Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Band 5-6 Run-Through)

Job responsibilities

Patient care

To be responsible for clinical delivery of a specialist SLT service to a caseload of children with a range of speech, language and communication needs around the borough of Barnet.

If dysphagia competencies achieved, to be responsible for clinical delivery of SLT Service to children and adolescents with eating and drinking difficulties for whom a specialist level of assessment and intervention is required.

To evaluate the effects of communication difficulties and swallowing status on the psychosocial well-being of children and their families.

Complete assessments, write individual programmes, implement groups, provide specialist advice and resources and review outcomes with a functional based focus.

To work collaboratively with children, families and other professionals to achieve outcomes for individuals, providing support, programmes, ideas, advice and assessment.

To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures. This requires knowledge of current research and agreed best practice in working in the field of specialism.

To provide a service considering the needs of clients from a range of ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.

To liaise with specialist teaching staff, classroom teachers and education support staff to provide specialist Speech and Language Therapy input to curriculum and programme planning.

To liaise closely with the Special Needs Services staff within Barnet and with members of the Learning Support Services working with children.

To maintain close links with Speech and Language Therapy staff working in Early Years, School Age and Adult Teams within the trust to ensure smooth transition between phases as required.

Clinical Direct

To provide a comprehensive specialist Speech and Language Therapy service to clients referred with speech, language and communication difficulties within or special schools in the borough.

If dysphagia competencies achieved to provide a comprehensive Speech and Language Therapy service to clients referred with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties within special schools in the borough.

To deliver appropriate formal and informal assessments for a range of clinical specialisms.

To make differential diagnosis based on this assessment and communicate complex condition related information from assessment to children, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professionals.

To always maintain sensitivity to the emotional needs of clients/carers when imparting complex and distressing information regarding the nature of the clients difficulties and the impact of this on individuals and their families.

Following assessment and differential diagnosis, to design and develop evidence-based treatment and management programmes by working closely with clients, carers and families, agreeing decision making relevant to client management, and providing the family with sufficient information to ensure meaningful choices that promote dignity, independence and quality of life.

To deliver programmes devised through a combination of 1:1 therapy, therapy groups, and indirect therapy to be implemented within the multi-disciplinary teams available, and within the childs family.

To demonstrate skills in motivating clients and/or carers to engage in the therapeutic process.

To work closely with school staff to embed inclusive speech, language and communication practice within the classroom.

To impart principles and provide training to establish the use of speech, language and communication enrichment techniques by parents/carers and fellow practitioners.

To review, adapt and facilitate treatment programmes and the use of augmentative communication systems according to clients needs.

To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and families and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist.

To maintain a high level of concentration in all aspects of patient care at all times, in order to monitor auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of communication adaptations, and to facilitate treatment programmes and the use of augmentative communication systems communication aids according to perceived need, with regard to cultural and linguistic differences.

To initiate referrals to other health professionals, specialist services and agencies.

To be computer literate and ensure accurate recording of actions, updating patients records whilst maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Policy/Service Development/Implementation

To work within the Trust SALT service guidelines for childrens services.

To contribute to the provision of speech and language therapy packages of care and clinical care pathways.

To input into service redesign projects.

To take an active interest in working parties and groups within the Trust to develop and improve on service delivery, protocols and guidelines.

Computer/Administration

To undertake general administrative and client related administrative tasks in line with speech & language therapy service operational policies.

To provide accurate statistical information as required.

To produce specialist reports circulated to a wide range of professional colleagues across agencies, clients and carers regarding clients needs and summarising proposed care plans.

To share information with others observing data protection guidelines.

To be responsible for developing and maintaining clinical assessments and resources for own caseload, requesting additional equipment according to the needs of the clients.

To maintain contemporaneous and accurate records in accordance with RCSLT professional standards and local operational policies and quality standards maintaining standards of confidentiality in storing and using records.

Education/Qualifications

Essential

• Current registered membership of HCPC
• NVQ level 2 or equivalent standard of literacy and numeracy
• Degree or equivalent and Licence to Practice
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses

Desirable

• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• RCSLT dysphagia competencies Level B/C
• Member of relevant clinical excellence network

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Relevant experience at Undergraduate/Post-Graduate level
• Demonstrates excellent analytical and reflection skills
• Good presentation skills, both written and verbal including ability to write clear and concise reports
• Working knowledge of relevant information technology
• Demonstrates ability to be a good team member
• Knowledge of relevant assessment tools
• Skills in planning, assessing and implementing relevant intervention
• Knowledge of relevant national policies and procedures
• Knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Interest in acquiring broad experience across various relevant care groups
• Awareness of the principles of clinical governance /audit
• Ability to work independently as appropriate
• Awareness of the roles of other relevant professionals
• Ability to work in partnership with other professionals and other agencies
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs of clients from a range of ethnic and linguistic backgrounds
• Awareness of standards of record keeping

Desirable

• Understanding of local issues relevant to delivery of a Speech & Language Therapy service

Personal qualities

Essential

• Ability to deal with and resolve conflict with highly developed Negotiation and Problem-solving Skills
• Well-developed concentration skills
• Demonstrate trust values: innovative, compassionate, accountable, respectful, excellent
• Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills

Other

Essential

• oTo be able to travel efficiently throughout the area
• oCommitment to equal opportunities
• oProfessional manner
• oFlexible approach to work
• oUses initiative
• oCommitment to Continuing Professional Development
• oAbility to take majority of leave in school holidays

Desirable

• oCar driver

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.

UK Registration

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