Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and innovative forward thinking Speech and Language Therapist to lead the further development of the Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapy service both in community and inpatient settings.
This post is a part time 0.5 wte (18.75 hours) per week post
The successful candidate will lead the development of the Speech and Language Therapy team for our new regional learning disability and autism unit which is due to open in June 2025. This state of the art facility will deliver high quality mental health services to adults with a learning disability and/ or autistic adults.
Due to the large geographical area of work suitable access to transport will be required.
Interview date is scheduled for Monday 4th December 2023
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be a member of the senior management team for the learning disability service and contribute to ongoing service developments, provide leadership and clinical support to speech and language therapists and the wider multidisciplinary team in partnership with colleagues.
The successfull candidate will also have
significant experience and be highly skilled in the management of a specialist
caseload of adults with severe and complex learning disabilities who have
additional health needs in a variety of settings.The post
holder will be skilled at utilising specialist evidence based assessment and
outcome measurement.
For an informal discussion about this post please contact Delia Wainwright, delia.wainwright@nhs.net, 07989548825
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
To provide operational and strategic management plus professional leadership for the Learning Disability Health Service by:
1. Leading the planning, development, delivery and review of Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapy health services within Intensive Assessment and Treatment Teams, the current Additional Support Unit and then the new regional Learning Disability and Autism 10 bedded inpatient unit.
2. Providing professional leadership and management support to Speech and Language Therapy staff or others in conjunction with Clinical Team Leads as required
3. Managing a very limited highly complex caseload
4. Working within the learning disability senior management team to promote clinical effectiveness, develop and implement national health initiatives and plan, develop and review services accordingly
Duties and Responsibilities
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
- Ensure effective communication with the Speech and Language Therapy team, colleagues and other agencies at all levels
- Deal sensitively with highly complex, emotional and sensitive information from people with a learning disability, their carers, staff groups and other stakeholders, using a variety of communication tools as required
- Establish and participate in communication networks to promote collaborative working, effective performance and delivery of services to adults with learning disabilities
- Demonstrate highly developed written, verbal and presentation skills
- Relay key messages between the learning disability senior management team and a range of professionals within the learning disability service, the wider Trust and external agencies
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Assess and problem solve on a range of highly complex clinical, service delivery, development and clinical governance issues
- Practice effective time management skills to respond to competing priorities effectively
- Reflect and critically appraise own and others performance to drive quality service performance and delivery
Planning and Organisational Skills
- Participate in strategic and operational planning and service delivery within the learning disability service and contribute to that of Devon Partnership NHS Trust as required
- Work as part of the senior management team to plan, manage and sustain an effective work force within the Speech and Language therapy service and the wider learning disability service
- Champion health equality for people with a learning disability and the contribution of Speech and Language Therapy to support effective use of health resources
- Ensure full participation in Devon Partnership NHS Trust Speech and Language Therapy meetings
- Organise and convene meetings and groups to plan, implement and sustain service developments and quality
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
- Be assured that Speech and Language Therapy interventions follow best practice, locally agreed pathways and are evidenced based
- Apply highly specialist knowledge and skills to ensure the needs of those with challenging behaviour/distress and profound and complex needs are met
- Contribute to/lead relevant service user planning and review meetings
- Ensure records are completed according to DPT policy and protocol
- Be assured that Speech and Language Therapy practice is undertaken according to standards set out by the Health Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Ensure the patient voice is heard in therapy interventions and service delivery
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
- Lead on projects and initiatives within learning disability services and Devon Partnership NHS Trust
- Understand and implement national policy, guidance and local developments to support delivery of services in line with local service priorities and finance
- Support the continuing professional development needs of Speech and Language Therapy staff according to clinical and business priorities and professional standards
- Ensure Speech and Language Therapy student practice placements within learning disability services are coordinated and monitored
- Ensure access to appropriate professional and managerial supervision and continuing professional development for self and Speech and Language Therapy staff , extending knowledge and skills of practice
