Job summary
Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist
The post holder will be a Clinical Lead member of the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Service at Barts Health NHS Trust. He/she will have responsibility for the co-ordination, development and delivery of the SLT service to patients referred primarily by Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Clinical Oncology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) across Trust sites. This includes adult inpatients, radiotherapy pathways and outpatients with head and neck (H&N) cancer, thyroid, benign ENT, airway, maxillofacial and voice disorders. The post-holder will lead the SLT Head & Neck/ENT/OMFS team at Barts Health. The post holder will be based predominantly at the Royal London Hospital (RLH) but be expected to co-ordinate services and work across all Trust sites.
***In line with government legislation from 1st April 2022 all NHS workers in England with face to face contact with patients must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Only those with medical exemptions will be excluded from this requirement. Please note it will be a legal requirement to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status or an exemption certificate as part of the recruitment process and before any job offer is made. Please consider this mandatory requirement when applying for this post***
Main duties of the job
The post holder:
- Is responsible for the day to day operational, managerial, clinical and professional delivery of the service and will lead on the development of the team in line with service objectives.
- will assess, develop and implement specialist speech and language therapy treatment for H&N, voice, benign ENT/OMFS, airway and thyroid disorders.
- Will have responsibility for the coordination and management of the surgical voice restoration service, incl leading on management of complex cases.
- will provide expert advice to others regarding the management and care of patients/clients with communication, airway and/or swallowing difficulties,
- Is responsible for local governance ensuring that incident reporting, risk and complaints are managed within the Trust clinical governance framework.
- Oversees and ensures the organisation and delivery of intra-departmental training, audit and quality assurance.
- Facilitates service developments and improvements within the Head and Neck SLT Service, in line with site and Trust objectives.
- Ensures the department operates within budgetary constraints and works with the Deputy Head and Head of Therapies to identify and deliver service efficiencies.
Will provide professional supervision to Band 7 Head and Neck Speech and Language Therapists across the Trust.
About us
Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, and one of Britain's leading healthcare providers.
The Barts Health group of NHS hospitals is entering an exciting new era on our improvement journey to becoming an outstanding organisation with a world-class clinical reputation. Having lifted ourselves out of special measures, we now have the impetus and breathing space to chart a fresh course in which we are continually striving to improve all our services for patients.
Our vision is to be a high-performing group of NHS hospitals, renowned for excellence and innovation, and providing safe and compassionate care to our patients in east London and beyond. That means being a provider of excellent patient safety, known for delivering consistently high standards of harm-free care and always caring for patients in the right place at the right time. It also means being an outstanding place to work, in which our WeCare values and behaviours are visible to all and guide us in how we work together.
We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment where staff treat one another with dignity and respect. We aim to create an equitable working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To assess, develop and implement specialist speech and language therapy treatment for H&N, voice, benign ENT/OMFS, airway and thyroid disorders.
- This will include: Assessment, diagnosis and management of complex communication and swallowing problems in the H&N/ENT/OMFS population, involving the use of, and interpretation of videofluoroscopy, air insufflation tests, videolaryngostroboscopy, ILO provocation testing and FEES procedures. To co-ordinate the SLT videofluoroscopy and FEES services for H&N/ENT patients
- Management of patients with tracheostomies, playing a vital role in the weaning process and management of long term tracheostomy in the outpatient setting.
- Management of communication and swallowing problems for H&N patients undergoing radiotherapy including pre-habilitation, on treat intervention and rehabilitation at early and late stage recovery.
- Management of paediatric and adult clients with voice disorders. This will involve the use and interpretation of nasendoscopy and videostroboscopy procedures and objective assessments such as laryngograph and acoustic analysis, and online interpretation in Joint SLT/ENT Voice Clinics.
- Comprehensive management of both communication, voice, stoma care and swallowing in laryngectomy patients.
- Responsibility for the coordination and management of the surgical voice restoration (SVR) service. This involves fitting voice prosthesis, prosthesis care, assisting with surgical placement and leading on management of complex cases.
