Location
The Bridge School, Hungerford Road, Islington

Hours
Full time hours (specific hours not stated)

Salary
£34,186 per annum

About the Role
As a Special Schools Therapy Assistant, you will undertake specific individual or group programmes as assessed and directed by trained staff members, observing the general behaviour, ability, and response of children, recording information as requested and reporting to a supervisor. Settings may include clinic, home, or school environments. You will engage children in therapeutic activities to promote speech, language, communication development, participation, and independence skills. You will facilitate and participate in planned activities, seeking guidance if a child's condition changes.

You will assist in implementing team member interventions including running therapy groups and carrying out therapy programmes as directed by Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) or Occupational Therapists (OT) with children and young people. Under supervision, you will provide a range of treatments, instructing and guiding children to support them in achieving identified goals. You will work towards goals identified by the child, family/carers, treating therapists, education professionals, and the multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Your role will include organising and scheduling visits, assisting with home assessments, adhering to Trust policies and procedures, and completing risk assessments of environments and safety under guidance. You will ensure toys and play materials are kept clean, safe, and secure, assisting with regular cleaning and highlighting resource needs to aid clinical sessions.

Additionally, you will assist therapists in preparing clinical resources such as visual timetables, PODD books, and other materials, support programming of high-tech AAC devices under SLT guidance, and help organise and maintain equipment under OT supervision. You will support the team in gathering evidence, including research and resource development, and provide training or demonstrations to teachers and schools with therapist support.

Leadership responsibilities include reviewing and reflecting on your own practice through supervision and appraisal, participating in induction and training of students and new assistants, and providing peer support for junior therapy assistant staff.

Administrative duties involve maintaining up-to-date client records, supporting clinical administrative tasks such as scanning, uploading electronic records, sending letters to families, collating clinical data, and managing spreadsheets related to home visits, equipment orders, and audits. You will oversee equipment ordering and inventory, coordinate schedules and reminders for annual reviews, EHCP updates, and transition reports, assist with referrals, discharges, and paperwork coordination, and liaise with AAC Hubs and external supports such as CAMHS and SSOT under OT supervision. You will also follow up on clinic and home visit administration and attend relevant staff and service meetings. General administrative cover duties may include answering telephones, scanning, uploading, laminating, and photocopying as requested.

Experience
Experience working with children in therapeutic or educational settings is desirable but not explicitly required. Ability to follow professional guidance and work under supervision is essential.

About you
You should be motivated, patient, and enthusiastic about supporting children with special needs. You must be able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate well with children, families, and professionals. A flexible and proactive approach to work, with good organisational skills and attention to detail, is important.

Qualifications
Specific qualifications are not detailed; however, relevant training or experience in therapy assistance, education, or healthcare would be advantageous. You will be expected to engage in ongoing professional development and training as part of the role.