Speech and language therapy support workers assist speech and language therapists in helping clients with a wide range of speech, language and eating and drinking difficulties. These can be due to a range of conditions, including physical disabilities, illness or injury. They work with patients of all ages.

The Work

You could be:

• working with the speech and language therapist to plan a course of therapy
• implementing therapy tasks and activities
• preparing therapy materials, equipment and treatment rooms
• monitoring and evaluating client progress during the course of therapy
• working with clients on a one to one or group basis
• guiding and supporting the client through treatment
• listening to the concerns of families and carers, and giving advice
• providing clinical information to other health professionals such as doctors, psychologists, nurses and other therapists
• maintaining accurate and up to date case notes.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Pay rates can vary depending on whether you are working with the NHS, with a private practice, or are self-employed. Within the National Health Service Agenda for Change scales speech and language therapy support workers are paid on Band 3, £17,760 to £20,727 a year.

Assistant practitioner speech and language therapy support workers are on Band 4, £20,302 to £22,910 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2017.

Conditions

• You may work in a hospital, clinic, health centre or child guidance unit, school or nursery.
• You may need to travel when visiting clients in schools or in their own homes.
• Your hours are mostly regular at around 37.5 hours a week.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful. National 4 English and Maths preferred.
• Suitable work experience, often voluntary, is useful.
• You might get in through a Modern Apprenticeship.
• You will require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details.
• A knowledge of Gaelic or community languages maybe an advantage in some parts of the UK.
• A driving licence is also useful.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

35193

1.9 %

RISE

2023

35852

  United Kingdom

2018

351904

2.8 %

RISE

2023

361665

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• able to get on well with people from all backgrounds and of all ages
• sensitive, patient and understanding
• able to gain the client’s trust
• able to motivate clients
• an excellent listener and communicator
• a good organiser
• IT skills
• able to work in a team with colleagues
• able to work alone, without supervision.

Training

• Training is usually on the job, supervised by an experienced physiotherapist.
• You may be able to study for a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Health Care Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.

Getting On

• With experience and completion of the Scottish Vocational (SVQ) Health Care Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 7, you may gain promotion to become an assistant practitioner or a supervisory post.
• You might specialise in a particular area, such as paediatric speech and language therapy.
• You may be able to register with the Royal College of Speech and Language Specialists (RCSLT) as an associate member and keep your skills up to date through courses, conferences and seminars.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.