- To co-ordinate and participate in the weekly multidisciplinary (MDT) H&N meeting and clinics, and in the joint ENT/SLT voice clinics, contributing to decisions regarding diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options and management plans To participate in scoping of voice patients using nasendoscopy as per national, Trust and departmental guidelines.
- To manage complex voice diagnoses arising from psychogenic, respiratory, airway and trans clients.
- To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures and to develop care protocols/packages relating to H&N and voice.
- To attend ward/unit meetings and other clinical meetings as required by Head of Service in relation to H&N / ENT / OMFS and to actively promote and contribute to MDT working, maintaining effective communication and patient-centred focus.
- To lead on the development of objectives or projects relating to clinical specialist areas and to support peers in its implementation.
- To assume delegated tasks as requested by Head of Therapies, including leading working groups, policy development groups within area of clinical expertise, and to advise line manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall, service pressures etc.
- To contribute to and take lead on development of national and local policy relevant to H&N and voice across organisations.
- To develop care protocols/packages relating to specialist area in liaison with Head of Service to improve patient care e.g. development of care pathways.
- Responsibility for the line management of the team and to co-ordinate the development of CPD within team.
- To build links with SLTs and other healthcare professionals working outside the trust.
- To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment such as electrolarynxes and voice prostheses ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained, including equipment loaned to clients.
- To ensure a robust system of data collection liaising with Deputy Head of Service to ensure income reflects staffing provision.
- To input into the development of vision and strategy aims within the SLT service.
- To lead on review of laryngectomy guidelines and training needs within the Trust.
- To work closely with clients, carers and families, agreeing decision making relevant to the patient/client management, and to demonstrate negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations.
- To employ counselling and listening skills when discussing clinical and emotional aspects of client care and to form productive relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties.
- To provide regular training on issues in H&N/ENT and OMFS disorders (including Trust tracheostomy and laryngectomy training) to other SLTs and members of MDTs and to assist with the identification of training needs within teams and Trust as a whole, and to develop the ability to target training (formal and informal) appropriately to the needs of course participants.
- To represent H&N/ENT/OMFS SLT service on key groups such as tracheostomy ward round, AHP Innovations workstreams and CCG working groups.
- To provide mentoring, advice and support (including second opinions) to more junior Speech and Language Therapists, assistants and volunteers, to facilitate the development of others problem solving/negotiation skills within peer review/support and to supervise and appraise less experienced SLTs.
- To provide full student placements, including assessment of the placements as appropriate, provide support to students from other allied health professional groups as appropriate within section/team and to explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists to visitors, students and volunteers.
Please note this list is not exhaustive and more details can be found in the person specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To assess, develop and implement specialist speech and language therapy treatment for H&N, voice, benign ENT/OMFS, airway and thyroid disorders.
- This will include: Assessment, diagnosis and management of complex communication and swallowing problems in the H&N/ENT/OMFS population, involving the use of, and interpretation of videofluoroscopy, air insufflation tests, videolaryngostroboscopy, ILO provocation testing and FEES procedures. To co-ordinate the SLT videofluoroscopy and FEES services for H&N/ENT patients
- Management of patients with tracheostomies, playing a vital role in the weaning process and management of long term tracheostomy in the outpatient setting.
- Management of communication and swallowing problems for H&N patients undergoing radiotherapy including pre-habilitation, on treat intervention and rehabilitation at early and late stage recovery.
- Management of paediatric and adult clients with voice disorders. This will involve the use and interpretation of nasendoscopy and videostroboscopy procedures and objective assessments such as laryngograph and acoustic analysis, and online interpretation in Joint SLT/ENT Voice Clinics.
- Comprehensive management of both communication, voice, stoma care and swallowing in laryngectomy patients.
- Responsibility for the coordination and management of the surgical voice restoration (SVR) service. This involves fitting voice prosthesis, prosthesis care, assisting with surgical placement and leading on management of complex cases.
