Senior Speech and Language Therapist - Critical Care

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are seeking a band 6 Speech & Language Therapist on the Denmark Hill site to join our services within Critical Care.

The Acute Speech and Language Therapy team works closely with SLTs on all King's sites and the wider multidisciplinary teams, with whom they are co-located. Led by the Head of Speech & Language Therapy, Band 8a Clinical Lead, and B8b Principal. the service offers an established supervision system, including action learning groups, plus a range of opportunities for learning and participation in both self and service development.

The Speech & Language Therapy department (based within Therapies) has over 40 staff providing inpatient and outpatient services across a wide and diverse range of specialities on our 3 main sites of Denmark Hill, Princess Royal University Hospital and Orpington Hospital.

Main duties of the job

This Speech and Language Therapy post is a static post working across the Critical Care units & following patients through to ward step-down on the King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill site. The post holder will provide a highly specialist service to adults who have communication and/or swallowing disorders including those on ventilators and with tracheostomies in situ.

About us

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reachis our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Date posted

18 March 2022

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,768 to £46,124 a year per annum, inc HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

213-PRUH-3062

Job locations

Denmark Hill

London

SE5 9RS

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Duties and Responsibilities:

To manage an autonomous caseload on critical care units & acute wards, which will include assessment, contribution to differential diagnosis, and specialist SLT management for patients with acute, acquired communication and swallowing disorders, following King's College Hospital (KCH) Speech and Language Therapy evidence based guidelines and abiding by KCH Speech and Language Therapy service standards.
To assess, diagnose, treat and manage patients with tracheostomies in a critical care setting and on the general wards in accordance with KCH multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Trust Guidelines and provide feedback for the tracheostomy ward round weekly as required.
To identify barriers to effective communication within the environment and suggest and implement solutions where feasible.
To introduce low and high tech communication aids as appropriate and train the patient, their family and friends and the staff on using alternative and augmentative communication aid systems or to refer on to the communication aid therapist at Bowley Close.
To co-ordinate and promote communication developments under the guidance of a senior therapist e.g. mental capacity act issues, developing and delivering training on supporting communication, advising on environmental changes that support those with communication difficulties.
To co-ordinate with the Therapy Training and development co-ordinator and present, on the annual SLT as a career course and liaise with local acute and community services providing a contributory role
To maintain and develop the use of AAC techniques and equipment across the team.
To discuss, advise and plan appropriate patient goals with clients, carers and the multidisciplinary teams.
To act as a key worker where appropriate.
To write SLT information in EPR where appropriate, including assessment conclusions and management plans/recommendations
To provide clinical support and advise to junior therapists within the team.
To provide complex and sensitive clinical information to patients and carers in clear, accessible and empathetic format, both in written and verbal form
To work as part of the multidisciplinary team negotiating appropriate therapy packages, length of stay and discharge arrangements
To attend ward rounds and MDT meetings as appropriate
To liaise on a regular basis with relevant hospital and community therapy teams.
To liaise with other agencies to ensure appropriate follow up and care arrangements for patients
To contribute to the Videofluoroscopy Clinic at Kings College Hospital, providing general organisational cover where necessary
To develop and deliver training regarding communication and swallowing to carers, relatives and staff.
To participate in a 3x yearly rolling nurse dysphagia screen training programme run by the SLT department.
To take part in the clinical training for SLT students as agreed and appropriate including preparation for and participation in practical exams.
To participate in the SLT Department in service training programme.
To pursue an active programme of continuing professional development including feedback to the team on any courses or conferences attended.

Supervision, Training and Education:

To maintain and record an active programme of continuing professional development, including feeding back to colleagues on any courses or conferences attended.
To be an active member of relevant special interest groups.
To participate regularly in the evaluation of the effectiveness of intervention and models of service delivery, maintaining up to date knowledge of relevant clinical practice and research

Managerial and Administrative:

To maintain full, accurate and contemporaneous records within EPR
To provide timely and accurate reports including transfer and discharge reports.
To prepare for and participate in an annual job appraisal which includes a 6 monthly review with the SLT acute clinical lead.
To maintain clinical equipment in good order and carry out inventory checks as requested.
To undertake mandatory Kings College Hospital training
To contribute to the infection control and cleanliness of the hospital by ensuring cleanliness of own equipment, undertaking mandatory training, abiding by the hand washing policy and other policies related to barrier nursing.
To provide full, accurate and timely statistical data.
To attend Kings College Hospital Speech and Language Therapy team meetings.

