Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Solent NHS Trust
This job is now closed
Job summary
Would you like to be part of a large, dynamic , integrated children's therapy service? Then come and join Solent NHS Trust.
We have developed an integrated model of working with therapy teams increasingly working together to provide holistic models of care. In addition excellent working relationships with early years, schools, health and social care colleagues is allowing us to share our expertise more widely and create innovative ways of working together to better meet the needs of both the child and their family.
You will support infants , children and their families with eating and drinking difficulties and will have great support and supervision from highly specialist therapists from our Solent-wide Dysphagia team.
There will be access to multidisciplinary advice and support for clinical and safeguarding issues and fantastic opportunities for continuing professional development.
The post is full time and you will be able to develop and pursue other areas of interest as well as working with children with dysphagia, including SEN, community clinics and special school or mainstream school work.
Main duties of the job
To provide a specialist Speech & Language Therapy Service to children and young people on the caseload some of whom may have complex needs. To work as a competent dysphagia practitioner (Level C , RCSLT Dysphagia Competency framework) and be able to manage a caseload independently.
To Liaise with the Solent-wide children's dysphagia team and triage and prioritise caseloads accordingly.
To provide support and mentoring to less experience colleagues.
To train students, other healthcare professionals and staff from other agencies who work with children with speech, language and feeding difficulties.
About us
Make a difference with us
If you are looking for somewhere you can make a real difference and are passionate about keeping people safe, well and out of hospital, a career with us may be just what you're looking for. At Solent NHS Trust, we strive to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
We are proud to be an organisation which is focused on our people and we welcome people who share our values to come and work with us.
To deliver great care that is safe, simple and easy to access
To be a caring, flexible and supportive place to work
To deliver the best value for money
Our shared values support the development of a strong working culture. They breathe life into our organisation -- guiding and inspiring all of our actions and decisions. They enable us to be better at what we do and create a great place for our staff to work, whilst ensuring we provide the highest quality of care to our patients.
In creating our values, we spent time listening to our employees and members. Based on what people told us, we created our HEART values to reflect the deep belief that we are caring organisation at the centre of our community: Honesty, Everyone counts, Accountable, Respectful, Teamwork.
We are an accredited Real Living Wage employer.
We encourage and support our staff to be vaccinated as this remains the best line of defence against Covid-19.
Date posted
21 September 2022
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£33,706 to £40,588 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
449-Team3-1057
Job locations
Adelaide Health Centre, Western Community Centre
William Macleod Way
Southampton
Hampshire
SO16 4XE
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication
*To demonstrate the ability to communicate complex and sensitive information in an understandable form to children/young people, parents and other staff including imparting unwelcome news
*To enable others (e.g. parents, preschool/ school staff) to deliver effective therapy programmes by offering observation, explanation and demonstration, identifying barriers to understanding and using persuasion, negotiation and teaching skills to gain consent, cooperation and develop competence
*To advise preschools/schools and other agencies on staff training and development needs to ensure that all staff are competent to implement therapy treatment plans, understand the importance of communication in its widest context and therefore provide developmentally rich environments
*To contribute to the production and delivery of core and specialist training to preschool/school staff, other agencies, the voluntary sector and health colleagues
*To maintain accurate and comprehensive case notes and records which would stand up to legal scrutiny and provide a full account of the child's care
*To ensure that all those involved in a child's care i.e. preschool/school staff, other professionals, parents are kept fully informed of the service provided and the progress made through the provision of information, regular and timely reports and input to the LA Annual Review process
*To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues in health and education to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary service. This includes attending school development meetings, case conferences, annual reviews as appropriate
*To support the LA in fulfilling their statutory duty to meet the needs of each child in accordance with their Education, Health and Care plans. To provide professional advice on contentious cases, writing witness statements and attending Tribunals if required with the support and guidance of senior staff
*To manage conflict and potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner, dealing appropriately with grieving and at times angry parents
*To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible, complying with the Trust Complaints Procedure at all times
Administrative
*To share information with others, observing data protection guidelines
*To collect and provide accurate and timely activity data, information and statistics as required
Knowledge, Education and Training
*To develop competence as a recognised clinical specialist within an agreed designated area, providing advice and information to other speech and language therapists and professionals, including education staff and parents
*To provide clinical supervision and training to SLT students on placement, up to and including their final year, supporting the Universities in determining fitness to practice
*To maintain own clinical professional development by keeping abreast of new trends and developments, incorporating them into working practice where possible, to ensure the continued development of professional competence/performance, and maintenance of HCPC and RCSLT registration. To be proactive in seeking learning opportunities both internally and externally to maintain and update knowledge and skills
*To participate in the Trust appraisal scheme, evaluating personal and service performance and agreeing on objectives which are in line with service and organisational goals
Management and Leadership
*To act as a Clinic Co-ordinator managing the overall administration of the clinic, monitoring activity and being the main point of contact for all matters pertaining to the clinic and service provided.