- To co-ordinate and participate in the weekly multidisciplinary (MDT) H&N meeting and clinics, and in the joint ENT/SLT voice clinics, contributing to decisions regarding diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options and management plans To participate in scoping of voice patients using nasendoscopy as per national, Trust and departmental guidelines.
- To manage complex voice diagnoses arising from psychogenic, respiratory, airway and trans clients.
- To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures and to develop care protocols/packages relating to H&N and voice.
- To attend ward/unit meetings and other clinical meetings as required by Head of Service in relation to H&N / ENT / OMFS and to actively promote and contribute to MDT working, maintaining effective communication and patient-centred focus.
- To lead on the development of objectives or projects relating to clinical specialist areas and to support peers in its implementation.
- To assume delegated tasks as requested by Head of Therapies, including leading working groups, policy development groups within area of clinical expertise, and to advise line manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall, service pressures etc.
- To contribute to and take lead on development of national and local policy relevant to H&N and voice across organisations.
- To develop care protocols/packages relating to specialist area in liaison with Head of Service to improve patient care e.g. development of care pathways.
- Responsibility for the line management of the team and to co-ordinate the development of CPD within team.
- To build links with SLTs and other healthcare professionals working outside the trust.
- To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment such as electrolarynxes and voice prostheses ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained, including equipment loaned to clients.
- To ensure a robust system of data collection liaising with Deputy Head of Service to ensure income reflects staffing provision.
- To input into the development of vision and strategy aims within the SLT service.
- To lead on review of laryngectomy guidelines and training needs within the Trust.
- To work closely with clients, carers and families, agreeing decision making relevant to the patient/client management, and to demonstrate negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations.
- To employ counselling and listening skills when discussing clinical and emotional aspects of client care and to form productive relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties.
- To provide regular training on issues in H&N/ENT and OMFS disorders (including Trust tracheostomy and laryngectomy training) to other SLTs and members of MDTs and to assist with the identification of training needs within teams and Trust as a whole, and to develop the ability to target training (formal and informal) appropriately to the needs of course participants.
- To represent H&N/ENT/OMFS SLT service on key groups such as tracheostomy ward round, AHP Innovations workstreams and CCG working groups.
- To provide mentoring, advice and support (including second opinions) to more junior Speech and Language Therapists, assistants and volunteers, to facilitate the development of others problem solving/negotiation skills within peer review/support and to supervise and appraise less experienced SLTs.
- To provide full student placements, including assessment of the placements as appropriate, provide support to students from other allied health professional groups as appropriate within section/team and to explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists to visitors, students and volunteers.
Please note this list is not exhaustive and more details can be found in the person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent Health Professions Council - Licence to Practice Registered
- Evidence of successful completion of Masters Degree or equivalent short courses related to speciality and specific competency based training
- Post graduate training in surgical voice restoration
Desirable
- Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks e.g. Voice CEN
- Member Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience of working in adult SLT, a significant amount of which should be within H&N/ENT/OMFS
- Extensive experience in the management of head and neck cancer including laryngectomy and complex surgical voice restoration
- Independent use and interpretation of videofluoroscopy, laryngectomy videofluoroscopy and FEES
- Extensive experience in the management of specialist voice areas e.g. psychogenic, respiratory and trans. Independent interpretation of videolaryngostroboscopy and use of nasendoscopy for biofeedback
- Independent management of complex tracheostomy, laryngectomy and airway disorders
- Leading role within relevant Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs) e.g. Voice CEN, H&N CEN
- Recognised resource in the area of H&N/Voice
- Significant contribution to the development of policies and practice in the area of H&N/ENT/OMFS
- Experience of supervising and appraising SLTs
- Experience and involvement in the recruitment process
- Experience and involvement in the training and supervision of SLT students
- Experience working with interpreters and SLT assistants
- Significant experience in multidisciplinary working In -depth knowledge and appreciation of NHS strategy, policies and research ethics
