Apprentice Speech & Language Therapist

Job description

Job responsibilities

The trainee will, over the course of the 4 year programme, develop skills in:

CLINICAL

With support manage and prioritise a defined caseload and work with an appropriate degree of autonomy and independence, with adults across hospital wards, within outpatient settings, care homes and patients own homes.

Identifying, assessing and diagnosing communication, voice, fluency and swallowing impairments and select appropriate types of therapy for effective treatment

Delivering speech and language therapy input to adults with a range of impairments including; speech, language and swallowing disorders. You will have exposure to a range of clinical diagnosis including; head and neck cancers, acquired neurological conditions, progressive disease and care of the elderly.

Managing and prioritising a defined caseload and work with an appropriate degree of autonomy and independence

Identify, develop and implement speech and language therapy approaches as appropriate.

Developing a differential diagnosis on the basis of evidence from assessment, and design appropriate input based on analysis of assessment findings, seeking advice as appropriate

Demonstrating clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures

Demonstrating awareness of scope of practice with regular support and supervision from a senior therapist and ability to seek clarification and report back to senior therapists as required.

The consideration and use of objective assessments to add to bedside assessments, e.g. videofluoroscopy, in discussion with senior colleagues

Recognising signs of a deteriorating patient, and being aware of appropriate procedures to follow should this occur

Providing advice and support to patients, carers and other MDT members through quality of life issues regarding eating and drinking risks, with regular support and supervision from a senior therapist

Advice and support patients and carers with a range of impairments. As part of this you will be involved in MDTs within and outside of the hospital setting. You will have access to supervision and support for complex cases.

Organisational and Managerial

Adhering to and complying with service and team plans and policies, including:

- Ensuring understanding and adherence to Trust health and safety requirements, including attendance on mandatory training courses. To have regard to moving and handling regulations, restraining policies and the safe positioning of self and others

- Working within infection control and health and safety guidelines and being responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment, including equipment loaned to clients

- Participation in the Trust incident reporting and risk management procedures

To participate and comment on proposed service/policy developments as appropriate

Demonstrating knowledge of, and adhere to RCSLT Professional and Clinical and National and Local Clinical Guidelines

Developing a working knowledge of relevant procedures/statutory requirements including: Safeguarding Children, Working with Vulnerable Adults and other legal frameworks

Participation in the implementation of service/Trust Clinical Governance Plan

Education & Training

Developing own clinical skills and professional knowledge through experience, training and supervision.

Supporting in the development and delivery of training to others.

Quality and Effectiveness

The trainee will be aware of, adhere to and implement service and team plans and policies, including:

-Maintaining up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local Trust policies.

-Providing activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly within Trust guidelines

Sharing information with others, observing data protection guidelines

Participating as necessary in activities related to research, clinical governance, clinical audit and service based projects.

Supporting the collection of research data as required

Professional

Uphold clinical workplace commitments alongside requirements for academic study, including attendance of quarterly progress review meetings and completing all necessary work within set deadlines.

Participating in the department appraisal scheme and being responsible for complying with agreed Personal Development Plans to meet knowledge and competencies.

Evidencing personal/professional development through the use of Personal Development Plans/ Portfolio as deemed appropriate by the HEI.

Participating in reflective clinical supervision with peers/clinical supervisor in order to develop and enhance practice

Contributing towards the supervision of new assistants, students and volunteers upon completion of apprenticeship.

Contributing to the promotion of the role of Speech & Language Therapists to visitors, students, volunteers and other professionals e.g. at Careers Events.

Participating in and contributing to the organising and delivery of the departments CPD programme in collaboration with others.

To be able to respond to feedback (constructive or positive), from patients, carers and professionals. Responds appropriately, within scope of practice, and escalates/seeks support from senior colleagues as indicated.

Communication

Collaborative working and liaison over clinical matters with a wide range of professions across a variety of locations and agencies with support as appropriate

Attending and reporting to case conferences/review meetings etc. for patients on the caseload, with support as requested for situations where conflict management/negotiation may be required

Presenting and communicating complex condition-related information in such a manner as to motivate and inform patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, agreeing decision-making relevant to patient management

Attending and participating in professional meetings and other relevant meetings

Establishing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships with other staff which are characterised by open communication, trust and respect

Planning, organising and prioritising own workload, clinical and non-clinical

Developing clear care plans based on best practice

Providing advice including written reports to others regarding the management and care of patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.

Contributing to clinical teams both multi-disciplinary and uni-disciplinary by discussing own and others input around patients needs, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan

The Trainee will;

Autonomously manage time and complete learning activities and assessments set by mentor and lecturers for the speech and language therapy apprenticeship.

Conduct clinical assessment / treatment with respect to individual patients dignity, privacy and cultural needs at all times.

Remain flexible and respond to changing situations and priorities within the area and department.

Ensure that all patient records are filed accurately in the correct location in a timely manner.

Maintain up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate patient statistics in accordance with department, Trust, HCPC and RCSLT guidance.

Work within Trust-wide clinical guidelines, policies and procedures and also those locally agreed within the Therapies Department. Adhere to the RCSLT / HCPC professional standards and guidelines.

Attend university teaching activities weekly, engaging in course content and completing set workload.

Attend allocated practice placements agreed with the Trust and university and complete all associated learning required

Proactively liaise with and arrange supervision sessions with apprenticeship mentor/supervisor.

Attend all agreed Trust mandatory training sessions at least annually and keep up-to date with E Learning in accordance with the Trusts training and appraisal policies.

Work within the bounds of own competencies and recognise limitations

Grades A-C/4-9 in minimum three GCSES including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2).

and

Three A-levels grade ABB or an equivalent level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC graded DDD in a health and care or science related subject.

Other qualifications accepted for consideration:

Access to Higher Education diploma in relevant subject with 45 credits at level 3, 36 at distinction, 9 at merit

Other equivalent Level 3 qualifications may be accepted

English Language Requirements:

GCSE Level 4 or above or

IELTS grade 8.0 with a minimum of 7.5 per component Or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Grades A-C/4-9 in minimum three GCSES including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2). and oThree A-levels grade ABB or an equivalent level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC graded DDD in a health and care or science related subject.
• Grades A-C/4-9 in minimum three GCSES including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2). and oThree A-levels grade ABB or an equivalent level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC graded DDD in a health and care or science related subject. Other qualifications accepted for consideration: Access to Higher Education diploma in relevant subject with 45 credits at level 3, 36 at distinction, 9 at merit Other equivalent Level 3 qualifications may be accepted
• English Language Requirements: oGCSE Level 4 or above or IELTS grade 8.0 with a minimum of 7.5 per component Or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Desirable

• The Care Certificate
• Healthcare related training

Experience

Essential

• Experience working as part of a team
• Experience related to healthcare
• Experience of informal teaching

Desirable

• Knowledge of speech and language therapy assessments
• Knowledge of speech and language therapy management / therapy
• Knowledge of speech and language therapy policies and guidelines

Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding of the role of a speech and language therapist
• Understanding of the different clinical settings in which speech and language therapists work
• Understanding of how speech and language therapists work as part of the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT)

Desirable

• Knowledge of speech and language therapy assessments
• Knowledge of speech and language therapy management / therapy
• Knowledge of speech and language therapy policies and guidelines

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton & Dunstable Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)