- Ensure the implementation of Devon Partnership NHS Trust clinical and non-clinical policies
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
- Manage the efficient administration of clinical resources for the learning disability Speech and Language Therapy service according to allocated funds
- Act as designated signatory for budgets as requested by managers
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- Provide professional and where agreed, management supervision of Speech and Language Therapy staff including contributing to appraisals
- Represent the Speech and Language Therapy service promoting equitable and consistent delivery of services across the learning disability service
- Facilitate cohesion, shared practice, mutual support and job satisfaction across the Speech and Language Therapy service
- Provide specialist professional advice at a senior level within learning disability services
- Promote, pursue and monitor evidence based clinically effective, well governed Speech and Language Therapy practice
- As a senior manager investigate and lead new ways of working to deliver performance and financial efficiencies and support staff to make changes to working practice as appropriate
- Support a culture of continual learning, shared practice and job satisfaction for self and the wider staff group
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Ensure high standards of record keeping are delivered through supporting audit and quality improvement programmes
- Ensure Speech and Language Therapy service compliance with Devon Partnership NHS Trust policy regarding information governance
- Produce reports as necessary
Responsibility for Research and Development
- To promote and develop evidence based practice
- Coordinate research, development and audit activity within the learning disability Speech and Language Therapy service
- Contribute towards learning disability governance projects
Freedom to Act
- Interpret and work within a wide range of codes of practice and professional/national guidance informing learning disability service provision
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
Review of this Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing service needs. This job description is to be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder on an annual basis.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
To provide operational and strategic management plus professional leadership for the Learning Disability Health Service by:
1. Leading the planning, development, delivery and review of Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapy health services within Intensive Assessment and Treatment Teams, the current Additional Support Unit and then the new regional Learning Disability and Autism 10 bedded inpatient unit.
2. Providing professional leadership and management support to Speech and Language Therapy staff or others in conjunction with Clinical Team Leads as required
3. Managing a very limited highly complex caseload
4. Working within the learning disability senior management team to promote clinical effectiveness, develop and implement national health initiatives and plan, develop and review services accordingly
Duties and Responsibilities
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
- Ensure effective communication with the Speech and Language Therapy team, colleagues and other agencies at all levels
- Deal sensitively with highly complex, emotional and sensitive information from people with a learning disability, their carers, staff groups and other stakeholders, using a variety of communication tools as required
- Establish and participate in communication networks to promote collaborative working, effective performance and delivery of services to adults with learning disabilities
- Demonstrate highly developed written, verbal and presentation skills
- Relay key messages between the learning disability senior management team and a range of professionals within the learning disability service, the wider Trust and external agencies
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Assess and problem solve on a range of highly complex clinical, service delivery, development and clinical governance issues
- Practice effective time management skills to respond to competing priorities effectively
- Reflect and critically appraise own and others performance to drive quality service performance and delivery
Planning and Organisational Skills
- Participate in strategic and operational planning and service delivery within the learning disability service and contribute to that of Devon Partnership NHS Trust as required
- Work as part of the senior management team to plan, manage and sustain an effective work force within the Speech and Language therapy service and the wider learning disability service
- Champion health equality for people with a learning disability and the contribution of Speech and Language Therapy to support effective use of health resources
- Ensure full participation in Devon Partnership NHS Trust Speech and Language Therapy meetings
- Organise and convene meetings and groups to plan, implement and sustain service developments and quality
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
- Be assured that Speech and Language Therapy interventions follow best practice, locally agreed pathways and are evidenced based
- Apply highly specialist knowledge and skills to ensure the needs of those with challenging behaviour/distress and profound and complex needs are met
- Contribute to/lead relevant service user planning and review meetings
- Ensure records are completed according to DPT policy and protocol
- Be assured that Speech and Language Therapy practice is undertaken according to standards set out by the Health Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Ensure the patient voice is heard in therapy interventions and service delivery
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
