Speech and Language Therapist

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

The closing date is 05 March 2025

Job summary

37.5 hours per week

We are seeking a confident, motivated, and enthusiastic B7 highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist. To provide specialist communication and eating, drinking and swallowing assessment and intervention to adults with a learning disability.

You would be based within our Advanced Learning Disability Specialist (ALDS) Team in Wakefield. Working to support SLT colleagues manage caseloads across the trusts 4 community LD health teams: Wakefield, Barnsley, Kirklees and Calderdale.

In this post you will work clinically in various health, social care and community settings. Working closely with other health professions from our LD health teams, social care and independent providers.

We are passionate about providing a high-quality service delivering positive outcomes for people with learning disabilities. To enable our staff to achieve this, you will be supported to progress and achieve your potential, through clinical and leadership CPD opportunities. In conjunction with robust management and clinical supervision and regular team meetings. We also support and encourage research.

We are open to either a part-time or full-time working.

We are committed to prioritising work-life balance and well-being and offer a Flexible Working policy.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK,depending on contractual hours agreed.

Main duties of the job

You will be a highly motivated and conscientious individual, who has the desire to work creatively with people with learning disabilities.

We are looking for a dynamic person to join our current ALDS team to provide the highest standards of safe and compassionate planned care to clients to maximise their independence and unlock their full potential.

The post holder will be a senior therapist within the ALDS team and will provide senior support to Speech and Language therapists in all localities providing support and advice and where required direct input into complex and high risk cases.

You will also provide specialist speech and language therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of care from community services. Enabling service users to engage in a range of individual and group community based treatment activities. You will be actively involved in the promotion of Speech and Language therapy within the service area.

The post holder will be required to work flexibly across all four localities and will contribute to the leadership and development of the Specialist Learning Disability Health Team in accordance within local and national guidance.

The postholder will be a source of expertise around communication and dysphagia and provide support and advice to others.

Please contact:

Komal Shires, Speech and Language Therapist Professional Lead komal.shires@swyt.nhs.uk 07917283602 or Jackie Shakespeare, ALDS team manager Jackie.Shakespeare@swyt.nhs.uk 07833293314

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Date posted

06 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-W1239

Job locations

Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

WF1 3SP


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be a senior therapist within community multi-disciplinary team, based in the identified locality they will also provide senior support to Speech and Language therapists in other localities providing support and advice and where required direct input into complex and high risk cases.

You will also provide specialist speech and language therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of care from community services. Enabling service users to engage in a range of individual and group community based treatment activities. You will be actively involved in the promotion of Speech and Language therapy within the service area. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the client group.

The post holder will contribute to the leadership and development of the Specialist Learning Disability Health Team in accordance within local and national guidance.

The postholder will be a source of expertise around communication and dysphagia and provide support and advice to others.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Clinical

The post-holder independently assesses, diagnoses and manages the communication and/or swallowing needs of clients, in particular those with the most complex difficulties, to maximise appropriate health and social benefits. It will also include the management of clients for whom English is not the first spoken language.

The post holder will formulate and deliver individual treatment programmes based on specialist knowledge for differential diagnosis for communication and dysphagia, (evidence based practise, national and local guidelines using profession specific clinical skills and techniques. (eg standardised assessments, AAC, group and individual work)

The post-holder provides both direct and indirect intervention, consultation, advice and support informed by evidence based practice working within a multi-disciplinary model in order to ensure that the inter-agency needs of clients are met.

The post-holder undertakes advisory work, second opinions and provides peer review and advice within his/her area of expertise to support and develop the clinical skills of other staff.

In conjunction with other band 7 SLT the post- holder provides clinical supervision for other SLT posts working cross localities and this includes where appropriate providing direct input into complex cases

The post-holder liaises both orally and in writing with any significant others involved in the management of the client, within and outside the NHS, to ensure the clients needs are met effectively and efficiently.