*To provide support and mentoring to less experience colleagues.
Quality and Service Improvement
*Identifies situations of clinical risk and takes appropriate action to ensure a safe environment for patients/clients/families and staff.
*Contributes to evidence-based practice in speciality areas.
*Demonstrates commitment to quality improvements, risk management and resource utilisation participating in monitoring and evaluation activities including audit and research activities
*Provides input into clinical standards/protocols and policies and undertakes clinical audits as required.
*Evaluates the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of clinical practice contributing to service improvement initiatives.
*Participates in the implementation of models of care appropriate to patient/client population needs.
*Contributes to and participates in Solent NHS policy development providing own expertise where relevant and feedback on proposed polices based on relevant experience and expertise where applicable.
*Participates in case review and debriefing activities as required.
*Participates in group/unit discussions that review current practice.
*Contributes to the development of programmes of care/care packages providing specialist advice where relevant.
*Promote patient and public involvement in activities designed to inform service improvement
*Actively participate in clinical audit and service improvement activity to improve patient care and patient outcomes (privacy, dignity and duty of candour).
*Fully adheres to the Solent NHS trust Integrated Clinical and Safeguarding Supervision policy along with Safeguarding Children and adult policies, and information sharing protocols to ensure the health and well-being of children and adults at risk.
*Familiarity with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act and maintains MCA mandatory training.
Health and Safety, Security and Equality
*Works in accordance with the relevant Health and Safety Trust policies, procedures, and guidelines.
*Contribute to development of service.
*Attends organisational mandatory training as required by the Trust and relevant to your role.
*Actively participates in and enables others to carry out risk assessments within the working environment.
*Ensures self and colleagues are trained and competent to use equipment safely.
*Ensures incident reporting is expedited promptly and appropriate action plans completed.
*Identifies potential health, safety and security issues and collaborates with others to promote and maintain an environment that supports infection prevention and control policies and procedures.
*Supports and promotes a positive approach to diversity and equality of opportunity, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in service delivery and employment, and to manage, support or comply through the implementation of the Solent NHS Trust's Equal Opportunities Policy.
*Promotes a culture which respects and values diversity, and support patients, visitors and staff in exercising their rights.
*Ensures care within areas of practice and adheres to the 5 principles of the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice (2005).
*Recognises and reports behaviour which undermines equality and diversity in accordance with organisational policies and current legislation.
Limits of Authority
*May not dismiss or suspend staff under the disciplinary procedures.
*May not take annual leave without prior agreement of the manager
General Requirements
*Ensure they and where appropriate their staff:
oadhere to trust policies and procedures at all times,
ocomply with trust standing orders, standing financial instructions, policies, procedures and guidelines,
ofollow any policies and procedures in relation to infection, prevention and control
oare aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children, and vulnerable adults, and the specific responsibilities placed on individuals who care for such clients/patients
otake all reasonable steps to manage and promote a safe and healthy working environment which is free from discrimination,
ocomply with the trust policy on confidentiality, and the Data Protection Act 1998 as amended, relating to information held manually or on computerised systems,
orespect the confidentiality and privacy of clients and staff at all times,
omaintain a constant awareness of health, welfare and safety issues affecting colleagues, patients, visitors and themselves, reporting any accidents or fault in line with trust policy,
ofully participate in health and safety training,
oparticipate in personal training, development, appraisal, and attend all relevant training courses as required.
ocomply with the professional body code of conduct
*This job description seeks to outline the key duties and responsibilities of the post; it is not a definitive document and does not form part of the main statement of Terms and Conditions. The job description will be reviewed during the annual appraisal process.
*The post holder may, with their agreement, which should not reasonably be withheld, be required to undertake other duties as required, which fall within the grading of this post, to meet the needs of this new and developing service.
*Individuals who are required to hold a professional registration in order to practice must continue to be a member of their professional body throughout the lifespan of this job description. Such individuals will be required to notify the Trust immediately if their professional body limits or changes the terms of their registration.
