Speech and Language Therapist
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 07 May 2025
Job summary
We are looking to recruit a passionate and dedicated band 6, Speech and Language Therapist to work as part of the Halton Speech and Language Therapy Team. The post holder will be a specialist SLT within this field and carry a caseload in this area as well as contribute to wider caseload and service management.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to :
Provide specialist opinions on assessment, diagnosis and clinical management (in this field) within the trust and will assume responsibility for particularly difficult/complex cases, offering support to developing and more junior therapists.
Contribute to teaching/training, research and audit where service needs are identified and capacity allows.
Adhere to departmental guidelines around clinical governance and clinical supervision when developing services/ renewing policies.
Lead on the policy development within specialist field.
Provide leadership and support the planning of professional development within the integrated community services.
Work in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and senior management to support patients receive care at home and prevent hospital admission for residents.
About us
Flexible working will be considered for all roles.
Unfortunately, we do not hold a sponsor licence for working Visas.
At Bridgewater, our PEOPLE values shape how we deliver our NHS services in your local community.
They help us deliver our mission to improve local health and promote wellbeing in the communities we serve.
After all, values are about people and they were created in partnership with our staff to reflect what they felt was important to them
Here at Bridgewater our shared values flow through the organisation.
P- Person-centred-We are passionate about individual needs and promote independence in the healthcare we provide..
E- Empowered- We empower our people and encourage new ideas to deliver and create improvements in community care.
O- Open and Honest -We behave in a way that develops relationships based on trust, openness, honesty and respect.
P- Professional-We support our people, so everyone has the right skills and training to deliver outstanding patient care.
L- Locally Lead -We are always learning about our communities and show great pride in being a local provider of health and care.
E- Efficient -We use our resources wisely to provide sustainable and value for money healthcare for our patients.
Date posted
30 April 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£37,338 to £44,962 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9835-HA24-175a
Job locations
Lister Road
Astmoor
Runcorn
WA7 1TW
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Department delivers services to:
Specialist community and sub-acute adult caseload including adults with acquired dysphagia and/or communication impairment (acquired neurological disorders and other aetiologies)
Voice caseload including specialist input into a bi-monthly Joint Voice Clinic.
The post holder will predominantly deliver services to the Halton population.
The post holder will provide services to adult clients in the community, as follows:
Provide Specialist Speech and Language assessment, intervention, advice and training to adults, their carers and other professionals and agencies involved with the person.
Be responsible for the prioritisation and independent management of a clinical caseload.
Provide specialist clinical support and advice to other therapists
Work as part of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to development and evaluation of the services provided
Provide clinical education to SLT students from local Universities
Have a responsibility for CPD and to support and deliver their work in line with best practice
Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical
To complete detailed assessments using knowledge of specific assessment tools relevant to the client group, differentially diagnose, develop care plans and identify goals appropriate to knowledge of prognosis, and plan, implement and evaluate detailed programmes of specialist SLT treatment for the designated caseloads.
To ensure that clients, families and other carers are involved in the planning and prioritisation of care plans.
To use specialist clinical knowledge to inform sound clinical judgement and decision making for case management.
To prioritise the caseload following departmental procedure.
To support, supervise and enhance SLTA and volunteer work within the department
To carry a clinical caseload within the defined clinical settings comprising: adults with acquired neurological disorders and dementia resulting in a diverse range of communication disorders and/or dysphagia
To provide a flexible and person-centred service to these client groups
To deliver therapy on a 1:1, group and programme/care plan basis.
To use a range of approaches to meet the needs of individuals, including reflecting on global aspects of a client/carer communication and adapting the environment to enhance communication,
To adapt practice to meet individual circumstances, including cultural and linguistic differences.
To use a consultative model of delivery to enable non-SLT staff/carers to carry out therapy programmes and support communication in a range of settings.
To work collaboratively with carers to promote the use of strategies/activities in order to facilitate language learning and communication skills.
To provide advice to carers/other professionals and other SLTs on complex speech, language and communication difficulties.
To write reports reflecting specialist knowledge.
To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures.
To be responsible for continuing developing knowledge and competence in the ability to apply a range of approaches within intervention / therapy.
To make discharge decisions involving clients following departmental procedures.
Communication / Liaison
To communicate a clients diagnosis e.g. dysphasia / dysarthria to professionals, carers and clients.
To ensure consent of the client; carers, and other professionals is gained, ensuring that their understanding is complete. To take into account the emotional psychological and / or physical conditions / presentations and implications.
To ensure the involvement and motivation of a communication impaired client in understanding and participating in the assessment, diagnosis, intervention and therapy process.
In liaison with clients, to use relevant supportive communicative skills such as using pictures, signs, gestures, AAC technology and simplified language appropriate to the clients needs.
