Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Chailey Communication Aid Service (CCAS) as an Advanced Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). We are looking for an SLT who can work with both children and adults covering all of Sussex and Surrey.
This is a highly rewarding role, based at Chailey Clinical Services, which requires the successful candidate to have a good knowledge and understanding of AAC along with experience of dealing with power-based communication aids and a variety of language packages. You will be assessing, trialling, providing and reviewing computer based devices and packages to a wide range of children and adults with developmental and acquired complex communication and physical needs.
We are looking for self-motivated applicants who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in this exciting, fast changing and highly specialised field.
Main duties of the job
- Liaise with the multi-disciplinary team involved in Chailey Communication Aid Service to develop and deliver the service
- Work within NHS England defined targets and service standards
- Provide specialist multi-disciplinary assessment evaluating possible AAC solutions and strategies taking into account the client's physical and emotional needs, linguistic and cognitive abilities, expressed desires, prognosis, environment, as well as the expectations and abilities of carers, and financial considerations.
- Provide clear written recommendations following assessment, reflecting in-depth professional knowledge, and including the specification of AAC equipment, systems and implementation programmes.
- Have responsibility for the safe use of highly specialised electronic equipment.
- Liaise, promote and maintain links with the relevant community services that provide AAC assessments and provision
- Develop and promote AAC training to professionals and families within the relevant community
- Provide internal and external training as required in clinical specialty as part of Chailey Clinical Services Team
- Provide accurate and timely reports as required.
- Contribute and adhere to Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust/Chailey Clinical Services administration and record keeping guidelines
- Act as specialist advisor in specialty of AAC to SLT colleagues
- Keep up to date with developments and research in area of AAC
- Liaise with and report to the Manger of the Chailey Communication Aid Service.
About us
CCAS are an NHS England funded Communication Aid Service and are one of 15 specialist AAC hubs around England. We are a friendly and dedicated team who cover all of Sussex and Surrey, working with both children and adults with complex communication and access needs. We are a caring, multi-disciplinary team made up of SLT's, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Scientists and rehab engineers, along with a knowledgeable and expert support team. We work closely together on a daily basis to empower our service users to reach their goals.
Working as part of CCAS means that you will be recognised for the work that you do through both regular supervision, personal development programme as well as staff awards.
The team are encouraged to continually develop their skills and knowledge through activities such as on the job learning, contributing to research and participating in relevant seminars and conferences.
CCAS has been through significant change and restructure in the past year, working towards becoming a more robust and responsive service. We are looking for someone to come and be part of our journey towards building a brighter future for people with complex communication needs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Be an Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in the area of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), have extensive experience within this area and demonstrate highly specialist AAC knowledge.
- Provide high quality, client focused specialist clinical assessment, management and provision of Alternative and Augmentative Communication systems and its associated technology for children, young people and adults with communication disorders, including congenital, acquired and progressive conditions who are referred to the specialist service based at Chailey Clinical services.
- Provide assessment and therapy both at Chailey Clinical Services and within the community in Sussex and Surrey.
- Develop and deliver specialist AAC training and education to speech and language therapists, undergraduate and post graduate students, other health professionals and to AAC users and their families/carers.
- Participate regionally and nationally in the development of clinical practice and research within the speciality area of Alternative and Augmentative Communication.
- Act as a resource offering expert clinical advice and clinical input on all issues related to AAC for professionals and clients across the service.
Main Tasks
- To be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of Speech and Language Therapy expertise within the Chailey Communication Aid Service and to contribute to the development of the service as requested by the Service Lead.
- To be responsible for organizing and planning own caseload including complex cases in order to meet waiting list and client priorities, readjusting plans as situations change.
- To collaborate on the development and delivery of training to other multidisciplinary team members within own specialist areas and clinical settings.
- To identify and provide for the training needs of more junior SLT colleagues within the team, within area of own expertise.
- To manage a highly specialist caseload, having attended post-graduate training in the relevant highly specialist clinical areas or having equivalent clinical experience.
- To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of his/her own work and to work within a legal framework with clients including those who are unable to give informed consent.
