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 NHS Agenda for Change scales speech and language therapy support workers salaries are on Band 2, £21,814 to £23,820 a year. With experience this can rise to Band 3, £23,914 to £25,808 a year.

Assistant practitioner speech and language therapy support workers are on Band 4, £25,914 to £28,187 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2022.

Conditions

• You may work in a hospital, clinic, health centre or child guidance unit, school or nursery.
• You would work under the supervision of a registered speech and language therapist.
• 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 including English and Maths.
• You can enter through a Modern Apprenticeship in Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.
• You may need to sit an entrance test.
• Previous experience in a paid or voluntary role in a health care setting would be an advantage.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
• A knowledge of Gaelic or community languages maybe an advantage in some parts of the UK.
• A driving licence is also useful.

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 speech and language therapist.
• You will follow a supervised programme of training including an introduction to the departments and its procedures; health and safety; and risk management.
• You may be able to study for a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.

Getting On

• With experience and completion of the Scottish Vocational (SVQ) Healthcare 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 or working with stroke patients.
• You can join the Royal College of Speech and Language Specialists (RCSLT) as an assistant/associate member and keep your skills up to date through courses, conferences and seminars.
• This role plus further higher education, could lead to a career as a Speech and Language Therapist.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.