The post-holder contributes to discussion in a multi-disciplinary forum where speech and language therapy recommendations may conflict with medical/other opinion. This is in order to facilitate quality of life and best interest decisions.

The post-holder is responsible for managing his/her own caseload, including clinical administration and appointments, in order to meet access criteria and ensure a cost-effective, quality service.

The post-holder has autonomous responsibility for maintaining accurate and contemporaneous (within 24 hours) client records, in order to ensure compliance with departmental, professional and legal requirements.

The post-holder is expected to work occasionally with clients with challenging behaviour independently and work alone in the community conducting the appropriate risk assessments as required.

Service Development

The post-holder is aware of current local and national priorities, which may impact upon service delivery and contributes to the development of strategies for meeting needs..

The post-holder takes part in clinical research opportunities and/or leads or collaborates on the writing of articles and publications relevant to their specialist field.

Clinical Governance

The post-holder adheres to the standards in place within the BDU under the pillars of clinical governance, including audit, evaluation and the identification and management of risk in any environment (clinical and non-clinical).

The post-holder is subject to annual appraisal and regular supervision.

The post-holder is expected to provide clinical supervision for a range of less experienced staff, including assistants, newly qualified therapists and others as appropriate.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be a senior therapist within community multi-disciplinary team, based in the identified locality they will also provide senior support to Speech and Language therapists in other localities providing support and advice and where required direct input into complex and high risk cases.

You will also provide specialist speech and language therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of care from community services. Enabling service users to engage in a range of individual and group community based treatment activities. You will be actively involved in the promotion of Speech and Language therapy within the service area. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the client group.

The post holder will contribute to the leadership and development of the Specialist Learning Disability Health Team in accordance within local and national guidance.

The postholder will be a source of expertise around communication and dysphagia and provide support and advice to others.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Clinical

The post-holder independently assesses, diagnoses and manages the communication and/or swallowing needs of clients, in particular those with the most complex difficulties, to maximise appropriate health and social benefits. It will also include the management of clients for whom English is not the first spoken language.

The post holder will formulate and deliver individual treatment programmes based on specialist knowledge for differential diagnosis for communication and dysphagia, (evidence based practise, national and local guidelines using profession specific clinical skills and techniques. (eg standardised assessments, AAC, group and individual work)

The post-holder provides both direct and indirect intervention, consultation, advice and support informed by evidence based practice working within a multi-disciplinary model in order to ensure that the inter-agency needs of clients are met.

The post-holder undertakes advisory work, second opinions and provides peer review and advice within his/her area of expertise to support and develop the clinical skills of other staff.

In conjunction with other band 7 SLT the post- holder provides clinical supervision for other SLT posts working cross localities and this includes where appropriate providing direct input into complex cases

The post-holder liaises both orally and in writing with any significant others involved in the management of the client, within and outside the NHS, to ensure the clients needs are met effectively and efficiently.

The post-holder contributes to discussion in a multi-disciplinary forum where speech and language therapy recommendations may conflict with medical/other opinion. This is in order to facilitate quality of life and best interest decisions.

The post-holder is responsible for managing his/her own caseload, including clinical administration and appointments, in order to meet access criteria and ensure a cost-effective, quality service.

The post-holder has autonomous responsibility for maintaining accurate and contemporaneous (within 24 hours) client records, in order to ensure compliance with departmental, professional and legal requirements.

The post-holder is expected to work occasionally with clients with challenging behaviour independently and work alone in the community conducting the appropriate risk assessments as required.

Service Development

The post-holder is aware of current local and national priorities, which may impact upon service delivery and contributes to the development of strategies for meeting needs..

The post-holder takes part in clinical research opportunities and/or leads or collaborates on the writing of articles and publications relevant to their specialist field.

Clinical Governance

The post-holder adheres to the standards in place within the BDU under the pillars of clinical governance, including audit, evaluation and the identification and management of risk in any environment (clinical and non-clinical).

The post-holder is subject to annual appraisal and regular supervision.