- To contribute to the development of research design and implementation, as agreed with the Team Lead, within specialist areas.
- To contribute to device evaluations, equipment management and other tasks required to ensure effective provision of these services
- The post holder will be responsible for the accurate and timely reports and other client related correspondence directly related to the allocated caseload according to the trust and professional guidelines. The post holder will support the Service Lead and assist in the development of operational policies within the service as required.
- To provide statistical information required by service providers, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and as necessary at Chailey Clinical Services.
- To initiate and drive audit projects within area of clinical specialism, with reference to evaluation of current practice.
- To participate in clinical supervision, following the Trust guidelines for clinical supervision and document according to trust policy. To undertake supervision with junior staff as required.
- To maintain own professional development through reflective practice and document accordingly, keeping up to date with new evidence and effective ways of working, assessing and treating patients and changing practice in light of this as appropriate.
- To provide support, guidance and training to Speech and language Therapy Students, assessing and evaluating competence, and contributing to examination placements.
- To develop, deliver and evaluate effectiveness of training programmes within the multi- professional framework, to meet the needs to families, staff and other professionals, organised through Chailey Clinical Services.
- To lecture to professional colleagues, undergraduate and post graduate students in areas related to the clinical expertise of the post.
- To identify individual training and development needs through supervision process, maintaining clinical expertise in chosen areas through attendance at appropriate courses/study day, reading relevant literature etc as identified in the Personal Development Plan.
- To attend mandatory training as required and maintain own knowledge through Clinical Excellence Networks, reading and attending courses identified in Personal Development Plan.
- To maintain a high level of specialist expertise, keeping well informed of new technologies by attending AAC specialist conferences, AAC roadshows Etc.
- To reflect on clinical practice, identifying own strengths and development needs and providing evidence of sound clinical judgements, as well as facilitating peer supervision within team.
- To work independently without direct supervision and with significant autonomy and discretion in the delivery of the service. Working within professional codes of practice, guidelines and policies, accountable for own professional action, recognising professional boundaries and seeking advice as appropriate.
- The post holder will be responsible for administration and record keeping according to Trust and departmental policies that concern the format and security of patient records and Data Protection Act.
- To have a working knowledge of relevant procedures including Safeguarding Vulnerable adults. Child Protection and other legal frameworks.
- To work within RCSLT Professional and Clinical Code of Conduct and National and Local Clinical Guidelines and to recognise own professional boundaries and seek advice as appropriate.
- To be familiar with and conform to the regulations concerning the Data Protection Act; to be aware of the Health and Safety regulations; to conform to the No Smoking Policy and other policies set down by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Be an Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in the area of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), have extensive experience within this area and demonstrate highly specialist AAC knowledge.
- Provide high quality, client focused specialist clinical assessment, management and provision of Alternative and Augmentative Communication systems and its associated technology for children, young people and adults with communication disorders, including congenital, acquired and progressive conditions who are referred to the specialist service based at Chailey Clinical services.
- Provide assessment and therapy both at Chailey Clinical Services and within the community in Sussex and Surrey.
- Develop and deliver specialist AAC training and education to speech and language therapists, undergraduate and post graduate students, other health professionals and to AAC users and their families/carers.
- Participate regionally and nationally in the development of clinical practice and research within the speciality area of Alternative and Augmentative Communication.
- Act as a resource offering expert clinical advice and clinical input on all issues related to AAC for professionals and clients across the service.
Main Tasks
- To be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of Speech and Language Therapy expertise within the Chailey Communication Aid Service and to contribute to the development of the service as requested by the Service Lead.
- To be responsible for organizing and planning own caseload including complex cases in order to meet waiting list and client priorities, readjusting plans as situations change.
- To collaborate on the development and delivery of training to other multidisciplinary team members within own specialist areas and clinical settings.
- To identify and provide for the training needs of more junior SLT colleagues within the team, within area of own expertise.
- To manage a highly specialist caseload, having attended post-graduate training in the relevant highly specialist clinical areas or having equivalent clinical experience.
- To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of his/her own work and to work within a legal framework with clients including those who are unable to give informed consent.
