Speech and Language Therapist

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To be responsible for the assessment of adults with a learning disability to develop and implement speech and language interventions this will include communication and /or swallowing difficulties (once dysphagia competencies are met).

Work closely with members of the multi-disciplinary community team for learning disabilities as well as being able to work autonomously.

Work closely with service users, carers, families, providers and other services to ensure client needs are met ensuring well-coordinated care planning.

Be able to communicate effectively with service users, carers, families, providers and other services with regard to complex issues arising from assessment.

To use excellent communication skills and be able to adapt to changing circumstances when dealing with daily on-going situations arising from working with services users, families and carers.

To signpost or refer to other services as necessary

To engage in regular supervisions by recognising the need for and accepting clinical support and advice.

Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews.

To deliver training to other clinical staff, carers, families, providers and others as appropriate.

To contribute towards additional team duties as required.

Policy

To be familiar with and comply with all Trust and departmental policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.

Fully participate in any service development plans including specialist pathways and care plans.

To practice in line with HPC and RCSLT professional standards.

Infection Control / Safety

Ensure the care and maintenance of equipment is maintained and infection control and safety is maintained

Information Resources

To maintain case notes and clinical reports in a timely manner.

To effectively work with others, observing data protection guidelines.

Supervise the work of assistants and students

To gather and record activity data accurately and timely in line with local guidelines.

Research and Development

Contribute to the development of SLT assistants and students including supervising their work and contributing to supervisions.

To participate in both Trust audits and clinical audits in line with local services

To be a member of HPC and The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

To take responsibility for ensuring you maintain and update your professional knowledge and skills

To participate in appraisals and IPDR (individual, personal development review) annually with your line supervisor.

This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreed process.

Education / Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification
• Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Health Professions Council Registration

Desirable

• Makaton / Signalong / BSL Qualification
• Post registration dysphagia Qualification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within a relevant specialist area
• Experience of working collaboratively with parents, carers and professionals

Desirable

• Experience of working with adults with swallowing difficulties.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group
• Knowledge of relevant national and local policies, procedures and clinical guidelines (relevant to the client group)
• Knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions (relevant to the client group)
• Understanding of clinical governance and its application to practice
• Understanding of roles of the other professionals (relevant to the client group)
• Knowledge of standards of clinical record keeping
• Good working knowledge of multidisciplinary working

Desirable

• Awareness of the health inequalities agenda for people with learning disabilities

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including observation, listening and empathy
• Negotiation and problem solving skills
• Good analytical and reflective skills
• Well-developed concentration skills
• Good presentation skills both verbal and written
• Good planning and organisational skills
• Prioritisation skills and caseload management skills
• Able to work as part of a team

Work Related Circumstances

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including observation, listening and empathy.
• Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
• Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust's Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
• Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure.

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).