*This job description will be reviewed yearly as part of the annual individual appraisal, to ensure that it reflects the responsibilities of the post. No changes will be made without full consultation with the post holder.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication
*To demonstrate the ability to communicate complex and sensitive information in an understandable form to children/young people, parents and other staff including imparting unwelcome news
*To enable others (e.g. parents, preschool/ school staff) to deliver effective therapy programmes by offering observation, explanation and demonstration, identifying barriers to understanding and using persuasion, negotiation and teaching skills to gain consent, cooperation and develop competence
*To advise preschools/schools and other agencies on staff training and development needs to ensure that all staff are competent to implement therapy treatment plans, understand the importance of communication in its widest context and therefore provide developmentally rich environments
*To contribute to the production and delivery of core and specialist training to preschool/school staff, other agencies, the voluntary sector and health colleagues
*To maintain accurate and comprehensive case notes and records which would stand up to legal scrutiny and provide a full account of the child's care
*To ensure that all those involved in a child's care i.e. preschool/school staff, other professionals, parents are kept fully informed of the service provided and the progress made through the provision of information, regular and timely reports and input to the LA Annual Review process
*To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues in health and education to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary service. This includes attending school development meetings, case conferences, annual reviews as appropriate
*To support the LA in fulfilling their statutory duty to meet the needs of each child in accordance with their Education, Health and Care plans. To provide professional advice on contentious cases, writing witness statements and attending Tribunals if required with the support and guidance of senior staff
*To manage conflict and potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner, dealing appropriately with grieving and at times angry parents
*To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible, complying with the Trust Complaints Procedure at all times
Administrative
*To share information with others, observing data protection guidelines
*To collect and provide accurate and timely activity data, information and statistics as required
Knowledge, Education and Training
*To develop competence as a recognised clinical specialist within an agreed designated area, providing advice and information to other speech and language therapists and professionals, including education staff and parents
*To provide clinical supervision and training to SLT students on placement, up to and including their final year, supporting the Universities in determining fitness to practice
*To maintain own clinical professional development by keeping abreast of new trends and developments, incorporating them into working practice where possible, to ensure the continued development of professional competence/performance, and maintenance of HCPC and RCSLT registration. To be proactive in seeking learning opportunities both internally and externally to maintain and update knowledge and skills
*To participate in the Trust appraisal scheme, evaluating personal and service performance and agreeing on objectives which are in line with service and organisational goals
Management and Leadership
*To act as a Clinic Co-ordinator managing the overall administration of the clinic, monitoring activity and being the main point of contact for all matters pertaining to the clinic and service provided.
*To provide support and mentoring to less experience colleagues.
Quality and Service Improvement
*Identifies situations of clinical risk and takes appropriate action to ensure a safe environment for patients/clients/families and staff.
*Contributes to evidence-based practice in speciality areas.
*Demonstrates commitment to quality improvements, risk management and resource utilisation participating in monitoring and evaluation activities including audit and research activities
*Provides input into clinical standards/protocols and policies and undertakes clinical audits as required.
*Evaluates the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of clinical practice contributing to service improvement initiatives.
*Participates in the implementation of models of care appropriate to patient/client population needs.
*Contributes to and participates in Solent NHS policy development providing own expertise where relevant and feedback on proposed polices based on relevant experience and expertise where applicable.
*Participates in case review and debriefing activities as required.
*Participates in group/unit discussions that review current practice.
*Contributes to the development of programmes of care/care packages providing specialist advice where relevant.
*Promote patient and public involvement in activities designed to inform service improvement
*Actively participate in clinical audit and service improvement activity to improve patient care and patient outcomes (privacy, dignity and duty of candour).
*Fully adheres to the Solent NHS trust Integrated Clinical and Safeguarding Supervision policy along with Safeguarding Children and adult policies, and information sharing protocols to ensure the health and well-being of children and adults at risk.
*Familiarity with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act and maintains MCA mandatory training.
Health and Safety, Security and Equality
*Works in accordance with the relevant Health and Safety Trust policies, procedures, and guidelines.
*Contribute to development of service.
*Attends organisational mandatory training as required by the Trust and relevant to your role.
*Actively participates in and enables others to carry out risk assessments within the working environment.
*Ensures self and colleagues are trained and competent to use equipment safely.
*Ensures incident reporting is expedited promptly and appropriate action plans completed.
*Identifies potential health, safety and security issues and collaborates with others to promote and maintain an environment that supports infection prevention and control policies and procedures.
*Supports and promotes a positive approach to diversity and equality of opportunity, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in service delivery and employment, and to manage, support or comply through the implementation of the Solent NHS Trust's Equal Opportunities Policy.
*Promotes a culture which respects and values diversity, and support patients, visitors and staff in exercising their rights.
