Job summary
We are looking for an AAC Assistant Practitioner to join our friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary team of therapists, teachers, engineers, and technicians. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity leave cover.

This role would suit an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Speech and Language Therapy Assistant or Teaching Assistant. It is an exciting opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in relation to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) across a wide range of settings. We work closely with colleagues in health, education, and social care to provide a genuinely person-centred service in a variety of locations, including hospitals, community locations, peoples own homes, schools, and colleges.

You will work closely with our AAC Consultants (therapists and teachers) and independently with a small caseload. You will play a key role in supporting children and adults with communication difficulties, helping them to achieve specific goals using AAC tools and strategies to solve communicative challenges.

You will develop paper-based communication resources using specialist software, set up and personalise voice output communication equipment, support individuals in their use of that equipment, and train others in how to do this.

Main duties of the job
As an AAC Assistant Practitioner you will:

• work as part of our Service Delivery Team.
• work under the indirect supervision of an AAC Consultant on specified tasks, in specified contexts with support, supervision and direction provided primarily through discussion.
• deliver independent working with a small caseload and/or workload recognising the need for evidence based practice and carrying out delegated tasks with a negotiated level of support, direct supervision, and direction.

About us
Ace Centre is a national charity offering a range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) services for people with physical and communication impairments and those who support them.

Ace Centre operates from 2 regional offices, one in Oldham, Greater Manchester and one in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Ace Centre has a contract with NHS England to deliver AAC services across both of these regions.

This role is based in our Oldham office. You will support clients in a range of settings and locations across the North West region and the role will involve travel and occasional overnight stays.

Ace Centre offers excellent CPD opportunities, a competitive salary and membership of a generous pension scheme with Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

Details
Closing date: 03 November 2026
Salary: £29,541 to £37,563 a year NJC Pay Scale 5 - SO1 (depending on experience)
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: B0026-26-0000
Location: Ace Centre North, Albert Street, Oldham, OL8 3QL

Job responsibilities
As an AAC Assistant Practitioner, you will assist in the delivery of Ace Centre's assessment, training, and information services as directed by AAC Consultants or AAC Engineers.

Your key tasks will include:

• Preparing communication equipment and materials for demonstration and loan to clients as part of the assessment process.
• Providing training for clients and carers on programming and maintenance of communication equipment.
• Assisting with the installation of client equipment and training following assessment.
• Providing onsite/telephone and remote implementation support to clients following initial assessment.
• Making required modifications/adaptations to resources and taking backups following adaptations.
• Developing and delivering assessment-related, client-focused training materials.
• Creating bespoke resources as requested.
• Maintaining client and equipment records on all relevant databases.
• Providing general AAC advice and information as requested/required.

You will be required to:

• Develop and maintain your knowledge of AAC and AT resources and strategies to enable you to deliver Ace Centre services.
• Travel across the geographical area covered by Ace Centre to deliver your role.
• Have your own vehicle and business insurance.
• Perform some manual handling to safely transport equipment.
• Comply with all Ace Centre policies and procedures.
• Work occasional flexible hours, including overnight stays.
• Complete appropriate training opportunities as required.
• Have an enhanced DBS certificate.

Person Specification
Essential knowledge, skills and abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with the use of IT, including MS Office.
• Ability to work effectively with a range of people and as a member of a team.
• Ability to manage own time and prioritise own workload effectively.

Essential experience

• Experience of working in an education, health or social care setting.

Desirable experience

• Experience of working with individuals with communication and/or physical disabilities, their families and professionals who support them.
• Knowledge of a range of AAC and AT solutions and applications.

Essential personal attributes

• Empathy with/understanding of Ace Centre client group.
• Self-motivated.
• Willing to work flexibly when required.
• Car driver with use of own car and appropriate business insurance.

Essential qualifications

• NQF or QCF level 4 or above, or equivalent knowledge, training, and experience.

Desirable qualifications

• Education, health or social care related qualification.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details
Employer name: Ace Centre
Employer's website: https://acecentre.org.uk/
Contact: Rachel Thwaite, HR Manager, rthwaite@acecentre.org.uk, 01613580151