- To contribute to the development of research design and implementation, as agreed with the Team Lead, within specialist areas.
- To contribute to device evaluations, equipment management and other tasks required to ensure effective provision of these services
- The post holder will be responsible for the accurate and timely reports and other client related correspondence directly related to the allocated caseload according to the trust and professional guidelines. The post holder will support the Service Lead and assist in the development of operational policies within the service as required.
- To provide statistical information required by service providers, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and as necessary at Chailey Clinical Services.
- To initiate and drive audit projects within area of clinical specialism, with reference to evaluation of current practice.
- To participate in clinical supervision, following the Trust guidelines for clinical supervision and document according to trust policy. To undertake supervision with junior staff as required.
- To maintain own professional development through reflective practice and document accordingly, keeping up to date with new evidence and effective ways of working, assessing and treating patients and changing practice in light of this as appropriate.
- To provide support, guidance and training to Speech and language Therapy Students, assessing and evaluating competence, and contributing to examination placements.
- To develop, deliver and evaluate effectiveness of training programmes within the multi- professional framework, to meet the needs to families, staff and other professionals, organised through Chailey Clinical Services.
- To lecture to professional colleagues, undergraduate and post graduate students in areas related to the clinical expertise of the post.
- To identify individual training and development needs through supervision process, maintaining clinical expertise in chosen areas through attendance at appropriate courses/study day, reading relevant literature etc as identified in the Personal Development Plan.
- To attend mandatory training as required and maintain own knowledge through Clinical Excellence Networks, reading and attending courses identified in Personal Development Plan.
- To maintain a high level of specialist expertise, keeping well informed of new technologies by attending AAC specialist conferences, AAC roadshows Etc.
- To reflect on clinical practice, identifying own strengths and development needs and providing evidence of sound clinical judgements, as well as facilitating peer supervision within team.
- To work independently without direct supervision and with significant autonomy and discretion in the delivery of the service. Working within professional codes of practice, guidelines and policies, accountable for own professional action, recognising professional boundaries and seeking advice as appropriate.
- The post holder will be responsible for administration and record keeping according to Trust and departmental policies that concern the format and security of patient records and Data Protection Act.
- To have a working knowledge of relevant procedures including Safeguarding Vulnerable adults. Child Protection and other legal frameworks.
- To work within RCSLT Professional and Clinical Code of Conduct and National and Local Clinical Guidelines and to recognise own professional boundaries and seek advice as appropriate.
- To be familiar with and conform to the regulations concerning the Data Protection Act; to be aware of the Health and Safety regulations; to conform to the No Smoking Policy and other policies set down by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Pass in SLT Degree
- HCPC registered
Desirable
- Post graduate training to masters level relevant to specialism
- RCSLT membership
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 3 years experience in specialist area of AAC
- Understanding and experience of the problems of children and adults with complex communication using AAC
- Experience in the assessment and implementation in area of AAC
- Experience of writing and delivering internal and external training to families/carers and professionals in AAC
SKills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to work as an effective team member
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to demonstrate high level of knowledge in AAC technology (preparation, adaptation and integration)
- Demonstrate organisational skills
- Use of IT and computer skills
- Working knowledge of legislation and national/clinical guidelines and regulation
Other
Essential
- Demonstrate negotiation skills
Desirable
- Interest in further study or research associated with AAC
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Pass in SLT Degree
- HCPC registered
Desirable
- Post graduate training to masters level relevant to specialism
- RCSLT membership
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 3 years experience in specialist area of AAC
- Understanding and experience of the problems of children and adults with complex communication using AAC
- Experience in the assessment and implementation in area of AAC
- Experience of writing and delivering internal and external training to families/carers and professionals in AAC
SKills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to work as an effective team member
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to demonstrate high level of knowledge in AAC technology (preparation, adaptation and integration)
- Demonstrate organisational skills
- Use of IT and computer skills
- Working knowledge of legislation and national/clinical guidelines and regulation
Other
Essential
- Demonstrate negotiation skills
Desirable
- Interest in further study or research associated with AAC
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
