Allied Health Professions Assistant(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Overview of the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the inpatient mental health services for older adults across Durham Tees Valley. The Trust is seeking a motivated Allied Health Professions Assistant to support the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) and Dietetic teams in delivering high-quality care.
This role focuses on assisting older individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including both functional and organic conditions. The successful candidate will work across inpatient wards in Darlington and Teesside, helping patients improve communication, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.
Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK. This role does not qualify for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting Therapeutic Care
- Assist Speech and Language Therapists and Dietitians in implementing care plans for patients.
- Provide practical support with communication strategies and eating, drinking, and swallowing programmes.
- Help patients engage in therapeutic group sessions and activities.
- Support individual dietetic interventions aimed at improving nutrition and wellbeing.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Work closely with nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary inpatient team.
- Ensure the SLT and dietetic services are effectively integrated into patient care plans.
Patient Engagement and Support
- Build positive relationships with service users and carers to encourage participation in therapy programmes.
- Promote independence and wellbeing by helping individuals achieve their personal recovery goals.
Service Improvement
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the service.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with NHS standards.
Professional Conduct
- Promote a respectful and positive attitude towards individuals living with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
- Represent the Allied Health Professions and the Trust professionally at all times.
About the Organisation
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and learning disability services across County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
The Trust focuses on:
- Recovery-focused care
- Patient and family partnership
- Innovation in mental health services
Community engagement
Teams work collaboratively to ensure people feel safe, respected, and supported throughout their recovery journey.
Training and Development
The Trust supports continuous professional development (CPD). Training needs are reviewed through regular appraisals, and staff are encouraged to develop skills relevant to the role.
Learning opportunities may include:
- Therapeutic communication techniques
- Safe care and breakaway training
- Clinical record-keeping practices
- Understanding therapeutic approaches in mental health care
Person Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or willingness to complete)
- AVCE in Health and Social Care or similar qualification
- Level 2 skills in numeracy, literacy, and IT
Essential Experience
Paid or voluntary experience supporting people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
Desirable Experience
Previous work alongside Allied Health Professionals such as therapists or dietitians.
Skills and Knowledge
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities
- Effective time management and prioritisation
- Awareness of the needs of people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities
- Sensitivity towards individuals from diverse social and cultural backgrounds
- Ability to maintain accurate patient records
- Additional knowledge related to therapeutic approaches and health and safety procedures will be developed through training.
Compliance and Safeguarding
This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to the nature of working with vulnerable adults.
Information about DBS checks can be found here:
- Disclosure and Barring ServiceÂ
- Applicants who have lived outside the UK may need to provide overseas criminal record checks.
- Criminal record guidance
Right to Work and Visa Information
Applicants must already be eligible to work in the UK.
Relevant government guidance:
Workplace Location
West Park Hospital
Edward Pease Way
Darlington
DL2 2TS
United Kingdom