To participate in team meetings as appropriate.
To liaise regarding specific clients and client groups and work jointly with other members of the multi-disciplinary team
To provide up-to-date advice and information to the multi-disciplinary team, family and carers, regarding specific clients communication needs and what strategies are advised to enable effective communication.
To work closely with clients, carers and families in agreeing care plans for the relevant management of the client.
To liaise as appropriate with other members of the SLT team, including peers, managers, assistants and admin & clerical staff intervention and therapy process.
To recognise potential breakdown and conflict across a range of clinical situations for example in nursing homes with nurses and families etc. and seek to resolve it.
To relay complex and sensitive assessment findings to carers and other professionals.
To demonstrate empathy where appropriate
To form productive relationships with others who may be under extreme stress and / or have challenging communication difficulties.
To make onward referrals as appropriate.
To attend and contribute to case conferences, annual reviews and multi-disciplinary team meetings relating to specific clients on the caseload.
To be aware of and access more specialist support relating to individual cases where necessary.
To provide written and verbal advice detailing the needs and recommended future management of clients.
Training
To provide training to other members of the multi-disciplinary team, families, other AHPs, medics, nursing staff and voluntary groups.
To provide training to meet the needs of staff in discussion with others, including voluntary agencies, nursing homes etc.
To provide training to groups of carers where appropriate.
To participate in development and delivery of specialist training to other SLTs.
To provide feedback, pass on ideas and attained skills, and to demonstrate reflective practice to SLT teams and the MDT, following training received.
To attend clinical supervision in line with departmental policy.
To attend relevant training and Special Interest Groups relevant to post holder and service needs.
To attend specialist short courses appropriate to clinical specialism
To provide feedback to highly specialist therapists, peers and non-specialists on specialist post-graduate courses.
To participate in peer review as appropriate and the annual appraisal system.
To participate in the development of local clinical guidelines informed by evidence within clinical specialism.
To supervise the work of volunteers, assistants and students
To actively identify areas of personal and professional development to be included in a PDP (Personal Development Plan)
Professional
The post holder has responsibility to continued professional development and to support and develop their clinical work in line with best practice.
To maintain comprehensive and contemporaneous clinical records in line with national and local standards.
To work on local policies and procedures regarding client group management.
To adhere to National (RCSLT and HCPC) and local standards and guidelines relating to clinical and professional practice.
To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including safeguarding children, working with vulnerable adults and other legal frameworks.
To be aware of and adhere to the current legislation related to the client groups treated.
To be aware of the Trust complaints policy and procedure
Respond sensitively and appropriately to initial complaints.
To inform the Manager immediately of any likely and / or actual complaints.
To keep up to date with current trends, literature, research as appropriate
To demonstrate specialist knowledge in clinical specialism underpinned by current evidence based practice
To adhere to Trust policies re: health and safety, security including data protection, infection control, child protection and risk assessment.
To maintain HCPC and RCSLT registration
To inform Manager of any difficulties in ability to maintain or achieve departmental or professional standards.
To be accountable for own professional actions and recognise professional boundaries seeking advice as appropriate.
To work independently, accessing appraisal within the KSF/PDR framework at determined intervals
To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers and mentors and identify own strengths and development needs.
Service Development
To work within a multi-agency team across all settings e.g. nursing homes, individuals homes, day units.
To be aware of and adhere to service and team plans and policies.
To take part in departmental service development and inform policy developments as appropriate.
To initiate policy development in specialist areas.
To input into the business planning process and local delivery plan as appropriate.
Service Development
To work within a multi-agency team across all settings e.g. nursing homes, individuals homes, day units.
To be aware of and adhere to service and team plans and policies.
To take part in departmental service development and inform policy developments as appropriate.
To initiate policy development in specialist areas.
To input into the business planning process and local delivery plan as appropriate.
To seek the views of and involve clients and carers in service developments by feeding views back to the appropriate manager
To participate in clinical audit projects and statistical data collection within the SLT department
participate and develop innovation in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical governance/audit projects within the service.
Please see full Job Description attached as a seperate document
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Department delivers services to:
Specialist community and sub-acute adult caseload including adults with acquired dysphagia and/or communication impairment (acquired neurological disorders and other aetiologies)
Voice caseload including specialist input into a bi-monthly Joint Voice Clinic.
The post holder will predominantly deliver services to the Halton population.
The post holder will provide services to adult clients in the community, as follows:
Provide Specialist Speech and Language assessment, intervention, advice and training to adults, their carers and other professionals and agencies involved with the person.
Be responsible for the prioritisation and independent management of a clinical caseload.
