AAC WEST is an NHS funded specialist department that provides high tech solutions for patients that require alternative methods to communicate. The service is commissioned by NHS England to provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessments and equipment to people living in the South West region who meet nationally agreed referral criteria.

AAC WEST are looking to recruit an Associate Assistant Practitioner to join their busy clinical team to support in the preparation of communications aids.

If you are looking for a role that will invest in your personal development and be supported by a friendly and experienced team, this could be the post for you!

The post will require the successful candidate to undertake duties in the following key areas:

Communication Aid Programming- Preparing both high and low tech communication resources using specialist software to create unique content for each patient we support

Equipment Preparation – Preparing equipment for the clinical team to take to assessments and training sessions

To offer telephone support to patients and carers regarding equipment they have been loaned

To assist in the delivery of training sessions

AAC WEST is comprised of a multi disciplinary team made up of Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapists, Teachers, Technology Assistants and an admin team

The team is spread across two sites (Bristol and Plymouth) but we all have the same goal of supporting people with sever and complex communication difficult to use technology to aid their independence.

To manage and organise own clinical workload with the support of senior Assistant Practitioner and departmental manager

To be responsible for the preparation of communication equipment and materials for demonstration at assessments as guided by clinical team

To be responsible for the personalisation/ programming of communication aid as directed by clinical team

To be highly familiar in the specialist AAC software packages used in the department

To assist in the setting up of iPads for triage loans

To assist in the management of software accounts on communication devices

To provide basic technical support for equipment during an evaluation loan period as directed by senior colleagues

To support in the development of low tech resources as guided by departmental clinical team

To maintain accurate clinical notes regarding any interventions relating to client based activities

All activities will be delegated by a member of the clinical team or a more senior assistant. Support and advice will be available to assist in the delivery of allocated tasks