Research and Audit:

To participate in relevant audit activity within Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
To participate in research initiatives in the relevant area
To publish and disseminate information which results from research and audit activity.
To make recommendations on service development and governance.
To undertake specific departmental audit projects and contribute to departmental research where appropriate

General

The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.

To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of King's College Hospital NHS Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To live and role model the Kings Values of:

Kind
Respectful
Team

To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account which will be the Trust's formal route for email communication.
This post requires a flexible approach to working and may require the post holder to work as part of a rotad seven day working pattern as necessary.
Staff may be required to work across multiple sites dependent upon the needs of the service. This includes both static and rotational posts.

Safe Guarding

The Trust takes the issues of Safeguarding Children, Adults and addressing Domestic Abuse very seriously. All employees have a responsibilityto support the organisation in our duties by;

attending mandatory training on safeguarding children and adults
familiarising themselves with the Trust's processes for reporting concerns
reporting any safeguarding child or adult concerns appropriately

Infection Control Statement

The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene procedures and requirements when in clinical areas.

The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role.

These requirements are set out in the National Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Duties and Responsibilities:

To manage an autonomous caseload on critical care units & acute wards, which will include assessment, contribution to differential diagnosis, and specialist SLT management for patients with acute, acquired communication and swallowing disorders, following King's College Hospital (KCH) Speech and Language Therapy evidence based guidelines and abiding by KCH Speech and Language Therapy service standards.
To assess, diagnose, treat and manage patients with tracheostomies in a critical care setting and on the general wards in accordance with KCH multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Trust Guidelines and provide feedback for the tracheostomy ward round weekly as required.
To identify barriers to effective communication within the environment and suggest and implement solutions where feasible.
To introduce low and high tech communication aids as appropriate and train the patient, their family and friends and the staff on using alternative and augmentative communication aid systems or to refer on to the communication aid therapist at Bowley Close.
To co-ordinate and promote communication developments under the guidance of a senior therapist e.g. mental capacity act issues, developing and delivering training on supporting communication, advising on environmental changes that support those with communication difficulties.
To co-ordinate with the Therapy Training and development co-ordinator and present, on the annual SLT as a career course and liaise with local acute and community services providing a contributory role
To maintain and develop the use of AAC techniques and equipment across the team.
To discuss, advise and plan appropriate patient goals with clients, carers and the multidisciplinary teams.
To act as a key worker where appropriate.
To write SLT information in EPR where appropriate, including assessment conclusions and management plans/recommendations
To provide clinical support and advise to junior therapists within the team.
To provide complex and sensitive clinical information to patients and carers in clear, accessible and empathetic format, both in written and verbal form
To work as part of the multidisciplinary team negotiating appropriate therapy packages, length of stay and discharge arrangements
To attend ward rounds and MDT meetings as appropriate
To liaise on a regular basis with relevant hospital and community therapy teams.
To liaise with other agencies to ensure appropriate follow up and care arrangements for patients
To contribute to the Videofluoroscopy Clinic at Kings College Hospital, providing general organisational cover where necessary
To develop and deliver training regarding communication and swallowing to carers, relatives and staff.
To participate in a 3x yearly rolling nurse dysphagia screen training programme run by the SLT department.
To take part in the clinical training for SLT students as agreed and appropriate including preparation for and participation in practical exams.
To participate in the SLT Department in service training programme.
To pursue an active programme of continuing professional development including feedback to the team on any courses or conferences attended.

