Speech and Language Therapist

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical

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

To deliver appropriate formal and informal assessment, make differential diagnosis on the basis of this assessment, and communicate complex condition related information from assessment to children, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions.

To maintain sensitivity at all times 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 to be implemented within the multi-disciplinary teams available, and within the childs family.

To adapt and facilitate treatment programmes and the use of augmentative communication systems and/or communication aids according to perceived clients needs.

To impart principles and establish the use of language enrichment techniques by parents/carers and fellow practitioners

To support children with identified special educational needs within mainstream and special schools.

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

To work closely with clients, carers and families, agreeing decision making relevant to the client management, andproviding the family with sufficient information to ensure meaningful choices that promote dignity, independence and quality of life.

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

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

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

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

Policy/Service Development/Implementation

To work within the borough 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.

Research and Development

To ensure practice is supported by research, evidence based practice, literature and peer review.

To undertake Clinical Governance and Audit projects within the local service

Please see Job description and personal specification for full outline of main role and responsibilities

Education, qualifications, training

Essential

• Diploma, Degree or MSc in Speech and Language Therapy
• Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.
• Health and Care Professions Council Registration to Practice
• NVQ level 2 or equivalent standard of literacy and numeracy

Experience

Essential

• Working with children with a range of speech, language and communication needs/special educational needs
• Working in mainstream primary/secondary schools or special school settings
• Joint working with special needs coordinators, teachers, learning support assistants, specialist teachers

Desirable

• Working in a multi-cultural environment
• Planning and delivery of training to other professionals

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group.
• Knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to children with speech, language and communication needs
• Awareness of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group).
• Awareness of standards of record keeping
• Awareness of the principles of clinical governance and clinical audit
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to clinical client groups
• Awareness of NHS Plan, NSF and clinical governance priorities

Skills

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Good presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Good organisation and prioritisation skills
• Ability to be a good team member
• Basic awareness of IT and IT skills
• Good auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically
• Good analytical and reflection skills
• Well-developed concentration skills

Other

Essential

• To be able to travel efficiently throughout the area
• Ability to take majority of leave in school holidays

Desirable

• Car 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.

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).