SLT Health Care Support Worker - Speech & Language Therapy Adult Acute

Job description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non‐clinical professions. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

Role OverviewAn exciting opportunity has arisen within Speech and Language Therapy Adult Acute Services at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for a Band 4 Health Care Support Worker (HCSW). The post will be based across acute and rehabilitation wards. The successful candidate will support patients with communication and swallowing difficulties by implementing treatment programmes under the direction of a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). You will work as part of the SLT acute team, contributing to patient care and supporting therapy delivery, with regular supervision, support and training opportunities provided.

All roles will be assessed for sponsorship eligibility in line with current Home Office requirements. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) can only issue a Certificate of Sponsorship where these are met.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern

Location: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (acute and rehabilitation wards)

Contract Type: Permanent, Full time

Hours: 36 hours per week, 5 days over 7

Key ResponsibilitiesYou will support the delivery of Speech and Language Therapy services by carrying out therapeutic programmes designed by SLTs for patients on an individual and group basis. You will work directly with patients, implementing treatment plans, adapting activities to meet individual needs, and preparing patients for therapy sessions, including positioning and initial engagement with patients and carers. You will use your judgement to make appropriate adjustments while maintaining the intended level of intervention.

You will provide both clinical and administrative support to SLTs, including preparing therapy materials, maintaining patient records, collecting and recording clinical data, and ensuring accurate documentation and statistical information. The role also involves undertaking delegated tasks such as telephone screening, basic assessments, observations, and obtaining valid consent for treatment programmes under defined protocols.

Communication is a key aspect of the role, as you will liaise with patients, carers, and multidisciplinary teams, acting as a patient representative when appropriate. You will provide feedback on patient progress and contribute to team discussions to support effective care delivery. You will also support patients with feeding plans, ensuring compliance and escalating any issues to SLTs or ward staff.

In addition, the role includes indirect clinical support duties such as managing and prioritising your own workload, organising clinic schedules and appointments, maintaining therapy resources and communication aids, and supporting stock management. You may also provide guidance and informal supervision to less experienced support workers and contribute to staff induction and training activities, particularly in areas such as Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems.

Knowledge, Training, Qualifications and/or Experience

Formal training and/or experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. SVQ Level III or equivalent in health, therapy or care support)

Good working knowledge of IT systems, including document preparation, data inputting and digital communication (e.g. E‐mail)

Understanding of supporting patients with communication and swallowing difficulties

Ability to follow clinical guidelines and implement delegated therapy programmes

Strong organisational skills and ability to manage workload effectively

Good communication and interpersonal skills for working with patients, carers and multidisciplinary teams

Willingness to undertake training and development as required, including specialist areas such as AAC

What We Offer

A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays

Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits

Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme

Development opportunities including study bursaries, e‐learning and classroom‐based courses

Enhanced pay for working public holidays

NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services

Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work‐life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full‐time hours can be accommodated, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community and is proud of its diverse workforce. It is also a Forces Friendly Employer, pledging commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and welcoming applications from across the Armed Forces Community.

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Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Glasgow

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

26-05-2026

Profession type

Counselling and Social Services

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English