Supervision, Training and Education:

To maintain and record an active programme of continuing professional development, including feeding back to colleagues on any courses or conferences attended.
To be an active member of relevant special interest groups.
To participate regularly in the evaluation of the effectiveness of intervention and models of service delivery, maintaining up to date knowledge of relevant clinical practice and research

Managerial and Administrative:

To maintain full, accurate and contemporaneous records within EPR
To provide timely and accurate reports including transfer and discharge reports.
To prepare for and participate in an annual job appraisal which includes a 6 monthly review with the SLT acute clinical lead.
To maintain clinical equipment in good order and carry out inventory checks as requested.
To undertake mandatory Kings College Hospital training
To contribute to the infection control and cleanliness of the hospital by ensuring cleanliness of own equipment, undertaking mandatory training, abiding by the hand washing policy and other policies related to barrier nursing.
To provide full, accurate and timely statistical data.
To attend Kings College Hospital Speech and Language Therapy team meetings.

Research and Audit:

To participate in relevant audit activity within Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
To participate in research initiatives in the relevant area
To publish and disseminate information which results from research and audit activity.
To make recommendations on service development and governance.
To undertake specific departmental audit projects and contribute to departmental research where appropriate

General

To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of King's College Hospital NHS Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To live and role model the Kings Values of:

Kind
Respectful
Team

To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account which will be the Trust's formal route for email communication.
This post requires a flexible approach to working and may require the post holder to work as part of a rotad seven day working pattern as necessary.
Staff may be required to work across multiple sites dependent upon the needs of the service. This includes both static and rotational posts.

Safe Guarding

The Trust takes the issues of Safeguarding Children, Adults and addressing Domestic Abuse very seriously. All employees have a responsibilityto support the organisation in our duties by;

attending mandatory training on safeguarding children and adults
familiarising themselves with the Trust's processes for reporting concerns
reporting any safeguarding child or adult concerns appropriately

Infection Control Statement

The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role.

Person Specification

Qualification

Essential

Appropriate
HCPC registered
Postgraduate Dysphagia training
Postgraduate training in communication disorders and aphasia therapy

Desirable

RCSLT registered
Supervision Course

Skills & Competencies

Essential

Excellent written and spoken communication skills and ability to communicate sensitive and complex information
Collaborative and consultative skills within multidisciplinary working
Good presentation and teaching skills and ability to devise appropriate training and information packages
Good observational and analytical skills in assessment
Ability to plan and implement appropriate treatment plans
Demonstrate ability to manage and prioritise a caseload autonomously, and liaise across teams and services as required
Demonstrate ability to carry out relevant projects
Demonstrates motivation and flexibility
A flexible approach to working patterns which may include participating in providing a 7 day week service
Good auditory and perceptual skills

Desirable

Competent in tracheostomy management

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Established experience with adult acquired and neurological disorders in an acute setting including managing your own caseload and using a range of assessment and therapy techniques
Experience of working successfully as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

Previous involvement with audit / research
Previous experience of videofluoroscopy
Experience of working in a rehab setting
Active membership of relevant SIGs
Up to date knowledge of the mental capacity act
A specialist interest in AAC
Experience of student supervision and training
Experience of supervising junior staff

Person Specification

Qualification

Essential

Appropriate
HCPC registered
Postgraduate Dysphagia training
Postgraduate training in communication disorders and aphasia therapy

Desirable

RCSLT registered
Supervision Course

Skills & Competencies

Essential

Excellent written and spoken communication skills and ability to communicate sensitive and complex information
Collaborative and consultative skills within multidisciplinary working
Good presentation and teaching skills and ability to devise appropriate training and information packages
Good observational and analytical skills in assessment
Ability to plan and implement appropriate treatment plans
Demonstrate ability to manage and prioritise a caseload autonomously, and liaise across teams and services as required
Demonstrate ability to carry out relevant projects
Demonstrates motivation and flexibility
A flexible approach to working patterns which may include participating in providing a 7 day week service
Good auditory and perceptual skills

Desirable

Competent in tracheostomy management

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Established experience with adult acquired and neurological disorders in an acute setting including managing your own caseload and using a range of assessment and therapy techniques
Experience of working successfully as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

Previous involvement with audit / research
Previous experience of videofluoroscopy
Experience of working in a rehab setting
Active membership of relevant SIGs
Up to date knowledge of the mental capacity act
A specialist interest in AAC
Experience of student supervision and training
Experience of supervising junior staff

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).