*Ensures care within areas of practice and adheres to the 5 principles of the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice (2005).
*Recognises and reports behaviour which undermines equality and diversity in accordance with organisational policies and current legislation.
Limits of Authority
*May not dismiss or suspend staff under the disciplinary procedures.
*May not take annual leave without prior agreement of the manager
General Requirements
*Ensure they and where appropriate their staff:
oadhere to trust policies and procedures at all times,
ocomply with trust standing orders, standing financial instructions, policies, procedures and guidelines,
ofollow any policies and procedures in relation to infection, prevention and control
oare aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children, and vulnerable adults, and the specific responsibilities placed on individuals who care for such clients/patients
otake all reasonable steps to manage and promote a safe and healthy working environment which is free from discrimination,
ocomply with the trust policy on confidentiality, and the Data Protection Act 1998 as amended, relating to information held manually or on computerised systems,
orespect the confidentiality and privacy of clients and staff at all times,
omaintain a constant awareness of health, welfare and safety issues affecting colleagues, patients, visitors and themselves, reporting any accidents or fault in line with trust policy,
ofully participate in health and safety training,
oparticipate in personal training, development, appraisal, and attend all relevant training courses as required.
ocomply with the professional body code of conduct
*This job description seeks to outline the key duties and responsibilities of the post; it is not a definitive document and does not form part of the main statement of Terms and Conditions. The job description will be reviewed during the annual appraisal process.
*The post holder may, with their agreement, which should not reasonably be withheld, be required to undertake other duties as required, which fall within the grading of this post, to meet the needs of this new and developing service.
*Individuals who are required to hold a professional registration in order to practice must continue to be a member of their professional body throughout the lifespan of this job description. Such individuals will be required to notify the Trust immediately if their professional body limits or changes the terms of their registration.
*This job description will be reviewed yearly as part of the annual individual appraisal, to ensure that it reflects the responsibilities of the post. No changes will be made without full consultation with the post holder.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree level qualification or equivalent
- Registered member Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
- Registered member of Health and Care Professions Council
- Evidence of Level C Dysphagia Competency (as per RCSLT Dysphagia Competency Framework)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of a range of paediatric speech and language disorders and delay
- Independent working in specialist paediatric clinical area
- Experience of receiving clinical supervision
- Experience of working in a changing environment
- Experience of integrated working in multi-disciplinary teams
Desirable
- Experiencing of providing clinical supervision
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience of providing training
- Experience of delivering presentations
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills -- including observation, listening and empathy skills
- Highly developed non-verbal communication skills
- Highly developed analytical and reflection skills
- Ability to use a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions (relative to the client group) and an ability to compare and contrast relative benefits
- Good auditory discrimination skills and an ability to transcribe speech phonetically
- Highly developed auditory and perceptual skills
- Ability to maintain intense concentration for prolonged periods, simultaneously analysing auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of a child's communication as required on a daily basis as an integral part of assessment and treatment
- Ability to be a good team member and assume leadership responsibilities
- Ability to reflect on practice both individually and with peers/ mentors
- Proven skills in prioritising and being flexible and adaptable to meet competing priorities
- Excellent organisational skills
- Efficient and dependable working practices
- Excellent training and presentation skills, both written and verbal
- Highly developed negotiation and problem solving skills
- Competent in use of IT as required for the post
- In-depth knowledge and application of professional standards and code of conduct
- Well established knowledge of a range of assessment tools relevant to the caseload
- Knowledge of speech and language impairments and ability to make a differential diagnosis
- Well established knowledge of current evidence base and application to practice
- Knowledge of a broad range of children's complex disorders and disabilities
- Understanding of the principles of clinical governance/audit
- Clear understanding of the role of the Therapist within the wider context of the child's health and education needs
- Knowledge of standards of record keeping
- Understanding of infection control procedures
- Understanding of personal health and safety responsibilities
- Good understanding of the meaning of clinical supervision/mentoring
- Criteria 5: Equality
- An understanding of the principles of equal opportunities as it relates to staff and patients and able to demonstrate personal commitment to challenging discrimination and promoting equalities An understanding of equality within the workforce and how it can impact on this post.