Provide specialist clinical support and advice to other therapists
Work as part of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to development and evaluation of the services provided
Provide clinical education to SLT students from local Universities
Have a responsibility for CPD and to support and deliver their work in line with best practice
Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical
To complete detailed assessments using knowledge of specific assessment tools relevant to the client group, differentially diagnose, develop care plans and identify goals appropriate to knowledge of prognosis, and plan, implement and evaluate detailed programmes of specialist SLT treatment for the designated caseloads.
To ensure that clients, families and other carers are involved in the planning and prioritisation of care plans.
To use specialist clinical knowledge to inform sound clinical judgement and decision making for case management.
To prioritise the caseload following departmental procedure.
To support, supervise and enhance SLTA and volunteer work within the department
To carry a clinical caseload within the defined clinical settings comprising: adults with acquired neurological disorders and dementia resulting in a diverse range of communication disorders and/or dysphagia
To provide a flexible and person-centred service to these client groups
To deliver therapy on a 1:1, group and programme/care plan basis.
To use a range of approaches to meet the needs of individuals, including reflecting on global aspects of a client/carer communication and adapting the environment to enhance communication,
To adapt practice to meet individual circumstances, including cultural and linguistic differences.
To use a consultative model of delivery to enable non-SLT staff/carers to carry out therapy programmes and support communication in a range of settings.
To work collaboratively with carers to promote the use of strategies/activities in order to facilitate language learning and communication skills.
To provide advice to carers/other professionals and other SLTs on complex speech, language and communication difficulties.
To write reports reflecting specialist knowledge.
To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures.
To be responsible for continuing developing knowledge and competence in the ability to apply a range of approaches within intervention / therapy.
To make discharge decisions involving clients following departmental procedures.
Communication / Liaison
To communicate a clients diagnosis e.g. dysphasia / dysarthria to professionals, carers and clients.
To ensure consent of the client; carers, and other professionals is gained, ensuring that their understanding is complete. To take into account the emotional psychological and / or physical conditions / presentations and implications.
To ensure the involvement and motivation of a communication impaired client in understanding and participating in the assessment, diagnosis, intervention and therapy process.
In liaison with clients, to use relevant supportive communicative skills such as using pictures, signs, gestures, AAC technology and simplified language appropriate to the clients needs.
To participate in team meetings as appropriate.
To liaise regarding specific clients and client groups and work jointly with other members of the multi-disciplinary team
To provide up-to-date advice and information to the multi-disciplinary team, family and carers, regarding specific clients communication needs and what strategies are advised to enable effective communication.
To work closely with clients, carers and families in agreeing care plans for the relevant management of the client.
To liaise as appropriate with other members of the SLT team, including peers, managers, assistants and admin & clerical staff intervention and therapy process.
To recognise potential breakdown and conflict across a range of clinical situations for example in nursing homes with nurses and families etc. and seek to resolve it.
To relay complex and sensitive assessment findings to carers and other professionals.
To demonstrate empathy where appropriate
To form productive relationships with others who may be under extreme stress and / or have challenging communication difficulties.
To make onward referrals as appropriate.
To attend and contribute to case conferences, annual reviews and multi-disciplinary team meetings relating to specific clients on the caseload.
To be aware of and access more specialist support relating to individual cases where necessary.
To provide written and verbal advice detailing the needs and recommended future management of clients.
Training
To provide training to other members of the multi-disciplinary team, families, other AHPs, medics, nursing staff and voluntary groups.
To provide training to meet the needs of staff in discussion with others, including voluntary agencies, nursing homes etc.
To provide training to groups of carers where appropriate.
To participate in development and delivery of specialist training to other SLTs.
To provide feedback, pass on ideas and attained skills, and to demonstrate reflective practice to SLT teams and the MDT, following training received.
To attend clinical supervision in line with departmental policy.
To attend relevant training and Special Interest Groups relevant to post holder and service needs.
To attend specialist short courses appropriate to clinical specialism
To provide feedback to highly specialist therapists, peers and non-specialists on specialist post-graduate courses.
To participate in peer review as appropriate and the annual appraisal system.
To participate in the development of local clinical guidelines informed by evidence within clinical specialism.
To supervise the work of volunteers, assistants and students
To actively identify areas of personal and professional development to be included in a PDP (Personal Development Plan)
Professional
The post holder has responsibility to continued professional development and to support and develop their clinical work in line with best practice.
To maintain comprehensive and contemporaneous clinical records in line with national and local standards.
To work on local policies and procedures regarding client group management.
To adhere to National (RCSLT and HCPC) and local standards and guidelines relating to clinical and professional practice.
To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including safeguarding children, working with vulnerable adults and other legal frameworks.
To be aware of and adhere to the current legislation related to the client groups treated.
To be aware of the Trust complaints policy and procedure
Respond sensitively and appropriately to initial complaints.
