential
- Demonstrate commitment to continued professional development
Previous Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with adults
Desirable
- Experience working in health or social care setting/NHS
- Previous experience supporting group work
- Ability to demonstrate problem-solving skills
- Experience of project work or audits, in health or clinic-facing settings
- Experience of working with adults with disabilities
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Essential
- Interest in Speech and Language Therapy and an understanding of the role of the SLT
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Good written and verbal communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work well as part of a team, and independently
- Able to plan effectively
- Aware of scope of own practice and when to seek support form a supervisor
- Creative and flexible
- Good administrative skills
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances
- Interest in working with adults with neurological disorders
- Awareness of the role of Speech and Language Therapist who work with adults
- Committed to providing high quality client care
Desirable
- Good computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft office packages
- Awareness of the role of other professionals who with adults with neurological disorders
- Knowledge of the trust database: RiO
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites
- Ability to travel to client homes for appointments and conduct therapy online
- Flexible approach to meet needs of service
- Car driver, with driving licence Suitable work from home set up
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.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
- Caring for and about you is our top priority
- Committed to providing good quality, safe services
- Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities
- 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
- Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
- Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
- Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
- Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
- Free parking across Trust sites
Employer details
- Employer name: Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
- Address: Speech and Language Therapy Adults Community , Upton Hospital, Albert Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 2BJ, Slough, SL1 2BJ, United Kingdom
- Employer's website: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/