- Lead on projects and initiatives within learning disability services and Devon Partnership NHS Trust
- Understand and implement national policy, guidance and local developments to support delivery of services in line with local service priorities and finance
- Support the continuing professional development needs of Speech and Language Therapy staff according to clinical and business priorities and professional standards
- Ensure Speech and Language Therapy student practice placements within learning disability services are coordinated and monitored
- Ensure access to appropriate professional and managerial supervision and continuing professional development for self and Speech and Language Therapy staff , extending knowledge and skills of practice
- Ensure the implementation of Devon Partnership NHS Trust clinical and non-clinical policies
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
- Manage the efficient administration of clinical resources for the learning disability Speech and Language Therapy service according to allocated funds
- Act as designated signatory for budgets as requested by managers
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- Provide professional and where agreed, management supervision of Speech and Language Therapy staff including contributing to appraisals
- Represent the Speech and Language Therapy service promoting equitable and consistent delivery of services across the learning disability service
- Facilitate cohesion, shared practice, mutual support and job satisfaction across the Speech and Language Therapy service
- Provide specialist professional advice at a senior level within learning disability services
- Promote, pursue and monitor evidence based clinically effective, well governed Speech and Language Therapy practice
- As a senior manager investigate and lead new ways of working to deliver performance and financial efficiencies and support staff to make changes to working practice as appropriate
- Support a culture of continual learning, shared practice and job satisfaction for self and the wider staff group
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Ensure high standards of record keeping are delivered through supporting audit and quality improvement programmes
- Ensure Speech and Language Therapy service compliance with Devon Partnership NHS Trust policy regarding information governance
- Produce reports as necessary
Responsibility for Research and Development
- To promote and develop evidence based practice
- Coordinate research, development and audit activity within the learning disability Speech and Language Therapy service
- Contribute towards learning disability governance projects
Freedom to Act
- Interpret and work within a wide range of codes of practice and professional/national guidance informing learning disability service provision
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
Review of this Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing service needs. This job description is to be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder on an annual basis.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Speech and Language Therapy
- Health and Care Professions Council registration
- Practice Educator /post graduate training in clinical supervision
- Qualifications/post graduate training in specialist assessment and treatment approaches for people with a learning disability
- Qualifications/post graduate training in dysphagia
- Formal study/qualification at Masters level or equivalent
- Evidence of continued professional development
- IT Skills including multimedia and smart technology
Desirable
- Practice Educator /post graduate training in clinical supervision
- Management or leadership qualification/training
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualification practice in learning disability service provision Highly developed skills in clinical assessment, intervention and evaluation for both communication and dysphagia
- Previous professional and management leadership roles
- Experience of working with clients and colleagues in highly stressful situations
- Experience of working on communication difficulties for people with learning disability
- Experience of working on eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties for people with learning disability
- Experience of person centred working, Positive Behavioural Support and trauma informed approaches
- SLT student practice education
- Experience of alternative & augmentative communication
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Speech and Language Therapy
- Health and Care Professions Council registration
- Practice Educator /post graduate training in clinical supervision
- Qualifications/post graduate training in specialist assessment and treatment approaches for people with a learning disability
- Qualifications/post graduate training in dysphagia
- Formal study/qualification at Masters level or equivalent
- Evidence of continued professional development
- IT Skills including multimedia and smart technology
Desirable
- Practice Educator /post graduate training in clinical supervision
- Management or leadership qualification/training
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualification practice in learning disability service provision Highly developed skills in clinical assessment, intervention and evaluation for both communication and dysphagia
- Previous professional and management leadership roles
- Experience of working with clients and colleagues in highly stressful situations
- Experience of working on communication difficulties for people with learning disability
- Experience of working on eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties for people with learning disability
- Experience of person centred working, Positive Behavioural Support and trauma informed approaches
- SLT student practice education
- Experience of alternative & augmentative communication
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).