To inform the Manager immediately of any likely and / or actual complaints.
To keep up to date with current trends, literature, research as appropriate
To demonstrate specialist knowledge in clinical specialism underpinned by current evidence based practice
To adhere to Trust policies re: health and safety, security including data protection, infection control, child protection and risk assessment.
To maintain HCPC and RCSLT registration
To inform Manager of any difficulties in ability to maintain or achieve departmental or professional standards.
To be accountable for own professional actions and recognise professional boundaries seeking advice as appropriate.
To work independently, accessing appraisal within the KSF/PDR framework at determined intervals
To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers and mentors and identify own strengths and development needs.
Service Development
To work within a multi-agency team across all settings e.g. nursing homes, individuals homes, day units.
To be aware of and adhere to service and team plans and policies.
To take part in departmental service development and inform policy developments as appropriate.
To initiate policy development in specialist areas.
To input into the business planning process and local delivery plan as appropriate.
Service Development
To work within a multi-agency team across all settings e.g. nursing homes, individuals homes, day units.
To be aware of and adhere to service and team plans and policies.
To take part in departmental service development and inform policy developments as appropriate.
To initiate policy development in specialist areas.
To input into the business planning process and local delivery plan as appropriate.
To seek the views of and involve clients and carers in service developments by feeding views back to the appropriate manager
To participate in clinical audit projects and statistical data collection within the SLT department
participate and develop innovation in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical governance/audit projects within the service.
Please see full Job Description attached as a seperate document
Person Specification
Relationships
Essential
- If you are related to a director, or have a relationship with a director or employee of an appointing organisation, please state the relationship
Experience
Essential
- In depth experience of a wide range of communication disorders and dysphagia.
- Experience of supporting students and assistants.
- Experience of clinical supervision.
- Experience of multi-disciplinary working
- Relevant experience of undergraduate/post graduate level.
- Relevant experience post registration completion of RCSLT competency framework
Desirable
- Experience of training others in relation to communication and dysphagia
- Experience of working with voice disorders
- Experience of VFL service
Sponsorship
Essential
- Do you have the right to stay and work in the UK without sponsorship (share-codes will be checked if applicable)
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised SLT Degree or equivalent
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Licence to Practice.
- Registered member of RCSLT
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses relevant to caseload.
- RCSLT Competency Framework
- Full Practice member of RCSLT
Desirable
- Member of relevant CEN
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Excellent analytical and reflection skills
- Well established knowledge of national policies, procedures and clinical guidelines of specific client groups
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Negotiation and problem solving skills
- Good presentation skills both written and verbal
- Understanding of the principles of clinical governance / audit
- Knowledge of standards of record keeping
Desirable
- IT skills
- Enthusiasm
Job Specific Requirements
Essential
- The ability to travel independently across the Trust
- The ability to work flexibly in accordance with service needs
- Able to lift, carry and move equipment between bases.
- Able to work in cramped conditions
Person Specification
Relationships
Essential
- If you are related to a director, or have a relationship with a director or employee of an appointing organisation, please state the relationship
Experience
Essential
- In depth experience of a wide range of communication disorders and dysphagia.
- Experience of supporting students and assistants.
- Experience of clinical supervision.
- Experience of multi-disciplinary working
- Relevant experience of undergraduate/post graduate level.
- Relevant experience post registration completion of RCSLT competency framework
Desirable
- Experience of training others in relation to communication and dysphagia
- Experience of working with voice disorders
- Experience of VFL service
Sponsorship
Essential
- Do you have the right to stay and work in the UK without sponsorship (share-codes will be checked if applicable)
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised SLT Degree or equivalent
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Licence to Practice.
- Registered member of RCSLT
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses relevant to caseload.
- RCSLT Competency Framework
- Full Practice member of RCSLT
Desirable
- Member of relevant CEN
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Excellent analytical and reflection skills
- Well established knowledge of national policies, procedures and clinical guidelines of specific client groups
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Negotiation and problem solving skills
- Good presentation skills both written and verbal
- Understanding of the principles of clinical governance / audit
- Knowledge of standards of record keeping
Desirable
- IT skills
- Enthusiasm
Job Specific Requirements
Essential
- The ability to travel independently across the Trust
- The ability to work flexibly in accordance with service needs
- Able to lift, carry and move equipment between bases.
- Able to work in cramped conditions
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).
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.
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).
Employer details
Employer name
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Lister Road
Astmoor
Runcorn
WA7 1TW
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Lister Road
Astmoor
Runcorn
WA7 1TW
Employer's website
For questions about the job, contact:
Date posted
30 April 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£37,338 to £44,962 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9835-HA24-175a
Job locations
Lister Road
Astmoor
Runcorn
WA7 1TW
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
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