Desirable
- Experience of leading and line managing a team
- Experience in providing training/lecturing in the field of H&N/ENT/OMFS
- Air insufflation competency, experience of provocation testing for upper airway disorders
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of national policies, procedures and current research relevant to Head and Neck Cancer and voice disorders / benign ENT diagnoses
- Knowledge of cultural and linguistic issues in working with a multi-cultural caseload
- Awareness of the principles of clinical governance /audit
- Regional reputation in field of H&N/Voice
- Extensive portfolio and evidence of CPD with identifiable outcomes
- Evidence of presentations at local, regional, national and/or international conferences
- Evidence of application of principles of evidence based practice and research methodology
- Evidence of up to date research in the field of H&N/Voice disorders
- Ability to negotiate and influence as an equal at clinical expert level across the multidisciplinary team and other agencies
- Expert knowledge of current diagnostic and management issues across the multidisciplinary team related to H&N and ENT
- Expert knowledge in H&N/ENT of broad range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions relevant to H&N and voice disorders
- Expert knowledge of range of outcome measures and goal setting
Skills
Essential
- High-level leadership, influencing, negotiation and problem solving skills
- High level of analytical and reflective skills
- Well developed concentration skills
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and to take initiative
- Ability to acknowledge need for, and seek support
- Ability to prioritise workload demands
- Demonstrates ability to be a good team member
- Basic computer literacy skills High level of presentation skills
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent Health Professions Council - Licence to Practice Registered
- Evidence of successful completion of Masters Degree or equivalent short courses related to speciality and specific competency based training
- Post graduate training in surgical voice restoration
Desirable
- Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks e.g. Voice CEN
- Member Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience of working in adult SLT, a significant amount of which should be within H&N/ENT/OMFS
- Extensive experience in the management of head and neck cancer including laryngectomy and complex surgical voice restoration
- Independent use and interpretation of videofluoroscopy, laryngectomy videofluoroscopy and FEES
- Extensive experience in the management of specialist voice areas e.g. psychogenic, respiratory and trans. Independent interpretation of videolaryngostroboscopy and use of nasendoscopy for biofeedback
- Independent management of complex tracheostomy, laryngectomy and airway disorders
- Leading role within relevant Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs) e.g. Voice CEN, H&N CEN
- Recognised resource in the area of H&N/Voice
- Significant contribution to the development of policies and practice in the area of H&N/ENT/OMFS
- Experience of supervising and appraising SLTs
- Experience and involvement in the recruitment process
- Experience and involvement in the training and supervision of SLT students
- Experience working with interpreters and SLT assistants
- Significant experience in multidisciplinary working In -depth knowledge and appreciation of NHS strategy, policies and research ethics
Desirable
- Experience of leading and line managing a team
- Experience in providing training/lecturing in the field of H&N/ENT/OMFS
- Air insufflation competency, experience of provocation testing for upper airway disorders
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of national policies, procedures and current research relevant to Head and Neck Cancer and voice disorders / benign ENT diagnoses
- Knowledge of cultural and linguistic issues in working with a multi-cultural caseload
- Awareness of the principles of clinical governance /audit
- Regional reputation in field of H&N/Voice
- Extensive portfolio and evidence of CPD with identifiable outcomes
- Evidence of presentations at local, regional, national and/or international conferences
- Evidence of application of principles of evidence based practice and research methodology
- Evidence of up to date research in the field of H&N/Voice disorders
- Ability to negotiate and influence as an equal at clinical expert level across the multidisciplinary team and other agencies
- Expert knowledge of current diagnostic and management issues across the multidisciplinary team related to H&N and ENT
- Expert knowledge in H&N/ENT of broad range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions relevant to H&N and voice disorders
- Expert knowledge of range of outcome measures and goal setting
Skills
Essential
- High-level leadership, influencing, negotiation and problem solving skills
- High level of analytical and reflective skills
- Well developed concentration skills
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and to take initiative
- Ability to acknowledge need for, and seek support
- Ability to prioritise workload demands
- Demonstrates ability to be a good team member
- Basic computer literacy skills High level of presentation skills
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).