The post-holder is expected to provide clinical supervision for a range of less experienced staff, including assistants, newly qualified therapists and others as appropriate.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

Person Specification

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.
  • A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Experience

Essential

  • Management and leadership experience.
  • Significant experience as a Band 6/7 therapist in a Learning Disabilities or related clinical field.
  • Significant experience of multidisciplinary working including development of effective networks/partnerships.
  • Active participation in audit, service evaluation and research in relevant clinical field.

Desirable

  • Experience of practice in a range of relevant Adult Learning Disabilities settings.
  • Supervision of clinicians undertaking post-graduation dysphagia training supervised experience.
  • Experience of supervision, appraisal and development of therapy staff and students.

Special Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Evidence of a high standard of performance in a range of clinical skills, promoting clinical excellence.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Commitment to improving the experience of service users and their cares.
  • Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own performance
  • Ability to work under pressure and set priorities.
  • Specialist knowledge and application of current best practice in speech and language therapy and adults with learning disabilities.
  • Up to date knowledge of NHS modernisation issues and implications for speech and language therapy and wider services.

Desirable

  • Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
  • Able to demonstrate evidence based practice.

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Leadership skills.
  • Good timekeeper.
  • Maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times.

Desirable

  • Show creativity in working to meet the needs of people with a learning disability.
  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or relevant equivalent overseas qualification.
  • HCPC registration.
  • Post-basic dysphagia training.
  • Postgraduate qualification relevant to post or relevant level clinical experience.
  • Postgraduate qualification to Masters Level or equivalent in a field related to Speech and Language Therapy and Learning Disabilities.

Desirable

  • Leadership training.
  • Advanced level dysphagia training (masters level).
  • RCSLT License to Practice.

Training

Essential

  • To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise.
  • Documented evidence of continuing practice and professional development.
  • Evidence of self-directed learning.

Desirable

  • Leadership training.
  • Advanced level dysphagia training (masters level).
Person Specification

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.
  • A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Experience

Essential

  • Management and leadership experience.
  • Significant experience as a Band 6/7 therapist in a Learning Disabilities or related clinical field.
  • Significant experience of multidisciplinary working including development of effective networks/partnerships.
  • Active participation in audit, service evaluation and research in relevant clinical field.

Desirable

  • Experience of practice in a range of relevant Adult Learning Disabilities settings.
  • Supervision of clinicians undertaking post-graduation dysphagia training supervised experience.
  • Experience of supervision, appraisal and development of therapy staff and students.

Special Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Evidence of a high standard of performance in a range of clinical skills, promoting clinical excellence.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Commitment to improving the experience of service users and their cares.
  • Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own performance
  • Ability to work under pressure and set priorities.
  • Specialist knowledge and application of current best practice in speech and language therapy and adults with learning disabilities.
  • Up to date knowledge of NHS modernisation issues and implications for speech and language therapy and wider services.

Desirable

  • Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
  • Able to demonstrate evidence based practice.

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Leadership skills.
  • Good timekeeper.
  • Maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times.

Desirable

  • Show creativity in working to meet the needs of people with a learning disability.
  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or relevant equivalent overseas qualification.
  • HCPC registration.
  • Post-basic dysphagia training.
  • Postgraduate qualification relevant to post or relevant level clinical experience.
  • Postgraduate qualification to Masters Level or equivalent in a field related to Speech and Language Therapy and Learning Disabilities.

Desirable

  • Leadership training.
  • Advanced level dysphagia training (masters level).
  • RCSLT License to Practice.

Training

Essential

  • To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise.
  • Documented evidence of continuing practice and professional development.
  • Evidence of self-directed learning.

Desirable

  • Leadership training.
  • Advanced level dysphagia training (masters level).

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).

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.

UK Registration

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

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

WF1 3SP


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

WF1 3SP


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Jackie Shakespeare

jackie.shakespeare@swyt.nhs.uk

07833293314

Date posted

06 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-W1239

Job locations

Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

WF1 3SP


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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