- Criteria 6: Other
- Pleasant personality
- Supportive and approachable
- Motivating and enthusiastic
- Self motivated, assertive, diplomatic and tactful
- Highly literate and numerate in English
- Strong multi-disciplinary and team commitment
- Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group)
- Sensitivity to the needs of a broad range of children and their families
- Positive attitude towards disability and handicap
- To be flexible to the demands of the workload including unpredictable work patterns, deadlines and frequent interruptions
- Ability to sit for long periods in awkward positions on the floor or small seats
- Ability to drive a car as required in delivering a service in several locations
- Ability to carry numerous files and therapy equipment from car to place of work frequently throughout the day
- Is able to work legally in the UK
- Is able to work with children and vulnerable adults
- Ability to travel daily for meetings across a range of sites in Southampton/Portsmouth/Hampshire.
- For posts which require a professional registration, postholders hold a valid up to date registration with their professional body.
- For posts where postholders are required to drive as part of their role they hold a valid full driving licence which enables them to drive in the UK
Desirable
- Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to acquired communication and swallowing difficulties
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree level qualification or equivalent
- Registered member Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
- Registered member of Health and Care Professions Council
- Evidence of Level C Dysphagia Competency (as per RCSLT Dysphagia Competency Framework)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of a range of paediatric speech and language disorders and delay
- Independent working in specialist paediatric clinical area
- Experience of receiving clinical supervision
- Experience of working in a changing environment
- Experience of integrated working in multi-disciplinary teams
Desirable
- Experiencing of providing clinical supervision
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience of providing training
- Experience of delivering presentations
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills -- including observation, listening and empathy skills
- Highly developed non-verbal communication skills
- Highly developed analytical and reflection skills
- Ability to use a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions (relative to the client group) and an ability to compare and contrast relative benefits
- Good auditory discrimination skills and an ability to transcribe speech phonetically
- Highly developed auditory and perceptual skills
- Ability to maintain intense concentration for prolonged periods, simultaneously analysing auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of a child's communication as required on a daily basis as an integral part of assessment and treatment
- Ability to be a good team member and assume leadership responsibilities
- Ability to reflect on practice both individually and with peers/ mentors
- Proven skills in prioritising and being flexible and adaptable to meet competing priorities
- Excellent organisational skills
- Efficient and dependable working practices
- Excellent training and presentation skills, both written and verbal
- Highly developed negotiation and problem solving skills
- Competent in use of IT as required for the post
- In-depth knowledge and application of professional standards and code of conduct
- Well established knowledge of a range of assessment tools relevant to the caseload
- Knowledge of speech and language impairments and ability to make a differential diagnosis
- Well established knowledge of current evidence base and application to practice
- Knowledge of a broad range of children's complex disorders and disabilities
- Understanding of the principles of clinical governance/audit
- Clear understanding of the role of the Therapist within the wider context of the child's health and education needs
- Knowledge of standards of record keeping
- Understanding of infection control procedures
- Understanding of personal health and safety responsibilities
- Good understanding of the meaning of clinical supervision/mentoring
- Criteria 5: Equality
- An understanding of the principles of equal opportunities as it relates to staff and patients and able to demonstrate personal commitment to challenging discrimination and promoting equalities An understanding of equality within the workforce and how it can impact on this post.
- Criteria 6: Other
- Pleasant personality
- Supportive and approachable
- Motivating and enthusiastic
- Self motivated, assertive, diplomatic and tactful
- Highly literate and numerate in English
- Strong multi-disciplinary and team commitment
- Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group)
- Sensitivity to the needs of a broad range of children and their families
- Positive attitude towards disability and handicap
- To be flexible to the demands of the workload including unpredictable work patterns, deadlines and frequent interruptions
- Ability to sit for long periods in awkward positions on the floor or small seats
- Ability to drive a car as required in delivering a service in several locations
- Ability to carry numerous files and therapy equipment from car to place of work frequently throughout the day
- Is able to work legally in the UK
- Is able to work with children and vulnerable adults
- Ability to travel daily for meetings across a range of sites in Southampton/Portsmouth/Hampshire.
- For posts which require a professional registration, postholders hold a valid up to date registration with their professional body.
- For posts where postholders are required to drive as part of their role they hold a valid full driving licence which enables them to drive in the UK
Desirable
- Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to acquired communication and swallowing difficulties
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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
Solent NHS Trust
Address
Adelaide Health Centre, Western Community Centre
William Macleod Way
Southampton
Hampshire
SO16 4XE
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Solent NHS Trust
Address
Adelaide Health Centre, Western Community Centre
William Macleod Way
Southampton
Hampshire
SO16 4XE
Employer's website
For questions about the job, contact:
Date posted
21 September 2022
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£33,706 to £40,588 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
449-Team3-1057
Job locations
Adelaide Health Centre, Western Community Centre
William Macleod Way
Southampton
Hampshire
SO16 4XE