Speech and Language Therapist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Role Purpose

With the support of the senior members of the SLT team;

To develop skills to undertake comprehensive assessment of patients. This will include the support to assess those with diverse or highly complex presentation/ multi-pathologies.

To develop skills to independently manage a communication caseload. Providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions and evaluating the efficacy of these interventions using appropriate outcome measures.

To develop skills to independently manage a dysphagia caseload upon completion of RCSLT NQP competencies and RCSLT accredited dysphagia course. To ensure that patients are supported to eat, drink and swallow safely and maintain a positive mealtime experience.

To raise the profile of the SLT service internally working within the remit outlined by the senior SLT team.

To support and promote awareness, training and development relating to SLT as agreed by the senior SLT team.

To maintain professional portfolio in line with HCPC standards of proficiency, HCPC conduct, performance and ethics, and the RCSLT Knowledge and Skills Framework.

To support senior members of the SLT team in providing SLT Student Placements.

Key Responsibilities

With the support of the senior members of the SLT team;

To assess and diagnose communication difficulties, as well as dysphagia needs following completion of RCSLT accredited dysphagia course.

To provide advice regarding the management and care planning of patients with Speech Language and Communication Needs, as well as dysphagia needs following completion of RCSLT accredited dysphagia course.

To negotiate with others around case management in complex case.

To provide appropriate evidenced based intervention and evaluate outcomes.

To ensure that patients are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their care plans wherever possible.

To develop and adapt practice to meet individual patients circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences.

To develop and demonstrate skills in dealing with complex issues.

To work within the framework of the Care Programme Approach (CPA).

To write comprehensive and accurate clinical reports reflecting knowledge and clinical expertise.

Development/ Implementation

In liaison with the senior members of the SLT team, contribute towards;

The SLT team/ service objectives.

The development of specialist clinical pathways, protocols and care plans relating to specialist area.

The development and monitoring of effectiveness of education and training resources to relating to SLT e.g. (dysphagia awareness), including development of specialist resources.

The design, development and monitoring of clinical policy, procedures or clinical pathways in response to new need or as part of annual review processes.

The design, development and monitoring of clinical audit requirements within the service.

Escalation to senior members of the SLT team on issues relating to service delivery.

Representing the SLT profession at internal meetings.

Escalation of concern relating to resource levels and request new equipment, as appropriate.

Responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment, ensuring standards of infection prevention and control and safety are maintained.

Representing the patient as an advocate, supporting communication between the patient, their families, carers and friends, ensuring that effective communication is achieved.

Developing an increased working knowledge of national policies e.g. Safeguarding Children, Special Educational Needs, Working with Vulnerable Adults, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and National Service Frameworks etc.

Embracing a flexible approach to meeting the demands of the environment, including unpredictable events, deadlines, and frequent interruptions.

Supporting personal and team health and wellbeing, and safe management of emotional fatigue of working with challenging behaviours, distressing conditions, and their possible consequences.

A professional and compassionate approach to at all times to the emotional needs of the patients and their carers, and in particular when imparting potentially distressing information.

The above is not intended to be an inflexible specification. Changes may be required, according to the needs of St Andrews Healthcare and the Speech and Language Therapy Team.

Person Specification

Required skills, qualifications and experience

Qualifications/education/Training Essential

BSc Speech and Language degree, or equivalent

HCPC registered(or awaiting registration if recently qualified)

RCSLT membership

Desirable

Additional training in dysphagia if already an experienced Speech and Language Therapist.

Experience Essential

Knowledge of speech and language therapy assessments and evidence based interventions relevant to the advertised patient groups.

Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

Desirable

Experience of working within a secure setting.

Knowledge and experience in one or more of the relevant clinical group (e.g. CAMHs, LD, ASD, Neuropsychiatry, Mental Health).

Experience liaising with internal and external partners, e.g. local hospitals, universities etc.

Experience of delivering training to staff.

Experience of creating accessible information in a variety of formats.

Experience of supporting patients with a range of communication aids.

Knowledge and skills

Essential

Effective IT skills using word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Developing negotiation and problem-solving skills, using a solution focussed approach.

Documented evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to the clinical area.

Desirable

Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act.

Knowledge of Care Programme Approach (CPA) and its application in practice.

Knowledge or experience of Trauma Informed Care.

Memberships of clinical excellence networks (CENs) related to clinical area, or willingness to join CENs.

Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, contract standards and commissioning frameworks related to at least one relevant patient group.

Personal attributes Essential

Evidence of personal resilience and aptitude for dealing with challenging, potentially distressing and highly emotional clinical work in a secure setting.

Demonstrates flexibility to meet the demands of the service.

Developing ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships

Good interpersonal skills, including observation, listening and empathy.

Good organisation skills

Desirable

Motivational interviewing

Good presentation skills, written and verbal.

OtherEssential

An Enhanced DBS Check will be required for this role.

Ability to undertake mandatory relevant training, including Safety Intervention Training.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Speech and Language degree, or equivalent
• HCPC registered (or awaiting registration if recently qualified)
• RCSLT membership

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of speech and language therapy assessments and evidence based interventions relevant to the advertised patient groups.
• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

St Andrew’s Healthcare

Address

St. Andrews

Billing Road

Northampton

NN1 5DG

Employer's website

https://www.stah.org (Opens in a new tab)